Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Kyle Asche Organ Trio - The Hook Up
by Bob Stockton, Modern Jazz Classics
We here at MJC dearly love a great melodic straight ahead jazz guitar, and that is what we got when THE KYLE ASCHE ORGAN TRIO'S album THE HOOK UP (OA2 Records 22022) arrived in the mail. With KYLE on guitar, PETE BENSON on Hammond B-3, TODD HOWELL on drums and guest artist SCOTT BURNS sitting in on tenor the jazz fairly sails. If this one isn't on your shelf, sell your cd player!
It's no wonder that THE HOOK UP is in the MJC-143 spotlight We... read more
Steve Owen - Stand Up Eight
by Dave Sumner, emusic Review
A hell of an impression for his debut album. Conductor and arranger Steve Owen brings together an 18-piece ensemble for an astounding display of orchestral jazz. Moments that absolutely soar and others that jitter invitingly closer to earth. The kind of beauty and power that can uplift a listener's heart at the same time it's punching a hole through it. Just one strong moment after the next, though it's the arrangements of introductions for... read more
Kelley Johnson - Something Good
by Patrick Van de Wiele, Keys and Chords (Belgium)
4-Stars The American jazz singer Kelley Johnson has twice been elected as international musical ambassador, and that since her debut 'Make Someone Happy' (1998) with Fred Hersch. She grew up in the Midwest of the USA, and her mother flooded her with music from the sixties, seventies, R&B, country, jazz and especially blues. When the family moved to Milwaukee, Kelley was in love with jazz. She graduated from the Wisconsin Conservatory of... read more
George Mitchell - Play Zone
by Lynn Darroch, Oregonian
George Mitchell's versatility shows on CD 'Play Zone'
"That's the kind of musician I aspire to be," says George Mitchell. "Somebody who does a variety of things."
So there is a lot of variety on Mitchell's new CD, "Play Zone." A Portland native, the keyboard player and composer has toured with pop diva Diana Ross for 20 years. But when he's in town, about nine months of the year, Mitchell performs nightly with various jazz groups,... read more
Kelley Johnson - Something Good
by Editor, Jazz Chill
There are many vocalists with lovely voices who mine the Great American Songbook for material; however, very few have the depth and jazz chops of KELLEY JOHNSON. A vocalist and arranger, Johnson doesn't rehash familiar standards. She understands the music from the inside out, and with her spot-on phrasing and silky, rich timbre, she is certainly one of the finest purveyors of sophisticated lyrics on the scene today. Johnson's newest album,... read more
Steve Owen - Stand Up Eight
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Who likes Bill Holman? Owen has an interesting concept here. The crack arranger also has a day job as an educator. He brought together his other jazzbo pals, who are also educators, to show that there's no dust on them even as they spend more time at the podium than the bandstand. A solidly fine work of sitting down jazz that manages to be musically advanced without losing you along the way. Putting his all into this effort, all that's... read more
Amy Stephens - My Many Moods
by Peter Westbrook, Jazz Review
The third release by pianist/composer Amy Stephens provides further confirmation that jazz has matured sufficiently as an art form to serve as a vehicle for very different, very individual moods and feelings. With a background that includes classical training, study with jazz educator David Baker, and experience as music director for various churches, Amy has developed a very personal mode of expression within the jazz genre, expressed as much... read more
Stan Bock & The New Tradition - Feelin' It
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Maybe he should have called his crew the new traditionalists, just like the new kids in country called themselves in 1980 after crossover crashed and they all took to looking back. This date, even when working out on originals, feels like the classic late 50s/early 60 jazz coming out of Chicago. Sassy, soulful and always swinging, this is a delightfully jumping date that was tailor made for putting a silly grin on your face as you... read more
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