First Flight marks the debut album of saxophonist and composer George Kontomichalis. Rooted in jazz traditions like post-bop, hard bop, and modal jazz, it blends classic influences with modern improvisation and introspection. The album reflects the collective creativity of the ensemble, highlighting interplay, rhythm, and spontaneous exploration. With six original compositions and one standard, the record serves as a personal journey and an invitation for listeners to experience both energy and reflection

In Good Company marks the powerful debut of Argentine alto saxophonist Tomás Martínez on SteepleChase in June 2026. At just 26 Martínez brings a rich tone, agile bebop phrasing, and a deep command of jazz tradition. The album features two standout groups: a New York quartet with Michael Weiss, David Wong, and Kenny Washington, recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studio, and a vibrant trio session from Buenos Aires with Paul Sikivie and Teo Pérez. Mixing classics, bebop lines and originals, Martínez honors mentors like Charlie Parker, Barry Harris, and Charles McPherson while asserting a voice entirely his own. A fresh, swinging new presence on the international jazz scene. Martínez has performed at major venues across Argentina and Europe, and was named a Distinguished Personality and Cultural Ambassador of his hometown. He is also an active educator, teaching jazz saxophone at the college level and leading workshops and masterclasses. Currently based between Buenos Aires and New York, he continues to perform, record, and teach.

Following the critical acclaim of The Talisman (SCCD 31955), alto saxophonist Dave Pietro returns with The Butterfly Effect, his second release on SteepleChase—a label that has become a vital platform for his richly inventive voice. A veteran of ensembles led by Maria Schneider, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Gil Evans, Pietro continues to command attention as a composer and bandleader whose work is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant. Returning collaborators include pianist Gary Versace, whose kaleidoscopic soloing adds depth and color, and bassist Jay Anderson, whose expressive lines anchor the group with elegance. Trumpeter Scott Wendholt and drummer Adam Cruz round out the lineup, each contributing dynamic performances that elevate Pietro’s compositions. His writing is marked by intricate counterpoint, unexpected harmonic shifts, and a deep sensitivity to ensemble interplay. Pietro’s music balances complexity with clarity. The Butterfly Effect is more than a follow-up—it’s a statement of artistic evolution. Where The Talisman introduced Pietro’s voice to a broader audience, this new release deepens the narrative, offering a compelling blend of lyrical beauty, structural sophistication, and improvisational fire. “Pietro has great chops and a profound imagination, and possesses a warm, accessible, lyrical sound...” ( Lee Lowenfish - New York Jazz Newsletter)

Twenty years after their acclaimed trilogy, Eric Rasmussen and his long-standing quartet return with School of Tristano 4—a revelatory deep dive into the compositions and aesthetics of Lennie Tristano, Lee Konitz, and Warne Marsh, paired with striking originals. Drawing from decades of study, stage experience, and personal connection, Rasmussen’s quartet reinvents this rich, often-underrepresented repertoire with stunning clarity, warmth, and spontaneity. While the album brims with telepathic interplay and ensemble finesse, Rasmussen’s alto saxophone sings with a personal voice, never imitative, always rooted in the language of deep jazz tradition but reaching forward. Guitarist Nate Radley, bassist Dave Ambrosio, and drummer Mark Ferber bring unmatched sensitivity, groove, and lyrical depth. School of Tristano 4 offers both serious jazz heads and adventurous listeners a fresh insight into classic modernist repertoire—an album that resonates with the spirit of Tristano while speaking entirely in the quartet’s own voice.

Saxophonist-composer Chris Byars, praised as a modern master of ensemble writing and conceptual storytelling, delivers new album The Dark Forest—his fifteenth release on SteepleChase and perhaps his most introspective to date. Byars’ signature Original Jazz Sextet achieves remarkable harmonic and emotional depth through intricate voicings and counterpoint. Critics have celebrated Byars as a visionary of new bop vocabulary. His previous albums like Boptics and Rhythm and Blues of the 20s drew accolades for their smart, infectious writing and engaging solo showcases. “… he knows his musicians so well, Byars is masterful in his writing, blending the reeds and trombone in intricate ensembles while letting the soloists all shine throughout.” (Ken Dryden – New York City Jazz Record on SCCD 31929)

GingerBlackGinger, the daring and authentic project centered around Belgian double bass player Yannick Peeters, has entered a new chapter. They are now joined by American avant-garde alto saxophonist Tim Berne. Their new album, titled Smalltalk Code, will be released in February 2026 by Challenge Records (NL). "Tim is a hero of mine, a great example when it comes to music composition. I didn't even dare ask him to join at first. This project is going to be unique; I don't know of many bands with two alto saxophones. I'm excited to see the dynamic form between Tim and Frans Van Isacker. Tim has such a strong personality, he has a great impact on our sound. The fact that Tim and Tom Rainey have played together before means there was an element of trust there from the beginning." - Yannick Peeters GingerBlackGinger is made up of Yannick Peeters (BE) on double bass (Jakob Bro, Frank Vaganée, Chris Joris, Mark Feldman, Jim Black, Joshua Redman, Hank Roberts); Frederik Leroux (BE) on guitar (Flat Earth Society, Ruben Machtelinckx, Joachim Badenhorst, Lander Gyselinck, Steven Delannoye); Frans Van Isacker (BE) on saxophone and clarinet (Tom Malmendier, Quentin Stokart, Ottla, Chantal Acda & The Atlantic Drifters); Tom Rainey (US) on drums (Fred Hersch, Ingrid Laubrock, Mary Halvorson, Mark Helias, Joey Baron, Jim Black); and now Tim Berne (US) on saxophone (Paul Motian, Bill Frisell, Hank Roberts, John Zorn, Marc Ducret, Michael Formanek, Craig Taborn). These are personalities with a vision: creative, stubborn people who won't settle for mediocrity; restless spirits who keep looking for new sounds, contexts, and like-minded people, and are therefore the ideal partners in crime for Peeters. In January 2024, the band released their debut album GingerBlackGinger. This album combines elaborate soundscapes, brief bursts of energy, and mesmerizing grooves. In May of 2025, Yannick Peeters was given carte blanche by Bozar. She took the opportunity to invite her personal musical hero Tim Berne to join the band for the recording of a new album and a live show. The result of this journey into new musical adventures is the album Smalltalk Code, to be released in February 2026 by Challenge Records (NL).