The winner of Downbeat Magazine’s “Rising Star” critics poll 2015 cornetist and composer Kirk Knuffke is presenting here his interpretation of compositions by the two iconic practitioners of 60’s free jazz movement Don Cherry and Ornette Coleman. For Kirk – being identified himself with new jazz – who had known Coleman in his late years personally, this engaging tribute is an axiom. "One of modern jazz’s most skilled navigators of the divide between inside and outside, freedom and swing", he has "full command of his most demanding instrument…” – (All About Jazz)

Pianist/composer Stanley Cowell at age 75 is having an on-going renaissance as a performer since his retirement from Rutgers University in 2013. The group presented here is scheduled to have a three-night stint at New York City’s renowned live jazz spot Smokes in May. This is Cowell’s 15th release from SteepleChase. “…Cowell’s recording career now spans more than thirty years….an impressive consistency of purpose and the highest level of musical thought.” (Richard Cook & Brian Morton – The Penguin Guide to Jazz)

“Mood” deciphers “ballads” here in this Rich Perry new album, which is, to quote the liner notes author Neil Tesser, “.. all ballads, all handled with skill and taste, yet all pushing at the edges to find something else.” “The SteepleChase sessions… constitute a body of work equal to anyone currently in the jazz mainstream. Perry's editing, shifts in tone and phrasing, and embellishments of songs like "Gone With The Wind" on Gone (SCCD 31670) evince a genuine appreciation of the melodies, as well as a desire to make his own way through them.” (David A Orthmann-AAJ)

One of the handful of surviving original hard-boppers Freddie Redd is turning 88 this month. The famed composer of the 60’s iconic off-Broadway play The Connection Redd ’s recording career has been, however, sporadic despite his great talent. His trio album “Music For You” (SCCD 31796) in 2014, the first in almost three decades rectified this trend following the precursory 2012 release of “Music Forever” (SCCD 31743) a tribute album to Redd’s music by altoist Chris Byars’ Octet. On this new album Redd presides over a sextet of much younger generations as performer and composer of old and new compositions embodied here to render a remarkable reminder of jazz’s longevity.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Olegario Diaz moved to USA at age 17 to study jazz at the Berklee College of Music and then furthered his studies at New York’s Manhattan School of Music where he earned the master’s degree. Currently in Venezuela, Diaz leads an active life as performer and renowned author of several instructional books. He travels frequently to New York to record and perform. “Diaz wrote seven of the tunes here and that seems logical as he appears to be one of the best jazz composers today…. He is more than a fresh breath of air in the classical post-bebop tradition.” (Ole Nimand – Jazz Special on SCCD31774 Basquiat By Night/Day)

Stella By Starlight, My Foolish Heart, Johnny Guitar, Beautiful Love – just a few of the iconic American Songbook titles by Victor Young, whose music has been an important part of the repertoire of guitarist Vic Juris for many years. Juris dedicates the whole album here to the undisputed giant of the American film music composer of the last century. “Two outstanding qualities characterize Vic Juris' playing. One is his embodiment of the jazz tradition, while always stretching his scope and reaching for new possibilities and concepts. The other is his almost uncanny ability to hear and communicate the totality of the music he is playing, from beginning to end, including what is going on around him in the group and his many references to the jazz legacy.” (Victor L. Schermer – Interview AAJ)

Countless umbrellas, pils of jumble and two grand pianos stacked one upon another found in Erik Satie's apartment after his death were the inspiration of this new release. Pianist Tamar Halperin and producer Guy Sternberg strip down Satie's compositions into individual voices, play them on various instruments and stack the pieces on top of each other. Their goal is to find out what Satie's music would sound like, were it composed in modern times. Halperin and Sternberg want to reflect Satie's influence on the various generations of artists that followed him. Satie was a composer who blurred the lines between Classical Art music and non-classical, popular styles.

Veteran altoist Andy Fusco makes his belated SteepleChase leader debut here with this 2003 quintet recording showcasing his intense and strong command of the instrument in the bebop tradition. Growing up in New Jersey his interests were music and football. He first studied at the Syracuse University with football scholarship. After almost making it to NFL Fusco diverted his attention to music and landed the lead altosax post at the Buddy Rich Big Band (1978-1983). He has performed and recorded with Gerry Mulligan, Mel Lewis and Walt Weiskopf, to mention a few. Fusco is also a dedicated educator currently a member of the Music Faculty of Kean University, New Jersey. “Andy Fusco is a player's player, a steely-edged bopper whose wide swaths suggest Bird as well as Trane…” (Chuck Berg – Jazztimes) “…we can be grateful for being exposed to yet another substantial jazz man who is on the rise and will hopefully be bringing us much more great music in the coming years.” (Andrew Hovan – AAJ)

A good part of pianist/composer/educator Harold Danko’s strength lies in his creative intelligence in composition of originals as well as in recasting or reinventing the existing melodies like in this new release. “Danko's approach is one of subtlety and sophistication, not of pyrotechnics (though his technical facility is formidable). He often takes a recognizable tune and changes the setting and mood to produce performances that are pleasantly surprising.” (Francis Lo Kee, AAJ on Escapades SCCD 31674)

The creation of the GIA WindWorks label represents an expanded relationship between the North Texas Wind Symphony and GIA Publications, Inc. Composers, conductors, music critics, and connoisseurs worldwide have praised the recordings conducted by Eugene Migliaro Corporon for their innovation, excellence, and professional standards.

Due to his sporadic career Freddie Redd has kept a low profile for the last several decades. His name, however, stayed in people’s memory as the composer for the haunting music that accompanied The Connection (1959), a controversial play written by Jack Gelber. One of the last of classic bop generation, Freddie Redd at the age of 86, fragile yet debonair, still performs with lyrical clarity and sensitivity on this superb trio recording.

Joe Albany (1924 – 1988) was one of the handful of bebop pianists who re-emerged to the world stage in the 70s. Although there exist no official recordings with Charlie Parker, Joe Albany was one of the few white pianists who played with Bird. Albany’s troubled life seen from his only daughter’s perspectives were made into a film entitled “Low Down” which has recently been premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical and public acclaim. One of the music used in the movie was from Joe’s SteepleChase first release SCCD 31003 Birdtown Bird” (1972). Joe Albany’s sensational moment captured here in this recording from a solo concert at Copenhagen’s famed Montmartre club serves as the testimonial of an extraordinary artist.

Since his retirement in 2013 from the professorship at the prestigious Rutgers University, where he led its jazz department, pianist/composer/educator Stanley Cowell has been increasingly active on the scene both in concerts and recordings. This new album with a featured program of Christmas melodies (Xmas Suite) will be introduced to the audience at New York’s Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. “…it's a great pleasure to hear Stanley Cowell's It's Time: a finely crafted collection of mostly originals that is at once sophisticated, both aggressive and pensive, and simply fascinating to listen to.” (Greg Simmons – AAJ on “It’s Time” SCCD 31740)

SteepleChase’ 1973 release Birdtown Birds (SCCD 31003) by Joe Albany trio recorded live at Copenhagen’s famous Jazzhus Montmartre took the world’s jazz fans who have all but forgotten about this bebop piano legend by surprise. Joe Albany not only existed but still performed with vigor and authority. Albany concluded his engagement at Montmartre with solo recital which is presented here following the first volume SCCD 31794. “…In this previously unreleased solo set, recorded in 1973, the ideas come tumbling out so copiously that they sometimes fall over one another - but they’re all his own ideas and there’s nothing glib about them. He was a genuine original.” (Dave Gellt – The Guardian) “…this is a rare glimpse of Albany, and it may appeal both to completists and general listeners.” (Andy Boeckstaens – London Jazz News)

Trumpeter Marcus Printup rounded up a choice selection of young prize winning new talents to form this sextet. Printup, though still in the 40s and at his prime mettle, is a veteran of three decades which includes a principal post in the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra since 1993. One of his professional priorities is to pass the torch on to the next generation, Young Bloods. “Printup is such an accomplished and versatile player that he’s adept performing tunes from any point in the many decades of jazz…. a hard swinging lesson taught by a master musician.” (Joel Roberts – The New York City Jazz Record on “Homage” SCCD 31730)

After the release of their first CD "White", which received an ECHO Klassik award, the Amaryllis Quartett continues it's successful CD series with "Blue". This time, alongside the shimmering magic of Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, the young, internationally acclaimed and award-winning musicians perform the world premiere of a quartet by the Chinese composer Lin Yang, who has dedicated the work to them. It is impressive how the tonal concentration of contemporary music and the richness of impressionistic works unfold when juxtaposed. State of the art quartet playing at the highest level!

The history of jazz vocals extends back perhaps even farther than jazz instrumentals and in that long history you find a lot of pretty impressive names. None are more illustrious than that of singer Chris Connor. A must have collection of classics.

Trumpeter/composer Marcus Printup, stalwart of Jazz At The Lincoln Center Orchestra since 1993 presents his latest album here as In Memoriam of his late father filled with delightful compositions penned mostly by Printup to celebrate life. “Printup is such an accomplished and versatile player that he’s adept performing tunes from any point in the many decades of jazz dealt with here.” (Joel Roberts – The NYC Jazz Records on “Homage” SCCD 31730)

One of the newest addition to the SteepleChase recording artist list guitarist/composer Craig Brann’s latest release “Mark My Words” features two of his prominent colleagues and friends, Mark Turner and Gregory Tardy on saxophones. Craig Brann unveils in this album with all originals his unique compositional talent. “Craig Brann is a soulful and imaginative player and writer with a unique depth to his music. His arrangements and re-imaginings of classic songs are particularly thoughtful and fresh and his every note has meaning and purpose.” (Peter Bernstein)

Stanley Cowell during the last five decades has not only been active on the jazz scene but also devoted himself in the musical education of younger generation. Now his well-earned retirement from teaching at the Rutgers enables him to spend more time in performing and recording. The latest album, which is his 13th release on this label, Stanley Cowell presents himself as a supreme interpreter of jazz’s standard titles. “…it's a great pleasure to hear Stanley Cowell's It's Time: a finely crafted collection of mostly originals that is at once sophisticated, both aggressive and pensive, and simply fascinating to listen to.” (Greg Simmons – AJJ on “It’s Time” SCCD 31740)

Pianist/composer Oregario Diàz, graduate of The Manhattan School of Music with Mater Degree devides his time in his homeland Venezuela and New York performing with his groups. The title song dedicated to the New York-born Haitian pop artist Jean Michel Basquiat reflects Diaz’ deep appreciation of arts. For this his third album Diaz put together a highly cohesive ensemble to paint an attractive collage of joyful music. Ole Nimand of Jazz Special (DK) commented on Diaz’ previous release “The Skyline Session” SCCD 31753, “….The two tunes from Diaz’ own pen confirm again his compositional talent and his melodias and expressive solos steal the scene….This is a brilliant and stylish presentation of the kind of jazz that is otherwise no longer on the throne these days….”

Trumpeter/composer Jason Palmer has surprised audiences with each of his new releases full of fresh concept and amazing execution. This his 4th release is no exception. All Jason originals here are inspired by the places he has visited during his numerous tours throughout the world including the two towns closest to his heart: his birth place High Point, North Carolina and his current home town near Boston, Roslindale. Jon Ross of Downbeat remarks of Jason, “Palmer is an exciting player - achieving pinpoint focus in his attack one minute, turning his concrete bebop lines into caramel, sliding through pitches and bending them to his will the next. If Palmer's music stays close to home, he should go far."

More than a decade ago critic C. Andrew Hovan cited Colligan “One of New York’s finest”. George Colligan has since evolved into a matured and yet adventurous artist on the world stage. This latest album showcases his new New York trio performing all Colligan originals. “His own intelligent and emotional talents create room for the best to play at their very own best…..With George Colligan at the helm, the horizon is not the limit.” (Travis Rogers - JazzTimes on “The Facts” SCCD 31752)

The Lincoln Center Orchestra’s long-time star trumpeter Marcus Printup has teamed up here again with harpist Riza Hequibal Printup to present a brilliantly conceived program of jazz and pop standards together with inspiring originals by Printup and Hequibal. On the previous collaboration between Marcus and Riza “A Time For Love” SCCD 31711 Mike Joyce of JazzTimes comments “…Printup’s cohesive and resourceful trio with harpist Riza Hequibal and bassist Kengo Nakamura recasts and rekindles a string of romantic ballads with a lean mixture of lyricism and swing….”

The decade long collaboration between pianist Stanley Cowell and guitarist Vic Juris as fellow faculty members at the renowned Rutgers-Mason Gross School of the Arts produced here a fantastic “new world” of sounds of contemporary jazz. The latest and most powerful version of sound design soft wear called KYMA in the hand of creative artists dazzles us with the unique real-time music with no after-production touch-ups but expanded horizon of improvisation. The rhythm section of the quartet is two enormously talented former students of Cowell: bassist Tom DiCarlo and drummer Chris Brown.

While his previous release “Music For Organ Sextette” (SCCD 31731) is still enjoying superlative receptions by the critics and public alike for its most personal and innovative approach to Hammond B3 organ in a relatively large ensemble, Brian Charette emerges here with an intriguing collection of solo B3 performances filled with compelling and creative surprises to push the boundary of the instrument even further. “Brian Charette is out to prove that the Hammond B3 ain't just for flexing your funk chops…." (Shaun Brady – DownBeat on Music For Organ Sextette) “…Charette weaves a unique and gripping aural tapestry together with a mélange of woodwinds serving as the thread. He channels his energy into creating constructs that benefit from the blending of multiple voices, yet remain flexible enough to allow for outspoken soloists to have their say. ..” Dan Bilawsky – AllAboutJazz on Music For Organ Sextette)

Although guitarist Nate Radley is a relatively new name on SteepleChase label, he has been an important member of the NY jazz scene since 2000 when he moved there with a master’s degree in music from New England Conservatory. He has made impressive appearances on this label in Eric Rasmussen’s “School of Tristano” albums SCCD 31623, SCCD 31644 and SCCD 31663 as well as on Andrew Rathbun’s “Where We Are Now” SCCD 31665. For his SteepleChase leader-debut album Nate Radley presents highly personal music style both as performer and composer.

As the title of this new album suggests Gregory Tardy and his excellent ensemble invested their energy in evergreen standards and jazz original classics here to fulfil his musical parents’ requests. “… Not only is he arguably the most original of the band’s improvisers, he’s also the most impassioned. His lines are incisive and hard-edged. Even his most fanciful flights are purposeful. His energetic approach consistently lifts the group’s performance to a higher level….” (Chris Kelsey – JazzTimes on “Steps of Faith” SCCD 31610) “….Of the many stars to have emerged on the jazz horizon during the '90s, one of the most disciplined, emotive and perhaps underrated is the multifaceted Gregory Tardy ….. Tardy takes another step toward establishing himself as one of the most important saxophonists of his generation….” (Matthew Miller - AAJ on “The Truth” SCCD 31583)

The legendary baritone saxophonist Ronnie Cuber is, as Bill Milkowski of JazzTimes observes, “ still very much on top of his game at age 70”. One summer night of the famed Berlin JazzFest of 2008 finds Ronnie and his group in a relaxed and joyous mood backed by the responsive and enthusiastic audience. “An astonishingly lyrical player on that most unforgiving of instruments … It is the intelligence and subtlety of his playing that shines through…” (Sunday Express UK on Ronnie SCCD 31680) “…while Cuber’s ability to blow over the changes remains unquestioned, it’s his restrained approach and melodic penchant…… that come as a welcome surprise. We all knew Cuber could wail with unparalleled authority, we just didn’t know he could sing so pretty on his big horn.” (Bill Milkowski – JazzTimes on Boplicity SCCD 31734)

For this latest and the fifth album on SteepleChase Ronnie Cuber brought his working band to the studio to appraise the classic BeBop repertoire, “proving in the process the viability of material that has weathered more than 60 years and still sounds super hip and contemporary” (Mark Gardner). On Cuber’s previous release “RONNIE (SCCD 31680) Ken Drydon of AllAboutJazz wrote, “This is his fourth CD for Steeplechase and one of his best sessions.” and London’s Sunday Express commented, “it is the intelligence and subtlety of his playing that shines through …An astonishingly lyrical player on that most unforgiving of instruments…” “Ronnie Cuber is a baritone sax player strong enough to bring out the lyricism of the weighty instrument.” (Aaron Cohen – Downbeat)