Magnificently iconic tenor player to come out of the post-Swing Era Eddie Lockjaw Davis (1922-1986) cut two albums for SteepleChase during his late years. This album was recorded in 1983 in Copenhagen, which earned superlative reviews all over the world.
“Tenorman Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis had already been a potent force in jazz for 35 years when he recorded this set but as it turned out his SteepleChase date (his next-to-last session) was one of the strongest of his career. Accompanied by a trio led by pianist Kenny Drew, Lockjaw really tears into these standards which are highlighted by "I Only Have Eyes for You," "There Is No Greater Love" (the alternate version was released for the first time on its CD reissue), "Four" and the title cut. Davis was at the peak of his powers during this recording, making this SteepleChase outing one of his very best.” (Scott Yanow – AllMusic)
“Nothing valedictory about this date. No signs of decline. It’s hard to believe it was Jaw’s last album as a leader. Just the thing if you didn’t miss your water until your well went dry.” (Cadence) 180g Audiophile Vinyl
Nate Radley’s previous release “Puzzle People” (SCCD 31921) intrigued and surprised critics and listeners alike with the unique selection of repertoire and Nate’s sheer joy of playing that came across. On this his first duo recording with long-time colleague, pianist Gary Versace, Radley displays his penchant for creating a richly involving soundscape.
“Nate Radley…is happy to venture outside the lines to explore music he enjoys playing, no matter the genre or style…” (Ken Dryden – NYCJR)
“An album of straight-ahead, swinging music” was something Alex Norris had in mind when he went into studio in the fall of 2020 to record his highly acclaimed SteepleChase debut album “Fleet From The Heat” (SCCD 31918).
Here on his second album Norris continues with his theme of “straight-ahead with a lot of swinging” offering us a thoughtful and enticing contemporary hard-bop album.
“Trumpeter Alex Norris has a way of making this record sparkle right out of the box” (Dusty Groove on SCCD 31918)
John Hart’s collaboration with SteepleChase started in 2016 with sideman role on the late alto sax Andy Fusco’s Turmoil (SCCD 31843). The guitarist/composer/educator Hart since has kept releasing a barrage of highly acclaimed leader albums. On this his fifth outing he has assembled an impeccable quartet featuring Rich Perry on tenor and Brian Charette on B-3. “He has just released Resonance (2023) on SteepleChase, his fifth date for the legendary Danish label headed by Nils Winther. Labelmate, tenor saxophonist Rich Perry joins him along with organist Brian Charette and longtime collaborator Steve Johns handling the percussion duties. The breadth and eclecticism of Resonance’s playlist is plainly evident from Hart’s illustrious recording pedigree. We hear a refreshing mix of five originals and four standards.”
(Frank Griffith – UK JAZZ NEWS) 180g Audiophile Vinyl
Vibraphonist/composer Dick Sisto appears for the first time on SteepleChase with his all-star quartet performing gems of American love songs. Sisto who hails from Chicago grew up in an encouraging musical milieu. He was spotted by none other than Cannonball Adderley as “an excellent player” during a collegial jazz festival while he was attending North Texas State University.
This album originally released as a promotional sample is remixed and remastered from the multi- track master recordings.
Mark Soskin who turns 70 this summer has been one of the top exponents of world jazz scene for the last 5 decades. Though his 14-year tenure with Sonny Rollins back in the 90s comes to our mind, Soskin has always been active with his own group and as a dedicated educator. This is his first duo recording with his long-time collaborator Jay Anderson (bass) for SteepleChase which he joined in 2018.
“Soskin remains a treasure awaiting discovery by many jazz fans.” (Ken Dryden, NYCJR)
Max Light the runner-up in the 2019 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition judged by, among others, Pat Metheny and John Scofield is fast establishing himself in the New York jazz scene.
This is his first leader album on SteepleChase.
While he was studying at New England Conservatory in Boston he was a regular member of the Jason Palmer group. Light’s crucial contribution to that group is documented in the two volumes of Palmer’s At Wally’s (SCCD 31855 & 31856) from 2018. During his days in Boston he also became a close collaborator of saxophonist Noah Preminger with whom he co-led “Songs We Love” (SCCD 31928).
“The surprise is new young guitarist Max Light. Palmer gives him generous space, including some first solos. Light holds his own in fast company. Remember his name.” (Thomas Conrad – NYCJR on At Wally’s)
Joe Locke recorded this album in 1991, when his name as a new vibraphonist was gaining serious momentum on the NY scene.
Following his highly acclaimed debut album “Present Tense” (SCCD 31257) and the ensuing “Longing” (SCCD 31281) from SteepleChase this third album showcases Locke’s lyricism in a ballad collection accompanied by the master Kenny Barron.
“if your mood of the moment is to surround yourself with something soft and lovely, Locke and Barron will make things beautiful.” (Cadence) 180g Audiophile Vinyl
Johnny Mbizo Dyani (bassist/composer) was born in East London, South Africa November 30, 1945 to grow up to be one of the most internationally acknowledged musicians. Since his arrival in England in 1965 as a member of South African jazz group called The Blue Notes Dyani had chosen Scandinavia as his home base and had built an active career until a rare disease shortened his life all too soon. He died in Berlin, Germany in 1986.
This album recorded in the summer of 1978 with the powerful front line-up of Don Cherry and Dudu Pukwana. The album was dedicated to the martyred South African activist against apartheid Steve Biko (1946-1977) with whom Dyani shared a cultural and linguistic heritage of Xhosa.
“Dyani wrote all of the material for this record and it proves to be a vital factor in the success of the date. Both Cherry and Pukwana react favourably, while bringing their own personalities strongly to bear... this fine record can be recommended without reservation.” (Barry McRae, Jazz Journal International July 1979)
“...there are possibly a handful of albums every year which are worth living with. This is one of them.” (Brian Case, Melody Maker June 1979) 180g Audiophile Vinyl
This album is all about Tadd Dameron (1917 - 1965), one of the most important American jazz composer/musicians. Multiple award-winner Gary Smulyan conceived the brilliant idea of recording Dameron compositions with lyrics.
The vocal part is phenomenally rendered by the young talent Anaïs Reno. Three songs including the lovely This Night Of Stars have never been recorded before.
“an exhibition of the finest baritone sax playing.” (M McKergow – LondonJazzNews on Alternative Contrafacts SCCD 31844)
Still active at 81 venerable bassist McClure calls this quartet “another Dream Team”. The highly acclaimed original Dream Team also featuring Rich Perry was released in 1997. The group made the first outing in NYC after the two-year Covid induced hiatus. The CD recaptures the magic of their live performance the night before.
“McClure presents Lucky Sunday, pleasingly intelligent, subtly swinging, polished and intimate, designed for anytime-listening” (Howard Mandel – Downbeat on SCCD 31877 ****)
Award-winning tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger and his solid duo cohort, guitarist Max Light showcasing here how the younger generation of jazz instrumentalists exercise their creative muscles to turn the 80s pop music into the New Standard repertoire. Preminger at 35 and Light at 29 grew up emotionally and musically with the songs they adapted here. Some of the critics have already noticed Preminger’s sense for finding rock/pop materials that can be made into jazz in his previous release (also with Light) where “The Red Hot ChiliPeppers’ “Porcelain”... is transformed by an imaginative, spacious arrangement, with the rhythm section interacting rather than accompanying…” (Ken Dryden – New York City Jazz Records on SCCD 31906 Contemptment)
“Instrument combination of guitar and tenor sax creates an air-tight and urgent soundscape…with the music on a high level it is warmly recommended.” (Ole Mathiesen – Jazz Special on SCCD 31906)
Another culmination of Harold Danko’s half a century-long fascination and study of Igor Stravinsky’s groundbreaking ballet music The Rite of Spring (world-premiered in 1913 in Paris causing a riot among the audience). Danko’s previous release SCCD 31909 Spring Garden, his first attempt of exploring and adapting Stravinsky’s material with Danko’s original quartet of the 90’s drew a slew of applaud from critics and public alike. This new album shares with us his interpretation in a solo setting.
“Each excerpt on Spring Garden is expanded into often unexpected directions, building upon the late maestro’s genius, with Danko taking rhythmic and melodic liberties, transforming this century-old music into compelling jazz.” (Ken Dryden – New York City Jazz Records on SCCD 31909)
NYC is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Osaka will arguably make the second place in that category. Magnarelli in the past made a couple “junction” albums but this ultimate junction connecting the NY trumpeter with dynamic Osaka-born B-3 player Tsuruga with the ace baritone player Smulyan sharing front line will make probably the very first trumpet-baritone-organ band.
“Joe is known for his engaging, melodically-rich lines, and his powerhouse rhythm.” (Zan Stewart)
Rich Perry’s career encompasses almost four decades at the center of NY jazz scene as the leader of his group and as the lead tenor player of renowned big bands like The Maria Schneider Orchestra and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.
Here on his new album Perry, like his two previous albums, focuses on performing his original materials.
“Rich Perry unveils yet another melodious, mellifluous recording that defies convention. …a beauty, a humbling jolt of musical perfection.” (K. Micallef – Jazztimes on Happy Destiny SCCD 31913)
Ferrara assembles again his dream rhythm section of Versace/Anderson/Drummond to further unveil his maturing musical universe. He started to play saxophone at age 9. His unique talent was already obvious.
Shortly after graduation from NYU’s Jazz Studies program he released his debut album Early Spring (SCCD31920) in 2021.
“.. quite a musical present – filled with wonderful original tunes composed by the leader, all graced with these very personal lines and inflections on tenor sax! “(Dusty Groove)
Andrew Rathbun invited fellow tenor player Rich Perry to co-front this his 9th album on SteepleChase. Rathbun’s admiration for Perry prompted him to conceive and design this album not as tenor battle but as deeply engaging conversation between the top instrumentalists.
Semantics showcases how the two unique musical minds interact.
“This remarkable session reveals a musician who is clearly not going to be satisfied with the status quo.” (Ken Dryden – All Music on SCCD 31762 Shadow Forms)
“No matter what group Riley puts together for a record date, he merits top marks every time.” Ken Dryden (NYCJR) attested on Riley’s Hold‘em Joe SCCD 31850.
Here Riley put together his first-ever organ trio with Brian Charlette, one of the hottest B-3 players today. The organ trio setting propels Riley’s unique sound to a new dimension.
“Riley continues to surprise listeners with his creative settings of familiar jazz.” (Ken Dryden on SCCD 31892 Friday The 13th.)
Because Avishai Cohen’s previous outing—a 2017 album titled 1970 (Sony)—was his most commercially successful release thus far, one wouldn’t blame him for revisiting a similar artistic wellspring. Instead, for his 17th leader date, the bassist went in another direction, recruiting an entirely different set of musicians for the deeply personal, nostalgia-fueled Arvoles. Half the program here consists of trio recordings with pianist Elchin Shirinov and drummer Noam David, and on the other half, the band expands to a quintet with trombonist Björn Samuelsson and flutist Anders Hagberg. - DownBeat Magazine Editors' Pick
