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)

A long-awaited release that features the late guitar master at his most lyrical and inventive was recorded in January 2017 but held back until now. This session led by vibraphonist Tony Miceli is a poignant tribute to Vic Juris’s boundless musicality and deep connection to the jazz tradition. Inspired by the spirit of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club legacy, the quartet reimagines classic French repertoire with fresh arrangements and modern interplay. The interpretations of “Nuages” and “La Vie En Rose” are especially moving, revealing a depth of emotion that resonates even more powerfully in light of his passing. Miceli, who spearheaded the project, recalls Juris’s uncanny ability to absorb and reproduce any tune—“like an iPod with soul.” This recording, lovingly restored by SteepleChase producer Nils Winther, transforms what was once a shelved session into a sonic gem. It stands as both a celebration of Vic Juris’s artistry and a testament to the enduring power of collaboration. Incidentally Miceli’s witty and heartfelt liner notes reads as an ode to Vic the stellar artist.

A Vibraphone Dialogue Like No Other. Glow, which is dedicated to the late vibraphone master Dave Samuels, is a landmark recording that redefines what’s possible in jazz vibraphone performance. Featuring two of the world’s most accomplished mallet percussionists—David Friedman and Tony Miceli—this album is not just a duet; it’s a revelation. It’s the first jazz album composed entirely of vibraphone duets, and it succeeds where others have hesitated: by solving the long-standing challenge of sonic overlap and range limitation. What sets Glow apart is its innovative approach to range and texture. The vibraphone, with its three-octave span, presents a unique challenge when paired with another of its kind. Historically, artists have sidestepped this issue by pairing vibes with marimba, which offers a broader tonal palette. But Friedman and Miceli dared to go where others faltered: two vibraphones, no safety net. Their solution? Instant arranging—a dynamic, real-time negotiation of register and role. If Miceli plays a melody in the upper octaves, Friedman anchors the sound in the lower range. If Miceli shifts to the middle, Friedman “sandwiches” him with left-hand bass and right-hand treble. This constant awareness of spatial and harmonic placement creates a rich, layered sound that feels orchestral despite the duo format. Each player adjusts not only to avoid clashing but to enhance the other’s voice. The result is a seamless interplay where melody, harmony, and rhythm breathe together.

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.

Award-winning trumpeter/composer/arranger Jason Palmer, a fixture of the Boston jazz scene and frequent SteepleChase recording artist, presents his boldest artistic statement to date with this intimate duo recording. Shorter Songs marks Palmer’s first commercially released duo album and pays homage to jazz legend Wayne Shorter through a series of original contrafacts based on Shorter’s compositions. Joined by acclaimed pianist Kevin Harris—his longtime musical ally—Palmer explores the emotional and harmonic depth of Shorter’s writing while bringing his own contemporary sensibilities into play. “Palmer has proven to be one of the most compelling artists of his generation.” (Ken Dryden – NYC Jazz Record)

Captured live at Ann Arbor, Michigan’s renowned jazz club Blue Llama in June 2024, David Janeway presents himself at the height of his powers, joined by the world class rhythm team of Robert Hurst III and Billy Hart. A Detroit bred musician with a deep lineage in that city’s storied jazz tradition, Janeway channels decades of mentorship, swing, and blues rooted expression into a set that is both powerfully modern and historically grounded. The trio’s telepathic interplay fuels inventive takes on standards, luminous ballads, and Janeway’s distinctive originals, all delivered with the group’s tightly converging sound and emotional depth that define his artistry. Following acclaimed SteepleChase releases with Hart and Cameron Brown, this live recording stands as Janeway’s most vibrant statement yet—an inspired document of three master musicians creating in the moment. “It is no small feat to say that not only is Janeway’s playing sparkling but so is his ability to write tuneful compositions.” Michael P. Gladstone, All About Jazz Review

Anthony Ferrara’s fourth SteepleChase release, Straight Into The Sun Vision, marks a striking new chapter for the rising tenor saxophonist. After three acclaimed albums: SCCD 31920 Early Spring, SCCD 31932 Cold Faded and SCCD 31975 Factory Fresh with his “dream team” veteran rhythm section, Ferrara now leads a working quartet of peers whose shared history brings a fresh cohesion to his music. In a familiar group of contemporaries the performances took to a newly open personal level of expression. Ferrara’s original compositions range from high velocity, odd meter burners to lyrical, atmospheric pieces, all unified by his distinctive voice and narrative improvising. Two vocal features reveal yet another facet of his artistry, including the reflective title track penned by Ferrara. Straight Into The Sun Vision captures a rapidly maturing artist stepping fully into his sound—bold, inventive, and unmistakably his own. “What is particularly impressive about Ferrara is that he not only has a mature, confident and appealing sound, but also is finding his own voice. Ferrara is also a capable composer, penning a diverse set of songs that invite repeated hearings, a huge challenge for any musician at the beginning of their career.” (Ken Dryden – NYCJR on SCCD 31938 Cold Faded)

Since the time vibraphone was invented in 1921 (could be 1916) there has been an impressive and growing list of exceptional practitioners of this mallet instrument. And one of them is Tony Miceli whom Victor Schermer of All About Jazz describes as, “a vibraphonist of astonishing virtuosity, musical resilience, and inventiveness. His vibes playing is nothing short of phenomenal.” Miceli performs and gives masterclasses in the US and abroad. This is Tony Miceli’s leader debut album on SteepleChase.

New York’s ace trumpeter Joe “Mags” Magnarelli’s third outing on SteepleChase is condensed to a quartet format with trumpet as the sole frontline giving the leader new dimension and depth to define his voice. His previous release (SCCD 31939 New York-Osaka Junction) received enthused remarks “…he is particularly outstanding, demonstrating a brilliant clarity that could be called the height of sophistication.” (Catfish-Records, Japan) and “Magnarelli has always been a jazzman-of-all-work, good in small groups like this one and great at starring in big bands and he's on fire here” (JazzWise-Peter Vacher UK)

Hammond B-3 organ has a rich host of illustrious players in the jazz history including Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Joey DeFrancesco to mention a few, but Brian Charette is the first (and so far the only) jazz artist who recorded solo organ albums. The first release was highly acclaimed SCCD 31756 Borderline of 2013. Here on his third solo endeavour Charette delights us premiering as vocalist on 2 tracks. “Charette is a burning soloist who understands the tradition of the Hammond B-3 as well its future—just as certainly as he understands his place in that lineage.” (Ken Micallef – Downbeat)

Yes, Brouqui is French and a phenomenal guitarist/composer and this is his SteepleChase debut album. But no, this is not of French Gypsy tradition. He is out of pure American modern jazz vein with a touch of French elegance. He commutes between Paris and NYC performing and recording. “A warm jazz full of swing. His inspired and fast guitar interprets with assurance and sensitivity. We will savour the creative breath of his improvisations…. highly recommended.” (Claude Olberg - Jazz Magazine)

After the 45-year world jungle expedition, guitarist/composer/chieftain Pierre Dørge takes his tribe to its home turf Copenhagen’s fabled Jazzhus Montmartre to record live their latest album filled with all but one new vibrant compositions by Dørge. Donald Elfman of AAJ once remarked, “Pierre Dørge has what seems like a magical ability - he can re-imagine and re-think the way that music is voiced thus creating entire new worlds out of worlds we think we know.”

The pianist who goes by the name of Mferghu is SteepleChase’ newest discovery. Mferghu, a native of Harlem (Manhattanville), NY has just turned 70. And this is his very first leader album. Unassuming and reserved Mferghu never seeks the spotlight but could not avoid being spotted by the producer Nils Winther during Jamale Davis’ session last year. Here as the leader of his own trio Mferghu displays his immense aptitude for performing and composing music deeply rooted in hard bop and beyond.

Drummer/composer/educator Steve Johns moved to New York after graduating from the New England Conservatory of Music in 1982. While still a student, he won the Outstanding Drummer Award at the Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival. His musical career then took off performing with a barrage of luminaries of the world jazz scene. Here is Johns’ SteepleChase leader debut showcasing not only his versatile dexterity but his astounding talent as composer.

Ken Micallef of JazzTimes noted, "Guitarist Nate Radley has the one thing that all musicians would kill for: He makes you want to listen." This his fourth leader album will be again the proof of the above statement as Radley formed the quartet with his favorite rhythm section to premiere all his intriguing original compositions written for this session.

Many of us old-timers remember George “Big G” Coleman in the late 50s and 60s performing with almost every single legendary name in that golden era of American jazz, a.o. Miles Davis. Coleman who turns 90 this year is still going strong and surrounds himself with the elite artists of younger generation including the leader of this album Brian Charette (Hammond-B3). This album can be seen as the sequel to 2018’s “Groovin’ With Big G” (SCCD 31857) again with Charette in charge of keeping the music flowing. “This is a mellow date, a blowing date to be sure but Charette’s B-3 rarely goes the funk route and is closer to Wild Bill Davis. Coleman’s tenor is as strong as ever and while not aggressive, it is still forceful.” (Papathomas on SCCD 31857)

Alex Norris has been one of the most sought-after elite trumpeters for the past three decades on NY scene. Norris received a Master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music and a Doctor’s degree from the Univ. of Miami Frost School of Music. He has kept busy schedule performing principal post in renowned large and small ensembles all over the world. Despite his impressive achievement Alex Norris’ leader albums are scarce. This is his fourth album and the second for SteepleChase. Norris forms a time-tested yet distinctive trumpet trio with some contemporary twists superbly collaborated by Paul Bollenbach on guitar and Paul Gill on bass. “…Norris writes and plays with rare assurance and seldom walks on overly familiar paths…. he’s not an aggressive stylist and his penchant for thoughtful dynamics gives him the confidence to leave space and unexpected intervals in his solos.” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD)

Anthony Ferrara for his third album here teams up again with the dream rhythm section of Versace/Anderson/Drummond. Ron McClure who was one of Ferarra’s teachers at NYU once commented on this group, “This is a four-way conversation between four men who have a mutual respect of the process of making music, always cognitive of the group effort. Had they played the Manhattan phonebook, they would have made it work.” “What is particularly impressive about Ferrara is that he not only has a mature, confident and appealing sound, but also is finding his own voice. Ferrara is also a capable composer, penning a diverse set of songs that invite repeated hearings, a huge challenge for any musician at the beginning of their career.” (Ken Dryden – NYCJR on SCCD 31938 Cold Faded)

Dick Sisto (vibraphone) and Andy LaVerne (piano) were fellow faculty members of the famed Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop and have been close colleagues since 1996. During the last seasons of the Workshop in 2018 and 2019 Dick and Andy performed concerts as duo dedicating the program for Bill Evans and Scott LaFaro. This album is derived from those four concerts recorded live. Andy LaVerne who studied with Evans contributes also a very informative, insightful and fascinating liner notes here

“colorful, witty, unpredictable, inventive and swinging” is what jazz critic Scott Yanow observes of cornetist/composer Knuffke. He created here an astoundingly musical sounding board by the two phenomenal double bass players: SteepleChase stalwart Jay Anderson (left channel) and Swedish born Thommy Andersson (right channel). Just like his previous “unusual” album of cornet and tuba Tight Like This. this one will be regarded as “very memorable and very entertaining ” . (K. Oleksiuk – The New York City Jazz Record)