Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Erik Skov - Liminality
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
Liminality is defined as "occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold." Guitarist Erik Skov had a good idea: infuse his debut album with a certain amount of liminality (ambivalence) in the form of eight long-form compositions designed to lend his able sextet weighty meat on which to chew.
While Skov's essentially laid-back themes no doubt gauge the group's compatibility, what lies in their wake is a more or less... read more
Markus Rutz - Blueprints - Figure One: Frameworks
by Editor, Dusty Groove
Heartfelt yet exciting work from Chicago trumpeter Markus Rutz - heavy on originals, but with some distinctive takes on classics by Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and another couple of covers - showing love and appreciation for his influences in music and life in general with a wonderful volume of jazz, covering a lot of stylistic terrain while keeping it cohesive and close to home. Markus has a great knack for project driven jazz without... read more
Mason Razavi - Quartet Plus, Volume 2
by Rick Anderson, CD Hotlist
Guitarist and composer Mason Razavi has put together a very interesting program on his latest album. The first five tracks are straight-ahead quartet recordings (with the exception of the fusion-inflected "With the Wind at My Back"), while the second half of the album consists of pieces arranged for a nonet that sounds like a big band. I assume that the horn charts were arranged by Razavi as well as based on his melody lines, and they're... read more
Carrie Wicks - Reverie
by Paul Rauch, All About Jazz
Seattle-based vocalist Carrie Wicks is back with her fourth effort on the Origin label, and while there are many similarities stylistically with her previous efforts, Reverie more draws from the original compositions of Wicks and her partners Ken Nottingham and Nick Allison.
One of the commonalities between the recordings is Wicks' insight into putting together a top shelf unit on her behalf. Even more so, including pianist Bill Anschell in... read more
Randy Napoleon - Puppets - The Music of Gregg Hill
by Michael Doherty, Music Log Reviews
This is an interesting album, presenting musical depictions of puppets, composed by Gregg Hill and arranged by guitarist Randy Napoleon, with vocal work by Aubrey Johnson. The album opens with "Andy's Lament," which features some sweet vocal work as it begins, before settling into a cool groove. Then it is Randy Napoleon's guitar that takes focus, with Rodney Whitaker's groovy bass work supporting him. Whitaker then delivers an excellent lead in... read more
George Cotsirilos - Past Present
by John Heidt, Vintage Guitar Magazine
THE POWER OF THREE
The intent behind George Cotsirilos' new record was simple - capture the chemistry of a seasoned jazz band and mix it with the right bunch of original tunes and a few standards. The versatile guitarist, along with bassist Robb Fisher and drummer Ron Marabuto, refined the tunes during gigs. "The hope was we'd capture ensemble playing that was interactive and communicative," said Cotsirilos, whose listenable style developed... read more
Lolly Allen - Coming Home
by Georges Tonla Briquet, JazzHalo (Belgium)
It was Horace Silver who at the time penned 'The Hippest Cat In Hollywood' (here the opening track). Vibraphonist Lolly Allen fulfills that role with verve without tilting to camp or kitsch. "Straight jazz" coupled with Mancini traits, Brasiliana and West Coast cool performed by a stylish cast. Music that sounds like from the era when Alan Ladd and Rita Hayworth gave color to the black and white film world. The ideal starting point is a first... read more
Ben Paterson - Breathing Space
by George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon
Hey, Origin Records ? don?t stop with just one CD by Ben Paterson and his trio. Origin gives us no indication where Ben Paterson comes from, but I can tell you that musically, he comes from the long and honored tradition of piano cats with great chops. Paterson, who looks like a youngster from the photo, plays with authority; understands the piano bop tradition from note one; leaves space intelligently (notice the album title) and swings like a... read more
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