SweetEar

A Ghetto Lullaby

If You Could See Me Now

Two Loves

Longing

Tonite Only

In the summer of 1989 when this album was recorded in sweltering heat of NYC pianist/composer Jim McNeely at the age of 40 had already had an impressive track record of performing with prominent players such as Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, Dave Liebman, the Thad Jones/Mel Louis Orchestra, among others. McNeely, now a celebrated veteran himself, has earned ten nominations of the Grammy Awards and worked as conductor/composer/soloist-in-residence with a handful of radio orchestras of European major cities including Copenhagen, Frankfurt, etc., besides leading his own group. “This must be one of the finest piano trio albums I’ve heard, well, since the last by Jim McNeely… His musical sensitivity and sophistication make this album a constant joy.” (Any Hamilton – Wire UK on Winds Of Change)

This is the first leader album of Joe Locke (b. March 18, 1959 in Palo Alto, California) on SteepleChase. “He has a solid background in the modern-mainstream tradition…An interesting album by a musician from whom I am sure we will hear more.” (Mike Shera – Jazz Journal International) “Joe Locke is a new star on jazz vibraphone scene, who deserves even wider recognition now. This album has a excellent ensemble feel to offer solid performance throughout. Locke’s vibraphone has fresh musicality.” (Sato – Swing Journal)

Birdtown Birds

On A Misty Night

Flight To Denmark

Dance For Andy

Ballads For Lulu

Una Max

The Meeting

My Man

Scott Millers live album RECONSTRUCTION gives Miller fans what they've been clamoring for: hearty dose of the goodness that the band dishes out from the stage. Known for his dry wit, high energy, and lyrics that are poetic, anthemic and at times comedic, Miller has a gift for building energy in audience ranging from college students to performing arts center patrons and then channeling their enthusiasm back to the band. He's toured relentlessly with his band, the Commonwealth, and their [closeness and ease of collaboration shines through. RECONSTRUCTION was recorded at hometown stomping grounds, the Down Home in Johnson City, TN, perfectly captures this exchange as well as the sheer talent and rock chops that define the band.

“El Grand Señior from Catalonia” was the way Dexter Gordon used to introduce Tete Montoliu to the audience at Club Montmartre in the 60s. Vincente Montoliu Massana, better known as Tete Montoliu (1933-1997) was born blind and learned to play piano at age 7 by Braille method. He studied music at the Conservatori Superior de Música de Barcelona (1946-1953). His remarkable international career took off in 1956 when Lionel Hampton invited him for his big band and since then Tete played all over the world with host of jazz luminaries. “Listen to the superb interaction between a man and his piano in the utmost sublimity... Montoliu shares the same pulse, sincerity, talent with his illustrious predecessors Art Tatum and Earl Hines...” (Pierre Steve, The Lion on SCS 1216) “Like the previously released album from the same session – “That’s All” (SCS1199) this Spanish pianist shows his grandiose and virtuoso side…” (Erik Wiedemann – Information on SCS 1216)

Pianist/composer Irving Sidney “Duke” Jordan (April 1, 1922 – August 8, 2006) was most noted for his association with Charlie Parker in the late 40s and for his compositional talent as the author of “Jordu” and “No Problem”, among others. “Always a great jazz composer as well as a unique pianist, Duke is forever developing and growing … A fully integrated trio disc that nevertheless has the leader’s personality and style stamped firmly on every track.” (Derek Ansell – Jazz Journal International) “Every piece here was written by Jordan, and everyone is as worthy of jazz standard status …” Larry Kart – Chicago Tribune) “He’s one of the giants of the bop era, but his keyboard stylings are contemporary and entertaining.” (Billboard Recommended LP)

Stable Mable

Steps Up

Osaka Concert, Vol. 1

McJolt

“Frozen Music” was recorded in New York City 32 years ago and like most of Andy LaVerne’s releases this album has not lost its original energy and charm. Tenor and soprano saxophonist Rick Margitza was then a young rising star under contract with Blue Note. Andy was already a prolific composer who penned all the tunes of this album. Bassist Marc Johnson who was a member of Bill Evans’s last trio gave graceful and subtle coloring to LaVerne’s compositions. “Frozen Music, Andy LaVerne’s third album for SteepleChase, is a solid, modern blowing session...he makes skilful use of suspensions, pedal points, and ostinatos, which along with the music’s floating harmonies, give the soloists a wealth of elbow room...” (Mark Stryker, Cadence) “un disque du plus haut niveau musical.” (Henri Marchal – Spectacles)

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