Bassist/composer Ron McClure’s previous release “Soft Hands” (SCCD 31615) was an unusual drum-less trio setting about which Will Smith of JazzTimes wrote, “The quiet and easygoing togetherness of bassist Ron McClure’s Soft Hands, with tenor saxophonist Rich Perry and pianist George Colligan, will find listeners overlooking the absence of a drummer. …”. On this new recording the same group is expanded into a quartet with an addition of drummer, Billy Drummond who is met with immediate and unanimous enthusiasm (Ron McClure).

Whether as a solo instrument or as part of the orchestra, today the saxophone seldom appears in concert halls and opera houses. Nonetheless, before it found its true home, it was heard in classical music. Here, Schulte-Burnert skillfully presents three particularly brilliant and virtuosic concertos by John Williams, Michael Nyman and Andrei Eshpai.

Andrew Rathbun, Canadian-born multi-instrumentalist (primarily on tenor saxophone) is also an accomplished composer has firmly established himself on the world jazz scene. On his previous release “Affairs of State” (SCCD 31630) Stuart Broomer of allaboutjazz wrote, “…. The result is consistently thoughtful, well-crafted music in a mature idiom.”

Following the successful e-motion (SCCD 31620) Rich Perry teams up with his quintessential group of 15 years - a quartet - pianist Danko, bassist Anderson and drummer Hirshfield. “…The openness and shared mission to make great music ensures that the nine tracks are all first-rate performances…. This CD is as good as it gets.” (Francis Lo Kee on “e-motion” in AllAboutJazz)

Saxophonist Jed Levy took his group to the Kitano Hotel bar-lounge, one of the hippest live spots on Park Avenue in New York City to make this exciting live recording in September 2008. On Jed’s previous album “ Evans Exploration” SCCD 31648 Elliott Simon of Allaboutjazz wrote, “… Levy succeeds remarkably well through his own impressionistic gentle touch, …. This is a unique depiction of Evans' songbook.”

“….This is exciting, entrancing and vigorous music, filled with nuances and subtleties… As for contemporary jazz trumpet playing it doesn’t come any better than the mature style purveyed by Marcus Printup, one of the finest of our times” (Mark Gardner- from the liner notes) On Printup’s previous album SCCD 31626 Bird Of Paradise JazzTimes’ George Kanzler commented, “Printup and Nash solo with more tonal and timbrel variety, sacrificing sheer velocity for expressive sounds and fewer notes. It’s a creatively fertile way to revisit Bird’s music.”

Forrest Dylan Bryan of JazzTimes commented on the successful first volume SCCD 31623 “School of Tristano 1”: “… alto saxophonist Rasmussen …. pays tribute with an airy set of tunes written by Tristano, Warne Marsh and Lee Konitz ….. Rasmussen’s quartet updates and personalizes the sound, keeping the proceedings intimate as well as respectful.” -Forrest Dylan Bryant

Dave Stryker’s indeed “striking up” the band on this his latest SteepleChase release in a most impressive and imaginative way as Mark Gardner puts it, “That’s how jazz works at it best, and this is top drawer stuff.”.

On revewing the first volume of the Kitano live recordings (SCCD 31600) Matthew Miller of allaboutjazz commented: “…. Perry once again dazzles with his facility and impeccable taste and further asserts himself as one of the most gifted saxophonists of his generation.” Matthew Miller

WONDERLAND

Josef Woodard of allaboutjazz commented on Vincent Gardner’s Elbow Room album (SCCD 31580): “Gardner is an impressive, well-rounded trombonist, fleet and nimble in a boppish uptempo zone and blessed with vocalist-like expressivity when elegance is required …… He deserves the spotlight.”

Walrath calls this his first in 26 years on this label “Ballroom”, “…it’s swinging and you can dance to it..”… The way how jazz started. “Welcome back, Jack, to SteepleChase! It’s a terrific return, and listeners will want many more entries from this singular talent…” (Mark Gardner – from the liner notes)

“Dick Oatts and Jerry Bergonzi have stacked up a formidable total of 67 years of playing experience on the highly competitive New York scene, and that wealth of nous is evident in this rousing collaboration…..” (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

“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 .… With this release, his first on SteepleChase, Tardy takes another step toward establishing himself as one of the most important saxophonists of his generation. “ Matthew Miller (All about jazz) on Gregory Tardy’s “Truth” album (SCCD 31583)

Since Dørge and his New Jungle Orchestra made an impressive “home coming-CD“ (Jazz Is Like A Banana SCCD 31636) last November, the orchestra has been touring extensively through the continents. The experience gave Pierre’s imaginative pen to put together “…another typical potpourri of the unexpected from a soloist, arranger, composer and band conductor beyond category. His musicians are loyal to his cause because they love his music…” (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

Veteran tenorman from the Tristano School Ted Brown is marking his 80th birthday with the release of this CD with plenty of vitality. On his last CD “Preservation” SCCD 31539, Derek Taylor of all-about-jazz wrote, “Sitting comfortably at the controls, he demonstrates from the start that his chops haven’t eroded a bit during his long hiatus in academia … Brown is still at the top of his game."

“…. Guarna’s guitar brings a mellow approach to the session, merging with his sidemen in a legato affair that finds lyrical space everywhere. ….. Guarna enjoys his lyrical ride on this album of sweet delights.” (Jim Santella – allaboutjazz on Out From The Underground SCCD 31607).

Bassist/Composer Ron McClure chose a drum-less trio format for his new outing for SteepleChase exposing himself into a more demanding role. “It would have been risky business trying some of these pieces without drums with most players, but with Rich Perry and George Colligan, I knew that there was no reason to worry. “ (Ron McClure – form the liner notes)

Pianist Harold Danko brings back his successful “Trilix” trio to present another essential trio treats here. On “Trilix” Donald Elfman of All About Jazz wrote, “When a piano trio—or any jazz group, for that matter—is at the top of its game, all of the qualities that make its individual members shine come to the fore but also work in the service of both the tunes and the larger aesthetic of the group. Danko, Formanek and Hirshfield make a vitally engaging, intelligent and musical trio album. “

Harold Danko, the mastermind of this two-saxophone quintet project has dreamed of uniting Rich Perry’s tenor with Dick Oatts’ alto for at least quarter of a century. Danko was already an established member of Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra when Dick and Rich joined them as new saxophone wonders, “who made a lasting impression on everyone who heard them…” (Harold Danko)

Tony Purrone belongs to a special rank of guitarists whose awesome skill and blinding velocity can co-exist with deep musical sensitivity and creativity. On this his seventh release on SteepleChase Purrone is whole-heartedly on jazz groove. For his Six-String Delight (SCCD 31438) album, JazzTimes' Bill Mikowski wrote," A monster guitarist, Purrone displays his prodigious technique on this celebration of 10 jazz guitar innovators. A wonderful sampler for jazz guitar fans and an admirable showcase for this criminally under-recognized six-string virtuoso." And Jim Ferguson of JazzTimes commented on Rascality album (SCCD 31514), ".. it's important to know that his musical abilities run deep and encompass musicality, creativity and the ability to swing, traits it should be understood that while Purrone does possess awesome skills, he doesn't overly lean on them. He usually exercises restraint, calling upon them when they fit into his emotional and concept ional scheme. "

Gary Versace is “one of the most exciting yet sensitive performers on the Hammond B3 to emerge in recent years.” (Mark Gardner). His SteepleChase leadership debut album “Time And Again” SCCD 31572 drew attention of critic John Kelman of All About Jazz who commented, “… Time And Again is a strong debut, but Versace is capable of much more – a fact that will no doubt be revealed in good time.” No doubt indeed, here on this his second CD you will find an artist with a most original conception offering fascinating musical experiences.

GATEWAY 2

SteepleChase´ on-going jam session series is recognized by critics and public as a dynamic reflection of contemporary jazz scene.

A special release from SteepleChase's cradle period consists of the two "duo" (Kenny Drew on piano and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass) recordings originally marketed as SCS 1002 and SCS 1010 on LP. Re-mastered in a high resolution (24bits 96khz). No extra material added. "Drew and Pedersen have made this an artistic triumph...it finds both men in excellent form..." (on SCS 1002 DUO B.McRoy, Jazz Journal, UK Sept. 1973) "This is an album of great musical value which will give pleasure for a long, long time. (Chris Sheridan, Into Jazz, UK May 1974)