Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Jeff Baker - Phrases
by C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
After a seven-year absence, vocalist/composer/arranger/educator and foremost fan of the Boise State Broncos, Jeff Baker has returned to the studio to add to his already impressive discography, which includes: Baker Sings Chet (OA2, 2004); Monologue (OA2, 2005); Shopping for Your Heart (OA2, 2007); Of Things Not Seen (OA2, 2009).
The distance between the earthy, basic Of Things Not Seen and the present airy and ethereal Phrases is a vast one.... read more
Paul West / Mark Brown - Words & Music
by Adam Greenburg, All Music Guide
A nice set from Paul West and Mark Brown, a pair of Seattle musicians, Words & Music is composed primarily of original compositions from the pair with a couple of classic numbers slightly reworked (and given lyrics). A basic blues piece opens up the album, followed immediately by Dizzy's classic "Groovin' High," but with lyrics courtesy of West in the vein of the old Lambert, Hendricks & Ross recordings -- syncopated phrasings and a clear bop... read more
Lynn Baker Quartet - Azure Intention
by Amazon.com, Amazon.com
In addition to being a fluid, heartfelt improviser, Denver-based saxophonist, Lynn Baker composes with an ear for melody and a mind for artistic challenge. On Azure Intention, Baker's debut recording for OA2 Records, he presents eight originals that were penned over the last 20 years.
Along with pianist Reggie Berg, drummer Paul Mullikin, and bassist Bijoux Barbosa, they create a cohesive, resonating statement ranging from Lament, an... read more
Charlie Porter - Immigration Nation
by Hrayr Attarian, Chicago Jazz Magazine
Trumpeter Charlie Porter's second release as a leader, Immigration Nation, is a stunning magnum opus that demonstrates a maturation of the ideas and concepts explored on Porter's eponymous debut. Moreover, this tribute to America and its immigrants is a many layered, two-part work that is both multifaceted and thematically cohesive. Porter leads a like-minded quintet through his stimulating and emotive original music with a rare blend of... read more
Josh Moshier & Mike Lebrun - Joy Not Jaded
by Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
Young jazz tends to go one of two directions in common form -- it can hold strictly to playing through classic ideas as the players get the music of the greats ingrained into them, or it can spin wildly out of control as the players show off their instrumental mastery with little regard for a strong, original melody. The Chicago quartet led by Josh Moshier (on outstanding keys throughout the album) and Mike Lebrun (on sax) takes neither of the... read more
Mark Buselli / Claude Sifferlen - Take The Mitsu
by Scott Gotschall, Jazz Review
Those who believe that jazz can only originate on the coasts have never been to Indiana. Beginning with Hoagy Carmichael and continuing through the Montgomery brothers, Jimmy Spaulding and many others, Indiana has played an important role in jazz history. You may then add to the history the inspired teachers, such as Jerry Coker and David Baker, which have inspired thousands of students, including the likes of Jamey Aebersold, who has continued... read more
Kelley Johnson - Something Good
by Robert Rusch, Cadence Magazine
Something Good is the newest CD from vocalist Kelley Johnson. This is an exceptional recording. She selected ten interesting tunes by Sondheim, Porter, Shearing, Bernstein, Mat Matthews and the like. Her performances are meaningful, unhackneyed and sung with style. Lovingly backed by John Hansen [p], Michael Glynn [b], Kendrick Scott [drm] and Jay Thomas [tpt/ts/ss], this CD should place Johnson in the ranks of the finest of the... read more
Alex Goodman - Border Crossing
by Grego Applegate Edwards, Gapplegate Guitar
What does one say after one has said everything? I don't know, since I have NOT said everything and no doubt never quite will. On the other hand one (or me anyway) has the challenge to remain fresh, to cover music 15 times a week and say something worthwhile about it all. When the music is good, as generally it is or I would not cover it on these pages, it suggests words to you as you hear it. That is so with the album of Canadian guitar jazz... read more
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