Organist/pianist/composer Brian Charette (b. Nov. 24, 1972 in Meriden, Connecticut, USA) is the latest addition to the SteepleChase recording artist rostar. Charette moved to New York 15 years ago and has firmly established himself on the NY jazz scene being discribed as one of “the best of the new breed of B3 players” by Bill Milkowski of JazzTimes. His enormous talent both as performer and as composer is evident throughout this brilliant debut album.

Recorded at the end of the millennium, Dave Stryker’s latest release (13th on SteepleChase label) presents a collection of his intriguing original compositions with some different time signatures, perhaps inspired by the times that are changing. “…Changing Times reflects not only the growth of one of jazz’s most exceptional performers but also captures the feelings of working musicians through compositions presaging the future as we head into the new millennium.” (Jim Eigo)

Sunburst

The so-called “unusual” set up of Andy LaVerne’s piano and organ trio formed a several years ago is no longer unusual after its tremendous success with the critics such as JazzTimes’ Thomas Conrad: “Andy LaVerne on piano and Gary Versace on organ sound absolutely natural and complementary together.” – on SCCD 31596 All Ways and Allaboutjazz’s C. Andrew Hovan: “Really one of the most welcomed surprises of the season, Intelligent Design lives up to its name as one of LaVerne’s best efforts thus far and one of the finest jazz releases of the year. “ – on SCCD 31618 Intelligent Design Andy Laverne this time took his trio to the excited audiences at the posh jazz bar of The Kitano Hotel on Park Avenue, NY, NY.

Elmo's Fire

Tadd's Delight

Rich Perry is undoubtedly one of the most original voices on tenor saxophone today. “Rich Perry continues to surprise us with his thoughtful, well shaped and passionate excursions. O Grande Amor is another of his CDs you will want to play repeatedly….” (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

Never Forget

Angolian Cry

The Tender Side of Sammy Straighthorn

Danish-born New Orleans tenor saxophonist Christian Winther invites Roman Skakun, young rising star on vibraphone from New Orleans to his band to create a special sound for this latest album. Jon Barron of AllAboutJazz commented on Winther’s previous release Soul House (SCCD 31633), “Soul House is full of feel-good moments, memorable themes and intuitive ensemble interplay. With it, Winther and crew deliver an exceptional set of accessible, mainstream jazz”. “Winther emigrated from his native Denmark, studied jazz at the University of New Orleans and now resides in the Crescent City. This album reflects his adoption of and adaptation to the local musical culture. It marks his rise as another promising tenor saxophonist among the ranks of well-schooled young jazz musicians. The feeling of this album is bright and sunny.” (Owen Cordle – JazzTimes on The Only Plan, SCCD 31585)

Blue Lou

For pianist/leader Harold Danko, the trio with Formanek on bass and Hirshfield on drums has been an essential vehicle for his resonant expression for the past several years. Thomas Conrad of JazzTimes comments on Danko trio’s release Times Remembered SCCD 31612, “For someone in the market for a jazz-piano recording, there are few safer investments than a Harold Danko album …. Every Danko recording I’ve ever heard has had clarity and depth and a specific reason to exist.”

One his 10th leader album Ari Ambrose finds himself in his most comfortable and creative setting of a piano-less trio which reminds us of his formidable debut album “Introducing Ari Ambrose” (SCCD 31450). JazzTimes’ Will Smith commented on Ari’s previous CD “Whatever Happens” (SCCD 31617): “The word retro is almost too new-school when dealing with the stylistic expressions of tenor saxophonist Ari Ambrose. With so many of the young tenor voices continuing to follow John Coltrane or Sonny Rollins or turning toward free-form abstraction, it’s refreshing to find Ambrose employing the tradition, taking it back and bringing it forward. If nothing else, he … (is) offering something different in what often seems to be a world of clones.

Pianist/composer Federico Bonifazi is considered one of the most outstanding talents of younger generation of Italy. After studying music in Paris and Turin Bonifazi embarked on professional career as a jazz musician in Europe. His trip to NYC in 2014 enabled him to establish a network of friends in New York jazz scene. Bonifazi returned to NYC the following year with host of compositions of his own to record this SteepleChase Lookout debut album with New York’s leading artists including Eric Alexander and the legendary drummer Jimmy Cobbs.

Composer/pianist Olegario Diaz was born in Venezuela and studied music in USA graduating with Master’s degree in Jazz Composition from The Manhattan School of Music in New York City. For his SteepleChase debut album here he surrounds himself with the finest of artists one can find on the NY jazz scene: Rich Perry on tenor sax, Ron McClure on bass and Billy Hart on drums. Diaz is active in performing both in USA and South America. “His visions and efforts resulted in a fresh and spontaneous performance of this fine selection of jazz standards and Diaz originals.” (Ron McClure – from the liner notes)

Born in Warren, Ohio, LeeAnn Ledgerwood began studying piano at the age of four. She received intensive classical training which included four years of study with renowned concert pianist Grant Johanessen. After completing her college training at Berklee in Boston, she moved to New York City. Since the early 80s LeeAnn Ledgerwood has been one of the most sought after musicians both on the New York and international scenes. In addition to leading her own groups, she has had longstanding collaboration with such top musicians as Red Mitchell, George Mraz, Eddie Gomez, Jeremy Steig to mention only a few. She has toured as a featured soloist in the Eddie Gomez group in Europe and the United States. Her trio was featured at the 1999 JVC Festival in New York City. LeeAnn Ledgerwood is also a dedicated teacher and is the recipient of Distinguished University Teaching Award of 1997 from the New School where she teaches jazz piano and composition courses.

Renowned educator, composer/pianist Skip Wilkins teamed up with his son Daniel, a new talent on tenor saxophone to present “Father & Son” album with Skip’s working trio: Scott Lee on bass and Jeff Hirshfield on drums. Tenor saxophonist, Daniel Wilkins is young artist on the New York jazz scene. Entering his Senior Year at the Manhattan School of Music, Wilkins has been studying with alto saxophonist Steve Wilson, tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, drummer John Riley, pianists Phil Markowitz and Garry Dial. He plays lead tenor in the Grammy-nominated MSM Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra. Skip and Daniel toured in Europe and perform regularly together in New York area.

Old Time Musketry presents a joyous music that draws on the exuberant spirit of early jazz, the poignant melodies and soulful grooves of rock and folk music, the energy and spontaneity of free improvisation, and a wilfully experimental attitude towards combining these elements into a unique vision of American music. Old Time Musketry joined forces in early 2009 in Brooklyn and has been developing their unique sound by performing widely in the New York area and around the Northeast.

Since his arrival in NYC in 1996 guitarist Craig Brann has quietly and steadily established himself as one of the elite players of his generation. In this new release, his fourth album on SteepleChase, Craig unfolds his expansive musical dimension. “There’s something for everyone here – and that’s just a way of describing New York guitarist Brann’s versatility. With invention and wit, he remodels the classic guitar trio to suit multi-sourced inspiration … It’s a veritable treasure shed of homage, freewheeling and compositional flair.” (Nigel Jarrett – Jazz Journal on SCCD 31814 Conversation between Brothers) “A Beautiful album from guitarist Craig Brann – and maybe the first to really display all the richness of his talents!” (Dusted Groove on SCCD 31814) “Brann is an enormous guitar talent ... this is his second album and will not be the last.” (Henrik W. Iversen – JazzSpecial on SCCD 31718 Mark My Words)

Pianist LeeAnn Ledgerwood’s fifth entry on the label presents her new trio with John Graham Davis on bass and Brandon Lewis on drums. With these young and immensely talented sidemen, Ledgerwood regards this album as her best trio recording to date. Critic Dick Bogle wrote of Ledgerwood, “…She has tons of technique, handfuls of soul and volumes of ideas…”

Since his first leader album (SCCD 31313 “New Horizon”) in 1992 bassist/composer/leader Steve LaSpina has been acclaimed both as composer and performer for his consistently creative releases on SteepleChase. The latest release “Remember When”, as Mark Gardner describes in the linernotes, “…constitute a recital of rare balance in which heartfelt emotions and poignancy are ever present.” “… Persistently inventive writing …” “…LaSpina’s originals are deliciously songful” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz) “As a bassist, LaSpina evokes a wonderful sound, bent to the task by a solid time concept and intonation. That his understanding of the instrument is comprehensive comes through loud and clear…” (Bill Bennett, JazzTimes)

“…there is a special world of meticulous jazz composition envisaged by the creative sensibility of Gigi Gryce to be re-discovered in Blue Lights. And the interpretation of those works by Chris Byars and his men is to be applauded and cherished. They are both authentic and inspired.” (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

Transition

Tenor saxophonist Rich Perry returns with Dream, his 28th release on SteepleChase, reaffirming his place as one of the most introspective and lyrical voices in modern jazz. Joined by his long-standing quartet—Gary Versace (piano), Jay Anderson (bass), and John Riley (drums)—Perry crafts a set that is both timeless and deeply personal reflecting his evolving artistry and minimalist elegance. Critics have long praised Perry’s “impeccable taste” and “subtle articulation” (JazzTimes), his “adventurous yet highly listenable” approach (All About Jazz), and his ability to “imbue each tune with intense feeling.” Perry summarizes Dream as “a document of where I’m at right now…. this is the kind of album I like to listen to.