John McNeil (March 23, 1948 – September 27, 2024) launched his professional career with debut LP "Embarkation” SCS 1099) on SteepleChase in 1978 a few hours before he turned 30.
Age 30 was his goal to release his first and he remarked “I just made it!”
John McNeil’s There Is No Greater Love (SCCD 34007) unveils a previously unheard 1983 Odense, Denmark session, capturing the trumpeter at a creative peak during his extensive Scandinavian tour. Joined by Danish masters Jesper Lundgaard (bass) and Aage Tanggaard (drums), McNeil delivers a warm, incisive set blending standards, bebop classics, and his own “Out”. His bright, agile phrasing — long praised for its roots in Miles, Hubbard, and the Parker lineage—meets a deeply swinging Nordic rhythm team. This newly discovered trio date highlights McNeil’s lyrical clarity, spontaneous invention, and enduring place in the modern jazz tradition.
Guitarist John Hart returns to the classic guitar-bass-drums trio format for his seventh SteepleChase release. After several adventurous outings, New Mantra marks a melodic homecoming, reuniting Hart with longtime collaborators Bill Moring and Tim Horner.
Known for his lyrical phrasing and harmonic depth, Hart emphasizes melody and clarity, crafting originals like “Think” and “Abyss” alongside fresh takes on standards such as “Stella by Starlight” and “Some Other Time.” With over 100 sideman credits and decades of leadership, Hart continues to shape modern jazz guitar — blending tradition, intellect, and soul in every note.
“Resonance resonates…and how. Mucho bravos to John Hart and his bandmates for providing jazz guitar fans with a refreshing and inspired offering which exhibits the time-honoured legacy of the instrument.” (UK JazzNews on SCCD 31948 Resonance)
Eternal Child, Avishai Cohen's new album, will be released in May and showcases the full depth of his artistry as a bassist and composer. Years later, he reunites with drummer Jeff Ballard on selected tracks, recalling their strong musical connection forged alongside Chick Corea. Recorded at the renowned Studio de Meudon in Paris, Eternal Child stands as a major new chapter in Cohen's work.
Guitarist/Composer Matt Panayides makes a compelling SteepleChase debut with Present Echoes, a vibrant quartet session featuring tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, bassist Steve LaSpina, and drummer Mark Ferber. Written in the wake of drummer Anthony Pinciotti's passing, the album presents a full program of originals shaped by reflection, momentum and deep musical heritage. Panayides' writing blends modern harmonic motion with spacious grooves, while the band's interplay highlights each member's individuality-Perry's open, lyrical sound, LaSpina's agile virtuosity, and Ferber's dynamic palette. From the expansive 'Midwestern Skies' to the powerful suite like 'Resist' and a heartfelt reading of Wayne Shorter's 'House of Jade,' Present Echoes introduces a jazz' lead guitar with mature, distinctive voice and a quartet unified by purpose, sensitivity, and forward looking energy. 'With a look back to classic Jazz guitar and a look forward to what awaits Jazz guitar, Matt Panayides provides the prism through which we may look in wonder.' (Travis Rogers, Jr. - The Jazz Owl)
Recipient of Village Voice Obie Award tenor saxophonist Vito Dieterle makes a striking SteepleChase debut with Nerve Case, presenting a warm, full bodied sound shaped by years on the New York scene and deep roots in Chicago's tenor tradition. For those of you who do not know much about Vito, here's some interesting excerpts from his website: After attending the prestigious New School Jazz program and freelancing around NYC, Vito began to perform weekly with his band every Sunday at Little Branch starting in early 2005 and soon went on to curate a 5-day a week live music program for the venue, which immediately went on to critical acclaim and exists to this day. He has now gone onto curate festivals and venues in New York and abroad. His working band of guitarist Kris Kaiser, bassist Griffin Fink, and drummer Aaron Seeber shares a rare chemistry that drives the album's mix of standards, jazz gems, and two originals. Dieterle's tone bold and clear leads the group's interplay to a conversational flow. From the Tristano tinged opener 'Split' to the soulful ballads and the bluesy title track, Nerve Case introduces a mature, distinctive voice and a ensemble sound built on shared musical purpose.
Tenor saxophonist Rich Perry returns with Dream, his 28th release on SteepleChase, reaffirming his place as one of the most introspective and lyrical voices in modern jazz. Joined by his long-standing quartet—Gary Versace (piano), Jay Anderson (bass), and John Riley (drums)—Perry crafts a set that is both timeless and deeply personal reflecting his evolving artistry and minimalist elegance.
Critics have long praised Perry’s “impeccable taste” and “subtle articulation” (JazzTimes), his “adventurous yet highly listenable” approach (All About Jazz), and his ability to “imbue each tune with intense feeling.”
Perry summarizes Dream as “a document of where I’m at right now…. this is the kind of album I like to listen to.
Strangers is pianist Alexander Wienand's bold new statement - a celebration of curiosity, discovery, and the creative spark that emerges when artists step into the unknown together. The album's concept grew from a simple but powerful idea: that unfamiliarity can be one of the greatest sources of inspiration. Whether it's an untested rhythm, a new musical partner, or an idea outside of music entirely, these moments of uncertainty challenge musicians to respond - and it is within these reactions that true creativity is born. The title track Strangers embodies this philosophy. Two contrasting themes evolve through improvisation until they merge into a single, unified musical narrative - a metaphor for encounter, tension, and transformation.
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.
Human Vibe is the sound of three musicians whose shared understanding runs deeper than geography. Pianist Jan Gunnar Hoff, bassist Jasper Somsen, and drummer Carsten Lindholm come from three different countries, yet their friendship and musical intuition make them feel like lifelong companions. In this trio, a glance, a breath, or a single musical gesture is enough to set the group into fluid, unified motion. A Trio Shaped by Conversation and Connection For their second album together, the trio reunited in the Netherlands, where long conversations over lunches and dinners flowed directly into their creative process. Out of these moments came the title Human Vibe-a phrase that perfectly captures the essence of their collaboration: three individuals, each with his own artistic pulse, meeting in a shared space where honesty, curiosity, and joy guide the music. Their performances embody the same spirit. They speak openly with audiences, share stories, and create an environment where listeners feel personally connected to the unfolding music. The album was recorded at Studio 2 in Hilversum, the Netherlands' oldest radio studio and a place rich with musical history. Photographs of legendary jazz artists still hang on the walls, creating an atmosphere steeped in the past. Hoff, Somsen, and Lindholm recorded exactly the way they play live: together in a single room, in full view of one another. The result is an album that captures not only the music, but the trio's closeness and immediacy.
Experience Louis Armstrong at the height of his powers with this definitive 1959 Copenhagen concert, captured just months before his life changing heart attack. Drawn from newly restored Danish radio tapes, SCCD 36513 showcases Armstrong’s All Stars in explosive form—fiery “Tiger Rag,” soulful “Basin Street Blues,” a powerful “Black and Blue/Do You Know What It Means” medley, and joyous favorites like “Mack the Knife” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Featuring Velma Middleton, Trummy Young, Peanuts Hucko, Billy Kyle, Mort Herbert, and Danny Barcelona, this release reveals Armstrong’s unmatched stamina and emotional depth. Liner notes are by Ricky Riccardi, the Grammy winning Director of Research Collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum and one of the world’s leading Armstrong scholars. A major archival addition to the Armstrong discography, presented with SteepleChase’s renowned audio restoration.
Cornetist Kirk Knuffke, hailed as “one of modern jazz’s most skilled navigators of the divide between freedom and swing,” unveils another striking SteepleChase album this March. Following acclaimed projects like Cherryco, Tight Like This, Play Date, and Super Blonde, Knuffke again redefines ensemble possibilities with daring instrumentation and imaginative repertoire. His warm, distinctive cornet tone—played on the rare double shepherd’s-crook horn—anchors a program balancing tradition and innovation. Standards, early jazz gems, and soulful classics are transformed through collective improvisation, while Knuffke’s originals sparkle with wit and lyricism. Critics have praised his ability to honour past masters while sounding entirely himself. This new release continues that legacy: colourful, inventive, swinging, and deeply memorable.
This new release confirms his stature and offers another dazzling chapter in his ongoing story. For longtime admirers, it is a welcome continuation; for newcomers, it is an ideal entry point into the world of a cornetist whose artistry bridges past and present, inside and outside, swing and freedom.
“Cornetist Kirk Knuffke’s exquisite taste is long established. _at aesthetic has always arrived subtly and cleanly, as it does on this beguiling new album”. (Peter Margasak - Downbeat on SCCD31964 Super Bonde)
Swedish bassist and composer Thommy Andersson makes his long-awaited SteepleChase leader debut with Shimmering Blue, a striking trio recording featuring Kirk Knuffke (cornet) and José Davila (helicon, tuba, didgeridoo, euphorium, and bass flute).
Known for his work with Pierre Dørge’s New Jungle Orchestra, Andersson now steps forward with a highly personal sound world—drumless, low-brass rich, and full of lyrical nuance.
Drawing on his background as a trombonist and cellist, Andersson crafts compositions that shimmer with color and emotional depth. From rustic tone poems to avant-garde textures, the album explores space, resonance, and melodic interplay with chamber-like intimacy.
Critics have praised his “supremely weighted bass playing” and ability to “facilitate exalted music.” Shimmering Blue is a bold, poetic statement from a seasoned artist—grounded in Nordic tradition, yet open to global textures and sonic surprise.
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)
SteepleChase Records proudly presents the debut album of drummer Matt Garrity, a long-standing figure in the New York jazz scene whose artistry has matured over three decades of collaboration with legends such as Joe Lovano, Vincent Herring, and Joel Forrester. Suits And Scotches captures the essence of Garrity’s musical journey, featuring original compositions and fresh interpretations of jazz standards performed by his seasoned quartet which delivers a cohesive and swinging set that reflects both tradition and innovation. Garrity’s path diverged from the 1990s “Young Lions” wave, yet his commitment to the craft never wavered. After relocating to Woodstock, NY, (originally from Ithaca, NY) he founded Barnstock, a vibrant performance space that has become a Hudson Valley jazz hub. Encouraged by bassist Ambrosio and connected to SteepleChase producer Nils Winther, Garrity finally steps forward as a leader and composer.
“Drummer Matt Garrity, always fluidly shifting from staccato fill patterns to soft accompaniments in just the way the composition seems to need.” -All Music Guide
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.
RVB Quartet They bring a mix between rock and jazz which results in a refreshing sound. Interaction, improvisation and groove are the main ingredients that ensure vibrant compositions and crisp live performances. Hamabiwa The quartet feels like kings when they can play like children and let loose on their instruments. Hazel, Bibi, Marius (the little one) and Walt are the inspiration for this album.
Jaggat is a band that builds virtuosic sound bridges between chamber jazz and musical traditions from around the globe. Spanish, Indian, Arabic, African, and Latin American influences merge into a powerful and cohesive sonic tapestry, transcending cultural boundaries. The name Jaggat-derived from Sanskrit for "world"-reflects the ensemble's mission: uniting the rich sounds of diverse cultures into a captivating musical journey rooted in openness and respect for diversity. Their new album demonstrates how tolerance and cultural exchange can give rise to something truly new and beautiful-in music as in society. By weaving together global rhythms, melodies, and traditions, Jaggat creates a sound that is unmistakably their own. At the heart of this musical dialogue are original compositions by guitarist Markus Conrad and double bassist Caspar van Meel, seamlessly intertwined yet unmistakably marked by their individual voices. Percussionist Afra Mussawisade enriches the music with his unique instrumentation, laying down both a vibrant groove and a refined sonic foundation. Whether performing as a trio or expanding into a quartet with guest violinist Christoph Konig, Jaggat unfolds a colorful and wide-ranging spectrum of sound. Their music reveals that diversity not only enriches but also inspires.
With over 30 leader/co-leader albums on SteepleChase, Andy LaVerne stands as one of jazz’s most quietly fearless innovators. His new project, Crystal Night, expands the dynamic chemistry of his acclaimed trio—bassist Mike Richmond and drummer Jason Tiemann—by adding vibraphone’s rising star Sasha Berliner, whose artistry evokes the spirit of Bobby Hutcherson and Gary Burton while charting her own path.
This quartet offering features ten newly written LaVerne compositions, each meticulously designed to explore subtle harmonic colors, metric shifts, and emotional depth. From the title track’s crystalline lyricism to the explosive energy of “Power Play” and the gently introspective “Second Thoughts,” Crystal Night is a study in texture, trust, and ensemble clarity.
“If you haven’t known Andy LaVene ever, This ine is a perfect introduction. It’s lyrical, musicaly intensive and most eloquent.” (Ole Mayyiemen – Jazz Special on SCCD 31818 Genesis)
This album celebrates how tolerance and cultural exchange can lead to something new and beautiful, both in music and society. In every culture, the soul finds new ways to dance. Step into the circle-where sound is not judged, but joined. "Playing in a trio like this has been a dream of mine for a long time. I've always been fascinated by music from all sorts of cultures. With Jaggat, we're blending genres in a way that feels really natural - it's not just a patchwork. There are rich harmonies, beautiful melodies, cool grooves, and some odd meters thrown in. I love that it all comes together as one cohesive sound." - CASPAR VAN MEEL "Jaggat is a unique blend of various musical styles-including classical music, jazz, world music, flamenco, and Indian music-all fused into a tasteful and vibrant mélange. It was a great joy to play and record this album with these fantastic musicians." - Markus Conrad "Music is a reflection on our society and the times we live in. These compositions express how we live nowadays in Europe. All cultures are represented and are melting in a beautiful way, at least in art and music. That's what I love about this project!" - AFRA MUSSAWISADE
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)
