Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Olegario Diaz moved to USA at age 17 to study jazz at the Berklee College of Music and then furthered his studies at New York’s Manhattan School of Music where he earned the master’s degree. Currently in Venezuela, Diaz leads an active life as performer and renowned author of several instructional books. He travels frequently to New York to record and perform. “Diaz wrote seven of the tunes here and that seems logical as he appears to be one of the best jazz composers today…. He is more than a fresh breath of air in the classical post-bebop tradition.” (Ole Nimand – Jazz Special on SCCD31774 Basquiat By Night/Day)

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

In the 70's Schneider received much public acclaim for his efforts with the Charles Mingus and Horace Silver bands. While he has been active ever since, his development as an artist has only been well documented on SteepleChase and this CD marks Larry Schneider's 8th effort as a leader for producer Nils Winther. "Devoid of any of the inherent sappiness that is common to the lightweight tones of those adult contemporary-type players, Schneider's soprano work is marked by a mild vibrato and dark timbre that is more akin to Steve Lacy's approach" Chris Hovan - allaboutjazz.com - in reference to a previous Schneider release on SteepleChase ("Ali Girl" SCCD 31429).

Renowned critic Richard Cook wrote in JazzReview about George’s previous release Twins (SCCD 31485) “… one listens through the record in a kind of wonderment at his imagination. He never seems to take an obvious route….” And here again with his regular trio, George Colligan recorded an album that is full of excitement and stimulation.

“Somebody find this guy a high profile gig!” was how Willard Jenkins set out to review Colligan’s earlier release “Stomping Ground “ (SCCD 31441) in the December 99 issue of JazzTimes. George Colligan is undoubtedly one of the most exciting pianists on the scene today. And the high profile gigs are pouring in. One of those gigs took him to Copenhagen early this year giving SteepleChase a chance to team him up with one of the best Danish bassists of the younger generation Jesper Bodilsen. The meeting of the two hugely talented musicians produced an electrifying album. A new DUO was born!

A brilliant sequel to the highly acclaimed Standard Issue (SCCD 31439) of 1998, this volume has a welcome addition of pianist Harold Danko on three of the five tracks. In the warm atmosphere of live house, the band gets extra energy from the appreciative audiences. Dick Oatts’ personal sound on alto sax (and tenor sax on one track) is once again a real treat for all listeners.

Pianist Michael Cochrane displays here his deep appreciation and understanding of great saxophonist/composer Wayne Shorter’s music of the 60s. The 73 minutes of Shorter melodies are performed with great sensitivity, imaginations and dexterity by one of the best jazz piano trios today. “Cochrane is a mature and imaginative pianist with a delicate touch and deep harmonic resources…” (Dave Gelly, Gramophone Jazz Good CD Guide)

Between 1992 and 1998, trumpeter Brad Goode recorded many of the club dates he played in Chicago. Most of these featured the eminent tenor saxophonist Von Freeman with Brad, other guest soloists and various rhythm sections. Scores and scores of hours of potent music were documented and from that vast "live" archive Mr Goode and SteepleChase producer Nils Winther have selected the cream for this series of "Inside Chicago" jazz CDs of which this is the 3rd volume.

Trumpeter/composer Jason Palmer has surprised audiences with each of his new releases full of fresh concept and amazing execution. This his 4th release is no exception. All Jason originals here are inspired by the places he has visited during his numerous tours throughout the world including the two towns closest to his heart: his birth place High Point, North Carolina and his current home town near Boston, Roslindale. Jon Ross of Downbeat remarks of Jason, “Palmer is an exciting player - achieving pinpoint focus in his attack one minute, turning his concrete bebop lines into caramel, sliding through pitches and bending them to his will the next. If Palmer's music stays close to home, he should go far."

Frequent leader on the label Jed Levy called upon for this new album pianist George Colligan and bassist Ron McClure both of whom were the sidemen of Jed’s remarkable SteepleChase debut “Sleight of Hand” (SCCD 31383), plus veteran drummer Adam Nussbaum. “Very impressive and about as inventive a departure from the standard tenor-and-rhythm conventions as one can hope for…” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD – on “Sleight of Hand”) “… saxophonist Jed Levy delivers one of the most enjoyable albums of the year. It's also accessible, straight-ahead music that everyone can enjoy…” (George Kanzler AAJ on “One Night At The Kitano” SCCD 31669)

Larry Schneider teamed up with his soul mate group of Andy LaVerne (piano), Mike Richmond (bass) and Adam Nussbaum (drums) calls this album “…one of my most satisfying recording experiences…. Four friends who know how to play together and create freedom from structure…” On his previous release Jazz (SCCD 31505) Bill Bennett of JazzTimes wrote, “ The momentum that saxophonist Larry Schneider generates here is just awesome. ….Schneider and the stellar rhythm section-so typical of SteepleChase are completely at ease in sharing roles and responsibilities…”

This is the third recording by the Tony Purrone Trio which has been together for five years. On their first album “The Tonester” (SCCD 31495) Aaron Steinberg of JazzTimes wrote, “…With an admirable sense for moderation and a flair for shooting sparks, Purrone combines just the right amounts of grit and harmonic sophistication. …Purrone’s tasteful playing complements his interesting choices in tunes…” And the second album “Rascality” (SCCD 31514) received the following remarks from Jim Ferguson in JazzTimes, “…his musical abilities run deep and encompass musicality, creativity and the ability to swing….While Purrone does possess awesome skills, he exercises restraint, calling upon them when they fit into his emotional and conceptional scheme.”

Like many other musicians tenor saxophonist Jed Levy has been drawing inspiration from the vast repertoire by the prolific genus of Duke Ellington. Jed has selected and transcribed for this recording rarely heard Ellington compositions. “…The strength of the material inspired all of us and it was great to hear these tunes come to life. What started out as an early morning record date with some very challenging music soon progressed into downright fun and we all left with a smile on our face. I hope the smile is contagious as you share with us the joy that is the music of Duke Ellington.“ (Jed Levy)

Although this is his leader debut album, trombonist Vincent Gardner has been on the front line of almost all major big bands in the USA and has been one of the most sought after soloists on the scene for some time. SteepleChase is proud to introduce Vincent Gardner as its new recording artist. “…Vincent Gardner has definitely arrived as a force to be reckoned with and merits all the elbow room he and his fluent trombone can find!” (Mark Gardner)

Tom Guarna has been active on New York’s jazz scene since the late 80s playing with the Yellow Jackets, Randy Brecker, Lenny White, the Mingus Orchestra, among others. He is also widely known for his collaboration with Blood, Sweat and Tears in the late 90. “…Tom Guarna here makes an impressive, albeit belated, debut at the helm of a highly musical and ever swinging trio who combined for a truly irresistible Get Together.” (Mark Gardner)

Half Note

Confirmation

Blues For Harvey

Dr. Jackle

Japanese 24-bit remastered pressing. Disk Union. 2017.

Birdtown Birds

This Is Buck Hill

Axen

The House That Love Built

The House I Live In