“… Mark Turner, Don Braden and Jimmy Greene offer thoughtful and distinctive collaboration as they negotiate a bunch of great jazz originals, standard ballads and a couple of organic pieces from within this ‘band for a day’… ” (Mark Gardner) On Jam Session Vol 6, Chris Parker of CD Reviews commented, “… this lively, vigorous album is as much a tribute to the liberating effect of the jam session itself as to the talent and commitment of its participants.”

Trumpeter Louis Smith’s formative period as a jazz performer some 50 years ago was in the midst of developing/establishing stage of Bebop. Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro and Clifford Brown are the greatest influence on Louis Smith’s trumpet style. Here on his first release in the new millennium Louis is joined by some of the best bebop players of the younger generation.

The trio Tony Purrone has been leading for a several seasons has an electronic edge with six-string electric bass by guitarist’s long time sidekick Dave Anderson and that’s the sound Tony the Tonester has been exploring for quite some time. The wizard of electric guitar in his favourite setting created a spellbound CD of contemporary jazz.

On Rich Perry’s previous release SCCD 31558 East of the Sun and West of 2nd Avenue, David Franklin of JazzTimes wrote, “Tenorist Rich Perry began a fruitful relationship with SteepleChase more than a decade ago…That long-term collaboration contributes significantly to the success of the present effort. …With his full but soft-edged tone, subtle articulation and impeccable use of dynamics, Perry imbues each of the nine standards in the program with intense feeling…” “…this is a typically thoughtful, engrossing session from a contemporary master of the saxophone,…” (Mark Gardner from the liner notes)

In the summer of 1965 Dexter Gordon spent most of his evenings performing at Jazzhus Montmartre packed with his loyal fans. Five of these evenings were broadcasted by the Danish Radio and SteepleChase is making them all available for the first time. This CD captures high-spirited Dexter on the third night. This CD captures high-spirited Dexter on the third night.

Pianist/Leader/Composer/Educator are a few of the hats worn by Harold Danko. Here he leads his quartet (with special guest Dave Ballou on trumpet) as an interpreter of Eric Dolphy's music. In its seventh recording for SteepleChase, the Harold Danko Quartet explores nine tunes penned by Dolphy. Danko's previous effort for SteepleChase ("Night Scapes" SCCD 31490) has received much praise from critics everywhere. "A hauntingly beautiful collection of eight lambent vignetts" (Chuck Berg, Jazz Times, June 2001) "Danko's solos are wonderfully evocative and impressionistic throughout." (Ron Netsky, Rochester City News, March 2001) "Danko is a thoughtful composer/player whose tasteful themes are awash in musical riches" (Jack Bowers, Cadence Magazine, September 2001).

Guitarist Tom Guarna for his fourth leader CD puts together a beautifully executed album of intriguing music with his long-term collaborators. “…. all the participants shared a respect, familiarity and belief in the tenets of what goes to make good jazz. …” (Mark Gardner – from the liner notes)

The third leader album of Versace finds him in an energetic trio setting. On “Many Places” (SCCD 31589) Matthew Miller of all-about-jazz remarks, “The truly astonishing aspect of Versace’s talent is the potent mix of virtuosity and musicality he brings in equal measure to each performance. In the hands of a lesser musician the B3 can easily overwhelm any musical setting, but Versace’s ear and infallible sensibility seem to always lead him in the right musical direction.”

After a short stay in New York, Dexter returned to his favourite city of Copenhagen in June 1965 and resumed his career’s best and most productive period. This is the first volume of magnificent live performances from Dexter’s favourite club “Jazzhus Montmartre” in 1965.

All 10 pieces comprising this program are particularly suited to treatment by this type of instrumentation. Malach has worked with a whole host of names including Miles Davis and Horace Silver. Cochrane has worked with the likes of Michael Brecker, Eddie Gomez, Clark Terry, and Jack Walrath (SteepleChase SCCD 31172 "In Europe") among many others. On this set Cochrane covers 10 tunes including 2 originals, Bill Evans' "Orbit", Mal Waldron's "Soul Eyes" and Joe Henderson's "Step Lightly".

Peace In The Abstract

Highly unusual jam of three bassists. This jam session is all about “a celebration of a wondrous and indispensable voice in just about every jazz ensemble.” (Mark Gardner). On previous SteepleChase Jam Session series, CD Review’s Rick Finlay wrote: “… SteepleChase’s series of jam sessions drawing together the cream of the contemporary jazz world makes a refreshing change these days .… highly recommended.”

Tenor saxophonist Bill Barron (1927-1989) was already experimenting in the late 1940s with daring ideas of expression that Coltrane would pick up much later. Due to his untimely death this innovative stylist did not receive the wider recognition during his time. This release from among the last recorded material will hopefully serve as the powerful reminder of an artist with truly creative mind.

TO BE CONTINUED

A long-awaited “jazz” album by the great Ronnie Cuber - “… This new set is a prime of example of Cuber dealing with compositions he knows and appreciates. Material that stands up well to re-examination. He’s in good company and great form.” (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

Trumpeter Brad Goode recorded hours and hours of “live” performance at various club dates in Chicago between 1992 and 1998. The band features Brad Goode and Chicago’s legendary tenor saxophonist Von Freeman. This is the first volume from the Goode tape archive, which will be one of the most important documentaries of Chicago Jazz.

Two veterans of bop, trumpeter Louis Smith and saxophonist Billy Mitchell joined by the young lion Mark Turner make the 7th volume of “this essential documentation of jazz” an inspired recital. For Billy Mitchell this was his last recording session. “Billy Mitchell was a dignified hero right to the end, and his playing here will stand as a fitting memorial to his resilient talent.” (Mark Gardner). JazzReview’s Rick Finlay wrote, “…SteepleChase’s series of jam sessions drawing together the cream of the contemporary jazz world makes a refreshing change these days.”

Gong With Wind epitomises neatly the nature and purpose of this unique collaboration between evergreen veteran saxophonist Lee Konitz (supplying the wind) and master percussionist Matt Wilson (the man with the “gongs”). The pair have known each other and played together intermittently for many years. Matt was part of Lee’s group in the early 1990s. Konitz had in mind for sometime to make an entire album with the sole assistance of the drummer for whom he has the highest regard. (from Mark Gardner's liner notes)

Though Sam Newsome started out as a tenor/alto saxophonist, he has always been attracted to the sound of soprano saxophone, noting “The sound of the soprano allows me to be more lyrical and express what I hear.” As a soprano saxophonist, Newsome made a compelling debut album in 1998 entitled “The Tender Side of Sammy Straighthorn” (SCCD 31452). On this new album Mark Gardner remarks, “Sam’s soprano tone is becoming even more individual. Every note is beautifully enunciated, and while the shape of his improvisations benefits from his expressive ease, he can add an edge to his sound whenever he feels the music requires it..."

Guitarist/composer/bandleader Pierre Dørge introduced his New Jungle Orchestra for the first time in Music Café in Copenhagen on September 24, 1980. Since then Dørge has been in the pursuit of “sometimes outlandish adventures” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD – sixth edition) for his vibrant, creative almost big band. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of successful, truly global musical group Pierre Dørge presents NJO with each member with a new piece to perform. “So after 30 years, 21 albums, scores of scores (actually upward of 800), hundreds of concerts, countries galore, tens of thousands of miles, Pierre Dørge and New Jungle Orchestra are still going strong; even stronger than ever. A generation of music-making continues to expand for the pleasure of a truly global audience.” (Mark Gardner – from the liner notes)

On his 7th CD on the label trumpeter Dave Ballou combines the jazz tradition, free improvisation and modern composition to reflect his ever-evolving musical mind. On Ballou’s earlier release “On This Day“ (SCCD 31504) Duck Baker JazzTimes wrote, “ Listeners who believe that free playing is only about angst and catharsis should check out this impressing and engaging outing.”

“…SteepleChase producer Nils Winther's interest in documenting spontaneous meetings of talented musicians deserves praise, demanding single takes and no rehearsals to keep the music fresh and the players on their toes… ” (Ken Dryden on Vols.17 & 18 – AllAboutJazz-NY)

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).

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

Another historical recording from one of the most prolific groups in jazz. Recorded live in Montreaux, in 1974, Kabalaba captures the Art Ensemble during a very strong period for the group. With Muhal Richard Abrahams featured as a special guest, this is a very rare treasure. Kabalaba was originally released on vinyl independently on the Art Ensemble's own label (AECO) in the 70's and reissued on CD in limited quantities. This is the first time that this treasure will be widely available.