New York guitarist Peter Bernstein has a focused, musical concept that features a pure tone and singing phrases. He chooses notes carefully and creates intelligent and interesting solos. Consequently, he is in great demand, and appears on many Criss Cross dates. Peter is also a prolific composer - next to Billy Stayhorn's "Blood Count" and the song "Dedicated to You," the CD offers six Bernstein compositions. Here, on "Heart's Content," his fifth for the label as a leader, he is in the company of a top-notch rhythm section featuring famous pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Larry Grenadier, and drum wizard Bill Stewart.

Again, another impressive session from the Russian trumpet player (and New Yorker since 1991) Alex Sipiagin. His highly interesting compositions and arrangements are played by a group of top-notch New York jazz musicians, tenor saxist Chris Potter, rising guitar great Adam Rogers, fellow Russian bassist Boris Kozlov, and the formidable Herbie Hancock associate, Gene Jackson on drums.

One of the more ideal ensemble combinations in jazz is the piano trio, with David Kikoski serving as a major proponent of the genre. For his fourth Criss Cross album, Kikoski leads a powerhouse trio with bassist James Genus & master drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts. This is easily Kikoski's best album to date, giving him space to romp through a diverse set of tunes, covering everything from Brazilian sambas to pop masterpieces by Frank Zappa & Brian Wilson.

Award winning Dutch guitarist Jesse Van Ruller changes gears on his second Criss Cross outing, fronting a stellar quartet with Seamus Blake on tenor sax, Sam Yahel on organ, and Bill Stewart on drums. His previous album focused mainly on standards and classic jazz vehicles. In contrast, "Circles" showcases the leader's compositional talents first and foremost. In addition to six varied Van Ruller originals and one by tenor man Seamus Blake, the group offers a ballad reading of "Gone with the Wind" and a brisk, odd-metered rendition of the Irving Berlin classic "Cheek to Cheek." with his crisp tone, fluid phrasing, and vibrant imagination, Van Ruller continues to stake his claim as one of the globe's most promising straight-ahead jazz stylists.

Part of a new breed, pianist George Colligan has expanded the mainstream language in novel ways that distinguish him as one of the strongest new voices to come along in some time. Although he's recorded several critically acclaimed albums for other labels, this is his Criss Cross debut. The program of meaty Colligan originals gets a workout in the hands of Gary Thomas, tenor sax and flute, Drew Gress, bass, and Ralph Peterson Jr.., drums.

Denver trumpet player (Vincent Herring) on 2nd Criss Cross outing fronts N.Y.C. quintet w. Don Braden-ts, Bruce Barth-pno, Ira Coleman-bs, Billy Drummond-dms, 5 Wendholt compositions+.

Highly spiritual & musically steadfast, pianist Joel Weiskopf has been making heads turn for quite some time with appearances on his brother Walt's acclaimed series of recordings before traveling on his own maiden voyage as a leader. Here he gives a broader picture of his talents as both a pianist & writer, backed by his brother on tenor, John Swana on trumpet, John Patitucci on bass & Jeff Brillinger on drums. Joel presents 8 distinctive compositions that are as deeply satisfying as they are harmonically complex & innovative.

For his sixth Criss Cross album, trombonist Steve Davis, also known for his work with Chick Corea, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, and the group One for All, shares the front line with Tom Harrell's tenor saxophonist Jimmy Greene. The rhythm section is made up of pianist Xavier Davis, bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Nasheet Waits. Davis displays his customary buttery sound and understated propulsion - his seven originals are harmonically hip and unfailingly melodic.

On his Criss Cross debut, 29-year-old Detroit-born saxophonist J.D. Allen brings his own perspective to the aesthetic rumblings that stamped middle '60s jazz music. Boasting an open, richly textured tone, a meticulous, thoughtful approach, and a definitive sense of time, Allen interacts continuously with pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Gene Jackson over a stimulating hour of original music. On three titles as guest, the great new trumpeter Jeremy Pelt.

This is Russian trumpet star Alex Sipiagin's third outing on Criss Cross. This time, as before, in the company of a group of New York jazz greats: tourist Seamus Blake and guitarist Adam Rogers plus a rhythm section consisting of piano star David Kikoski, bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Jonathan Blake. Listen to the beautiful rendition of "Holland," a piece composed and arranged by Sipiagin and dedicated to bassist Dave Holland. The CD offers five Sipiagin originals and one Charles Mingus composition, "Tijuana Gift Shop".

Winner in the International Thelonius Monk Competition in 1999 presents his 4th recording as a leader for Criss Cross, with a band made up of creative improvisers like Nasheet Walt's, Reid Anderson, Duane Eubanks, Ralph Brown & Sam Newsome.

On his 2nd trio date for Criss Cross, pianist applies his magic touch to a program of ballads, blues & standards, joined by Peter & Kenny Washington.

A Hammond B3 heavyweight since his days with Wes Montgomery, Melvin Rhyne returns to the fold for his first Criss Cross release since 2000's "Classmasters" (CRC #1183). His seventh effort for the label as a leader, "Tomorrow Yesterday Today" features guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer Kenny Washington on a prime set of standards, with four cuts adding special guest tenor man Tad Shull.

This is Gisbert's 3rd Criss Cross album - he's joined on a four-horn front line by 3 of New York's finest - Conrad Herwig, Tim Ries, Jon Gordon & Greg Gisbert, as well as a 3-piece rhythm section.

Long renowned as a sideman for Roy Haynes, the astute & insightful pianist/composer Kikoski is finally coming into his own as a leader in a quartet setting, inc. Seamus Blake, Scott Colley & Jeff "Tain" Watts.