Search - O'2l :: Doyle's Brunch

Smoothjazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 03/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"O'2L (O-Tool) is the dynamic duo collaborating team of two of New York's finest... Keyboardist and sound designer Jane Mangini and guitarist Al Pitrelli. The duo's sophomore release, DOYLE'S BRUNCH on Peak Records, is filled with scintillating samples and groovy grooves along with generous portions of soul, jazz and funk, plus a cool version of the Door's 1971 hit, "Riders On The Storm". Jane, a former Floridian, studied at Berklee and in addition to her work with Atlantic records' Trans-Siberian Orchestra and O'2L, she's a composer for Bang Music in NYC. Her partner calls her the `Mozart of Madison Avenue'. Al is actually a classically trained guitarist but has made his mark with heavy metal icons Megadeth and Savatage. He's also worked with Alice Cooper, Asia and Dee Snider. On the O'2L website, Al jokes, "You couldn't ask for two collaborators to come from more opposite worlds." Named after an eatery in Boston, DOYLE'S BRUNCH will satisfy your cravings for chilled music and cater to your organic sensibilities with inspiring guitar and piano work. There's something for everybody on this project... 13 tracks in all. Shaken, downtempo songs like "Senior Wilhelm," "Cali," and "Learn To Walk" drop like cool, chilled jazz. While the fun and crazy/jazzy, "Come And Get It," the wickedly out "Mountain City Playhouse" (the only chill tune I've heard with a violin and a rippin' bluesy piano) and the funky "City Chicken," assist in bringing high tech and funk to terms. DOYLE'S BRUNCH is served - Bon appetite! ~Sandy Shore"

Wow

Aja-Q | 04/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"we actually just saw a live performance of O'2L on April 10, and I was so blown away with this group, I ran to the concession area and purchased Doyle's Brunch. I guess I'm a "new-bie" to this style or genre, whatever it is, I cant stop playing it. I am so glad I found this group. Buy it you wont regret it!"

The future of Savatage. Something Unexpected

Mentaljack | California | 01/28/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must preface this review, with the fact that I listen mostly to progressive metal/metal (although with my semi-formal music background I also listen to classical and modern jazz and fusion. So I came to O'2L through Al Pitrelli, although it is largely a Jane Magnini project. (Both A.P & J.M. are part of TSO.) Many metalheads mighy be surprised to hear Pitrelli playing jazz; but then many metalheads don't realize that the best progressive metal/metal guitarists are multifaceted: Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie Montrose et al., regularly play classical venues.



This is a joint review of the first self-titled O'2L and the later Doyle's Brunch. I enjoy it. It's well produced (by both). I don't really know the nuances of jazz , but its quite listenable. It has that modern twist--it's modern jazz, not jazz-been. It's mostly piano/keyboard-jazz, with that Al's guitars adding a rich flavor. Coming out of the late 60's, I won't deny that my favorite is the cover of the Door's 'Riders on the Storm' (with 'tage's Middleton on bass)

Great rhythm/brass artisans lay down a great framework.



Both CD's are highly recommended. For metalheads, try something different from a guitarist who played with Megadeth."