Danish avant-garde, modern jazz guitarist/composer and most famously leader of “one of Europe's most sophisticated bands” (Norman Weinstein) has always prided himself on the longevity (since 1980) of his constantly active New Jungle Orchestra. On this new live recording Dørge features his favourite American cornetist Kirk Knuffke and writes music with Kirk’s sound in mind. With the help of engaging audience in Copenhagen NJO delivers one amazing concert here.

Call For The Fiddler

Mark Gardner in his liner notes aptly sums up the new Walrath CD: “There is never a dull moment during the switches of mood. Jack performs with all his inventive powers full on, and, importantly, his writing, direction and presence draw wonderful responses from his colleagues.” “Jack Walrath not only displays tremendous trumpet playing, a rich and varied approach to composition and wonderful band, he also puts something into this fantastic CD that's missing from too much new jazz: a sense of fun and humor. That's not to say that it isn't sensitive and touching at times—"An Hour Blessed" is arguably as gorgeous as anything ever recorded. Musical food for thought with amazing jazz playing, this recording can't be praised highly enough”. (Francis Lo Kee of allaboutjazz on Ballroom, SCCD 31650) “Bottom line, Walrath’s chops and imagination are still intact. The dues-paying he’s done over the years only assures that date’s like this one will reliably come in well under par.” (Derek Taylor – master of a small house on Heavy Mirth, SCCD 31683)

Silhuettes

In The Mood For A Classic

John Hart’s collaboration with SteepleChase started in 2016 with sideman role on the late alto saxophonist Andy Fusco’s Turmoil (SCCD 31843). The guitarist/composer/educator Hart since has kept releasing a barrage of highly acclaimed leader albums. On this his fifth outing he has assembled an impeccable quartet featuring Rich Perry on tenor and Brian Charette on B-3. “This album is filled with understated jazz of a very high order. Well worth a listen,” (M. McKergow – London Jazz News on SCCD 31910 Checkmate)

Brian Charette’s unique, reed-based sextet released their first album “Music For Organ Sextette” (SCCD 31731) in 2012 to a critical and public acclaim. Dan Bilawsky noted in AAJ : “…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 ... Music For Organ Sextette is an anomaly in the world of organ-centric jazz … Charette challenges the status quo with this one and winds up the victor in every way.” On this second outing of the Sextet Brian Charette even furthers and deepens his musical universe making this sextet a perfect and permanent formula for its creative founder.

Following his successful SteepleChase debut album (SCCD 31562 Blue Function) recorded in jazz’s birthplace, New Orleans where he lives, Christian Winther moves his recording venue to jazz’s thriving place, New York for this his second outing to result in once again an exciting, evolving and enjoyable album. On his debut album, Cadence’s Jim Santella commented, “… The leader’s centerpiece is his laid-back attitude. It enables him to caress a melody without raising a fuss, … to show a sincere love for lyric beauty… ”

On May 31, 1981 trumpeter/composer John McNeil’s 5th release Clean Sweep was recorded at the famed Rudy van Gelder Studio with all-star sidemen (Dave Liebman, Joanne Brackeen, Rufus Reid and Billy Hart). McNeil dedicated this album to the world-renowned brass teacher Carmine Caruso. John McNeil (born March 23, 1948) is one of the most influential trumpeters today. Despite his debilitating health condition which he has been fighting all his life, McNeil has a fully active career both as performer and educator. “…. He seems to have the trick of drawing the best from his sidemen ….” (Melody Maker) “…plays his horn with a soulfulness that is rarely heard these days. [His] poetic, dusky-toned trumpet is very close to song." (Chicago Tribune) "McNeil's solos were by and large the most incisive features of the night." (London Daily Mail)

Juris’ versatile and innovative mind finds a perfect setting for his latest album here in the relatively seldom heard guitar/trumpet quartet (without piano). Vic has been collaborating in trumpeter Tim Hagans’ Norbotten Big Band (Sweden) for several years to lay down the groundwork for this creative album. “Vic Juris is a versatile and impressively accomplished guitarist. His playing exudes warmth, intelligence and respect for the tradition. Perhaps best of all, he seems to understand that the foregoing positives also apply to a legion of contemporary guitarists, and he looks for ways to set his work apart, in terms of sound, approach, or material”. (Duck Baker – JazzTimes on “Remembering Eric Dolphy” SCCD 31453)

Peter Zak’s penchant and artistry for trio format has produced an impressive series of piano trio albums all of which have enjoyed superlative critical acclaims all over the world. Here on this latest release with the fitting album title Peter Zak delivers once again his trademark intelligent art of piano trio performance. “You can’t help but be drawn in by his deep swing, mastery of tempo, horn-like phrasing, orchestrative savoir faire, and ability to conjure melodic pathways through harmonic thickets.” (Ten Panken – DownBeat on Down East – SCCD 31715)

I Waited For You

Ugly Beauty

Strings & Things

Suburban Fantasies

“...this is a lively and cohesive bop band of real intrinsic merit...(Rodney) is an exciting exponent of bop. His presence gives this group authenticity, and as such groups go it is a very musical and attractive one...” (David Badham, Jazz Journal International) Previously issued on SCCD 31238 & SCCD 31252

Light Blue

In Concert From Japan

“In the jazz tradition, the jam session played and continues to play a vital role in the musical community. In that spirit, Steeplechase, a label built on tradition, has come up with a jam session series, pairing veteran players with up-and-comers as a way of spreading the word about musicians on the label.” (Matthew Miller/allaboutjazz - on Vol. 19)

Trinity

The instrumentation of piano/organ/drums may be highly unusual but with Andy LaVerne and Gary Versace on the keyboards the format is a sure winner as their earlier collaboration in “All Ways” (SCCD 31569) – “(LaVerne and Versace) sound absolutely natural and complementing together….two equally appealing keyboard voices…” (Thomas Conrad – JazzTimes)

Stan Getz In Chappaqua

You Go To My Head

Amongst Ourselves

Spread The Word