As the superlative liner notes by C. Andrew Hoven for the album suggests, this recording marks the new chapter of trumpeter/composer Dave Scott’s musical history. Dave Scott recorded exclusively his adventurous original compositions in a series of releases in the past. Here for the first time Scott dedicates the whole album on a canon of jazz standards where he finds his roots and source for inspiration. He selected a collection of his favourite songs to complement his highly refined quartet.

David Janeway has long been a stalwart of NY jazz scene. Though under-recorded, Janeway’s undisputable talent has been under the radar. He formed a trio with Cameron Brown (b) and Billy Hart (dr) in 2020 and released the album “Distant Voices” on which D. McClenaghan of AAJ noted, “The trio makes the Janeway compositions sound like classics… these three virtuosos sound like one, like a group settled into the comfort zone… they go into the studio and turn out a compelling and polished product.”

The liner notes for John Hart’s new album authored by C Andrew Hovan touched upon the subject of longevity. Hart’s four decades of performing as an A-player on the world elite jazz scene epitomizes the virtue of consistency and continuance. We have here a bit unusual trio of guitar/cornet/bass featuring thrilling interactions between Hart’s guitar and Kirk Knuffke’s horn. “Hart is a guitar player of refinement and taste...through a merely flexible and swinging gait”. (F.v.d.Linde – Jazz Journal)

Canadian-born saxophonist/composer Andrew Rathbun has been holding the position of Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo since 2012. Rathbun, however, is not the one who confines himself in the ivory tower but has been active in performing and recording in New York and internationally. He presents here his 10th leader album on SteepleChase. All but two titles were penned by the leader having guitar (played by Nate Radley) as featured instrument creating as always intellectual and at the same time thoroughly emotionally moving music.

Already on her 2015 leader debut album (Lonely City SCCD 33118) Allegra Levy age 24 at the time was the complete artist equipped with prowess as singer-song writer of unique quality. On this fifth release Allegra compiles another intriguing concept album asking and answering all kinds of questions about life backed by all-female powerhouse quartet. “Throughout, Levy’s distinctive warm cool vide – equal part Junie London and Chris Conner – and flawless articulation shine brilliantly through.” Christopher Loudon of JazzTimes commented on Levy’s other concept album Looking At The Moon (SCCD 31852) selected as Editor’s Pick by JazzTimes. Allegra Levy is a recipient of several prominent awards as performer and composer.

If you have been following Byars’ career on this label, you will realize this is his fourth album with this unique sextet of four horns, bass and drums without chord instrument. Byars’ adept ensemble writing skills provide one of a kind harmony source to the band. “Because 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 – NYCJR on SCCD 31929 R & B in the 20s)

One thing the veteran bassist/composer Ron McClure cannot stop doing is “writing”. The latest album embodies 8 tunes by this prolific composer including the famous Nimbus which he wrote at age 15 but has never recorded himself before. Ken Dryden of AAJ remarks: ”After nearly six decades on the jazz scene, McClure is recognized for inventive improvising, creative compositions in a wide variety of settings and immaculate tone.” “impressive and absolute vital jazz numbers” (Ivan Rod – GAFA)

SteepleChase’s deep and expansive catalog of bassists including Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Sam Jones, Ron McClure, Jay Anderson just to mention a few welcomes here a up-and-coming double bass talent Jamale Davis, who has been active on NYC/NJ scene in the last decade. An autodidact, firmly rooted and nourished in the acoustic gut-string bass tradition, Jamale Davis leads his working band to showcase his passionate input in carrying the torch for bebop into the 21st century.

SteepleChase kicks off 2024 with the new recording by Dave Pietro, New York scene’s hugely in-demand alto saxophonist/composer/educator whose pure personal voice is noted as “one of the most appealing alto sounds in jazz” (Chuck Berg - JazzTimes). On this his debut album for the label Pietro put together a gripping selection of tunes new and old including an adaptation of Mahler’s adagietto from 5th symphony executed by Pietro’s hand-picked group with limitless creativity.

Another SteepleChase debut album here by Japanese-born “so cute, so bad” B-3 organist Akiko Tsuruga who hails from Osaka, Japan’s second largest city brimming with vitality and keen sense of good life. With her working group including husband trumpeter Joe Magnarelli Akiko leaps out with electrifying energy and at the same time displays her knack for elegant phrasing. “Tsuruga wraps her own personality around our expectations, bringing out signature ideals of her instrument” (Dan Bilawsky – AAJ)

By pure happenstance this stunning SteepleChase debut album by trombonist/composer/arranger Alex Heitlinger and his 22-piece band materialized four years after the recording. The band’s drummer John Riley tipped Nils Winther of the existence of this recording in an unrelated session one day and the rest is history. Enjoy the original, vibrant sound of a big band jazz of 21st century. “Alex Heitlinger is a thoughtful trombonist and a promising composer” (Nate Chinen - New York Times)

Ensuing the highly acclaimed Waiting For The Next Trane (SCCD 33115 on SteepleChase LookOut in 2014, one of NY’s most sought-after bassists Brusger assembled his new quintet with Erik Alexander and Steve Davis to present this invigorating new album which showcases Brusger’s penchant for hardbop tradition as composer and performer. “Brusger has rock-solid time, accurate intonation and formidable technique, all of which serve him well throughout the straight-ahead-set.” (Jim Ferguson – JazzTimes)

“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)

Critics have been paying keen attention to Rich Perry’s past three albums where the leader takes the centre role both as performer and composer. Dusty Groove remarked on his last release Everything Happens, “Perry is one of those secret heroes in jazz – an artist who just seems to get better and better over the years, both as a writer and soloist.” The new album here takes strength from the past endeavour and moves towards a more advanced state. Isn’t this a definition of “Progression”?

Trillium is Harold Danko’s third album to extract source materials from Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, arguably one of the most influential music of the 20th century. Danko then let this unique trio with Perry (tenor saxophone) and Knuffke (cornet) execute the compositions to perfection. “The beauty of listening to this recording is detecting how Danko has incorporated snippets of Stravinsky’s masterpiece into his equally striking compositions.” Ken Dryden – NYCJR on Rite Notes SCCD31931)

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.

Since 2007 bandleader/saxophonist Chris Byars has recorded for SteepleChase 12 highly acclaimed albums. All the releases highlight Byars’ trademark skills as composer/arranger for larger ensembles. Here for the first time in 15 years Byars writes for a quartet setting displaying a laid-back side of the masterfully innovative performing composer. “Byars is in the pantheon of the contemporary breed of composer-bandleaders…original and thoroughly eclectic.” (W. Friedwald – New York Sun)

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)

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)

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)