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.”

“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)

OrganicLee

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. "

The release of Jam Session Vol 15 featuring three young elites of alto sax coincides aptly with the 50th anniversary year of Charlie Parker’s death. “… Jamming … is actually a creative igniter, serving to raise everyone’s game, while keeping a sense of perspective and respect for the music and each man’s place within it.… ” (Mark Gardner)

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)

On his first SteepleChase leader album bassist Scott Lee features two elite saxophonists of the younger generation: Loren Stillman and Andrew Rathbun. Originally from North Carolina Scott Lee has been a major player in New York scene for two decades and has been performing with Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, Al Cohn, Anita O’Day, just to mention a few.

Vol. 8 features three foremost instrumentalists Ryan Kisor on trumpet, Jimmy Greene on tenor sax and Jim Pugh on trombone on the theme of the 1960’s concept of modality. “The players assembled for a collective review of iconic pieces from that time were all attuned to the spirit of the music and familiar with the patterns and procedures best suited to it…” (Mark Gardner) Derek Taylor of All About Jazz wrote of the previous volumes of this series, “The Danish SteepleChase imprint has long recognized the fertile dynamics of jam sessions, …Volume 5 and 6 in the continuing series offer up vernal combinations and surprises while upholding producer Nils Winther’s credo of “positively no rehearsal.”

Winner of the Kennedy Center's Mary Lou Williams Piano Competition, pianist Helen Sung makes her SteepleChase debut here with her “Rolls-Royce” rhythm section consisting of Peter Washington on bass and Lewis Nash on drums to showcase her original and adept sense of (re) concepting jazz standards and beyond.

Dexter Gordon’s most creative and prolific years were spent in Europe in the 1960s and the first half of 1970s. Right until the great homecoming (to USA) of 1976 Dexter had performed frequently in Copenhagen’s famous Montmartre Jazzhus. Many of the nights were broadcasted by Danish Radio and later released by this label (The Dexter In Radioland series). This latest Gordon album recorded 1974 is special because of the fact that - except for a few tracks which were broadcasted - that night the whole concert of the evening has never been made available to the public before. And Dexter makes this concert even more special with his display of relaxed yet intense power of creativity. On Dexter’s 2004 release Loose Walk SCCD 36032 Chris Kelsey of JazzTimes wrote, “…the gritty soulfulness of his playing reminds us just how much we miss the greats of his generation. They don't make 'em like this anymore.”

After his active performing/recording period in the 80s and 90s Stanley Cowell has devoted his enormous talent in music education at the renowned Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA. Cowell’s previous release SCCD 31704 “Prayer For Peace” in 2010 was his first album in over a decade which evoked Mike Shanley of JazzTimes to comment, “… his phrasing, chordal voicings and use of space are impeccable….a hard-swinging trio never goes out of fashion…” Here on his new album Stanley formed a new trio with his two former students from Rutgers University to reveal that he remains a master of his material and instrument.

Ken Dryden of AllAboutJazz has once described Marcus Printup as “an open-minded player who gives his all in any setting.” In this his latest album the setting is a fertile ground for a trumpeter. Printup pays profound tribute to a dozen of the most significant and influential tumpeters of our time. “Marcus reveres those trumpeters who came before, along with those contemporaries still making their mark. He is a vitally important participant in the long and impressive tradition celebrated in this landmark CD.” (Mark Gardner – from the liner notes)

MAN IN THE ELEVATOR

“…. 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).

This first volume of a SteepleChase jam session series, set to run to more than 20 CD releases, brings together three tenor saxophonists (who, incidentally, double effectively on other instruments) and an excellent rhythm section who combine expertly in a most stimulating session. (from Mark Gardner's liner notes)

A double play in baseball usually involves three players making two outs. Here you have two excellent musicians in Marc Copeland (piano), and Vic Juris (guitar) covering 10 incredible compositions and making good music. This duet renders heartfelt renditions on tunes like Gershwin's "I loves you Porgy", "Who Can I Turn To" (Newley/Bricusse), Cole Porter's "I Concentrate on You" in addition to several originals. Copeland's debut duet CD for SteepleChase w/ Tim Hagans (tpt, fluglehorn), SCCD 31488 "Between the Lines" has met with praise from listeners everywhere. Juris, longtime guitarist with Dave Leibman, has five CDs as a leader for SteepleChase.

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.”

“Don Friedman is probably playing better now than at any other period of his splendid career. Maturity has brought a deepening of emotional expression, a refinement of touch and the knowledge of exactly how much he wants to say within a given performance……On this beautifully conceived and executed CD, Don is in the bright company of three musicians who share his aims and ideals, and hold true to the tenets of balancing spontaneity with organisational clarity and discipline…” (Mark Gardner – linernotes)

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. “

The collaboration between Duke Jordan and SteepleChase in the 70s represents a major body of Duke Jordan’s creative output both as performing artist and as composer. Duke led his regular trio with Wilbur Little and Dannie Richmond during the extensive Scandinavian tour in the autumn of 1978. This release is from the concert at the Art Museum at Høvikodden, Norway, filled with Duke Jordan’s melodic magic.

The fifth and the last volume of “Montmartre Jazzhus 1965” Series turned out to be a reunion of Blue Note’s 1964 release “One Flight Up” team. Dexter Gordon was apparently enjoying the presence of the younger trumpeter Donald Byrd one year after their first encounter in a Paris studio. “ … Dexter and Donald again achieved an excellent blend and a relaxed outing … The two horns made for a nice contrast, with Byrd’s bright, melodic lines set beside Gordon’s robust outpourings.” (Mark Gardner)

The compelling performance by the saxophonist throughout this new C D will prove again the true magnitude of talent to the ever-increasing numbers of critics and listeners who have discovered Rich Perry. “… the tenorman’s absolute command goes with a soft-edged tone and an undemonstrative delivery that creates a paradox at the center of his style… ” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz On CD) “.. As for Perry’s work here, it seems to have moved to an even more inspired level than hitherto, striking and impeccable balance between the cerebral and the emotional.” (Mark Gardner – liner notes) delivery that creates a paradox at the center of his style… ” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz On CD) “.. As for Perry’s work here, it seems to have moved to an even more inspired level than hitherto, striking and impeccable balance between the cerebral and the emotional.” (Mark Gardner – liner notes) “… the tenorman’s absolute command goes with a soft-edged tone and an undemonstrative delivery that creates a paradox at the center of his style… ” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz On CD) “.. As for Perry’s work here, it seems to have moved to an even more inspired level than hitherto, striking and impeccable balance between the cerebral and the emotional.” (Mark Gardner – liner notes)

SteepleChase released its first LP (SCCD 31001 Live At Montmartre Jackie McLean Quartet) in January 1973. Yes, it’s 30 years ago. SteepleChase celebrates the 30th anniversary with this special release of Dexter Gordon 8-CD box set with 52-page booklet loaded with hitherto unpublished photos of Dexter and his sidemen. The tenor giant Dexter Gordon was and still is the backbone of SteepleChase throughout the years. The collaboration between Dexter Gordon and SteepleChase in the year 1974 – 1976 coincides with the artist’s peak of his creative power. Yes, it’s 30 years ago. SteepleChase celebrates the 30th anniversary with this special release of Dexter Gordon 8-CD box set with 52-page booklet loaded with hitherto unpublished photos of Dexter and his sidemen. The tenor giant Dexter Gordon was and still is the backbone of SteepleChase throughout the years. The collaboration between Dexter Gordon and SteepleChase in the year 1974 – 1976 coincides with the artist’s peak of his creative power.

Gordon/Bailey Co. dazzles us again with their powerful live performance on this third volume from the Swedish tour of 1974, which previously produced two highly successful CDs: SCCD 31290 “Round Midnight” and SCCD 31373 “Revelation”. “... all Dexter’s recordings from this time are particularly creative, especially with a soloist of Bailey’s calibre at his elbow to drive Gordon” (Mark Gardner) "...recorded in the early stages of Dexter's residence with the SteepleChase label...This may have been Gordon's great period, surpassing in some ways his earlier years with Blue Note...Dexter is relaxed and confident..." (Krin Gabbard, Cadence)

JazzTimes’ Chris Kelsey commented on Bill Barron Quintet – Live at Cobi’s (SCCD 31570): "Straight ahead tenor players who regularly stretch themselves and break a sweat in the process are too few and far between these days. That's what makes a record by someone like the late Bill Barron so attractive. Barron had no such problems cutting loose. He possessed an original voice-not revolutionary, but unique in its way. Live at Cobi's (Steeplechase) comes from a pair of late '80s concerts Barron gave not long before his death in 1989 at the age of 62. ….. Where are the new Bill Barrons - the mainstreamers who sound like no one but themselves? In this sequel CD tenor saxophonist Bill Barron (1927-1989) features his younger brother, pianist Kenny Barron.