In a deeply impressive and magnificent synthesis of gospel, jazz and contemporary music, Uri Caine tells the moving story of Octavius Catto, born in 1839 in South Carolina to free African-American parents. Catto's family moved to Philadelphia in 1844, where he studied, became an educator, humanities scholar, top cricket and baseball player, and civil rights activist. Together with his fellow campaigners, he achieved the abolition of slavery and discrimination in elections based on race, color, or former serfdom, as well as the creation of educational institutions for African-Americans. Catto was murdered by Frank Kelly during riots on election day in 1871. Octavius Catto: "We shall never rest at ease, but will agitate and work, by our means and by our influence, in court and out of court, asking aid of the press, calling upon Christians to vindicate their Christianity, and the members of the law to assert the principles of the profession by granting us justice and right, until these invidious and unjust usages shall have ceased."
Since the time vibraphone was invented in 1921 (could be 1916) there has been an impressive and growing list of exceptional practitioners of this mallet instrument. And one of them is Tony Miceli whom Victor Schermer of All About Jazz describes as, “a vibraphonist of astonishing virtuosity, musical resilience, and inventiveness. His vibes playing is nothing short of phenomenal.”
Miceli performs and gives masterclasses in the US and abroad. This is Tony Miceli’s leader debut album on SteepleChase.
This laid back program of classics by powerhouse jazz composers Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn adequately show Tommy Smith’s virtuosic saxophone playing. Smith does a fantastic job of keeping the composers’ intentions in mind, while still adding his own colors and textures to these classics. Smith is accompanied here by an all-star trio of musicians, including Kenny Barron, Peter Washington and Billy Drummond. Many of these tracks were recorded in just one take. This album was originally released in 1998, and is being re-issued here as part of Linn’s ECHO series.
Wayne Shorter once said “To hell with the rules, I’m going for the unknown”. This is what we did on this recording. No talks about tunes, keys, solos, tempos—as a matter of fact Jean-Michel and Marilyn hadn’t even played together before. We just started playing to see where the music would take us - and as you can hear it was quite a trip. We did two long sets and occasionally a tune would emerge - but most of the time we where in unchartered waters, taking us to places we haven’t been before. This is the ultimate way of improvising. Why then is the album called Composing? Well - Arnold Schoenberg also once said “Composing is improvisation slowed down”. This album is compositions in realtime. - Mads Vinding
A superior post bop soloist, tenor saxophonist, composer, and educator David Detweiler is influenced by early John Coltrane and Michael Brecker but has a sound and style of his own within the mainstream of modern jazz.
Currently Assistant Professor of Jazz Saxophone, David joined the faculty at Florida State University in 2016 after serving as Director of Jazz Studies at Nazareth College (Rochester, NY). He has performed at many of New York City’s premier live-music venues such as The Blue Note, Birdland, The Knitting Factory, and The Iridium.
His first record as a leader, New York Stories, featured Leon Anderson, Clarence Seay, Chris Pattishall, and Rick Lollar. His second record as a leader, The Dave Detweiler Trio was released in August 2015. Celebrating Bird with bassist Fumi Tomita was released September 2020 and The Astoria Suite was released in 2021.
Bassist, composer, and educator Fumi Tomita was active in the New York jazz scene for over fifteen years. His 2019 recording, The Elephant Vanishes: Jazz Interpretations of the Short Stories of Haruki Murakami, was released to critical acclaim by Origin Arts records and was listed in the top ten records of 2019 by Jazziz. He is currently Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
A long-awaited release that features the late guitar master at his most lyrical and inventive was recorded in January 2017 but held back until now. This session led by vibraphonist Tony Miceli is a poignant tribute to Vic Juris’s boundless musicality and deep connection to the jazz tradition. Inspired by the spirit of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club legacy, the quartet reimagines classic French repertoire with fresh arrangements and modern interplay. The interpretations of “Nuages” and “La Vie En Rose” are especially moving, revealing a depth of emotion that resonates even more powerfully in light of his passing. Miceli, who spearheaded the project, recalls Juris’s uncanny ability to absorb and reproduce any tune—“like an iPod with soul.”
This recording, lovingly restored by SteepleChase producer Nils Winther, transforms what was once a shelved session into a sonic gem. It stands as both a celebration of Vic Juris’s artistry and a testament to the enduring power of collaboration.
Incidentally Miceli’s witty and heartfelt liner notes reads as an ode to Vic the stellar artist.
Storyville Records is pleased to announce the release of In Rome, a new album by Danish bassist Thomas Fonnesbaek alongside esteemed jazz musicians, pianist Enrico Pieranunzi, saxophonist Rosario Giuliani, drummer Roberto Gatto and singer Valentina Ranalli. The album is set for release on November 1, 2024. This recording consists of 11 original compositions, 9 by Pieranunzi, 1 by Fonnesbaek and 1 by Gatto. Thomas Fonnesbaek is considered one of the most important and distinctive bassists on the European jazz scene today. His virtuosic technique, "Nordic sound" and ability to craft cohesive solos place him in the lineage of Danish bassists like Niels-Henning orsted Pedersen, Bo Stief and Jesper Lundgaard, while also showing kinship with greats like Dutch bassist Hein van de Geyn and prominent Swedish bass players. Nevertheless, Fonnesbaek's style is uniquely his own, honed through a self-taught journey that captivates audiences with a rare ability to evoke Duende - the inexplicable power of attraction that moves listeners emotionally, a concept coined by Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca. For those who have had the privilege of experiencing Fonnesbaek live, they will recognize this Duende in his playing. He often takes risks that challenge both his fellow musicians and audiences, creating moments of magic. In Rome captures these moments, highlighting Fonnesbaek's collaboration with some of Europe's finest musicians. At the core of the album is the partnership between Fonnesbaek and Enrico Pieranunzi, one of Europe's most revered pianists. Pieranunzi, known for his collaborations with the likes of Chet Baker, Mark Johnson, Paul Motian, and the legendary film composer Ennio Morricone, brings his extensive jazz and classical music background to this recording. Having recorded numerous albums together, Pieranunzi and Fonnesbaek share a musical chemistry that fuels this project. Joining the trio is Roberto Gatto, a drummer celebrated in European jazz circles. His elegant, sensitive approach enhances the group's interplay, while Rosario Giuliani on saxophone and Valentina Ranalli on vocals further elevate the music. In Rome is a testament to the creativity and mastery of European jazz. This album is jazz at it's finest!
Back in the 90s, producer Stefan Winter got to know and appreciate drummer Jim Black as a JMT sideman of Tim Berne and Uri Caine. 20 years ago, the young drummer fulfills his dream of releasing his first leader album on the label that is also home to the recordings of Tim Berne, Uri Caine and Paul Motion. For the anniversary of WINTER & WINTER, Jim Black compiles his personal selection of the recordings of his group AlasNoAxis: Music for open ears, for explorers of the unusual and unconventional. The musicians of AlasNoAxis combine jazz elements, new wave and grunge to create their very own sound. Stefan Hentz writes: “...atmospheric songs in which the saxophone sings while bass, drums and Hilmar Jensson's peculiarly motionless guitar shred the familiar and pile up new energies with the fragility of dissolved harmonies, the power of their power chords or even with true feedback orgies.”
Described by critics as beyond category, to use Duke Ellingtons signature compliment (All About Jazz), Japanese marimba extraordinaire Mika Stoltzman brings her wealth of experience to her latest Mikarimba album, Big Round Records Taperebá. Vibrant and bursting with flavor (just like the Brazilian fruit which the album derives its title from), the jazzy Taperebá features performances by Stoltzman and a circle of legendary fellow artists. With over 25 Grammy Awards shared between the members on this record, a memorable listening experience is practically guaranteed. Taperebá brings notable names from around the globe and a spectrum of musical experiences into one collection. Featuring the likes of Stoltzman, her husband and Grammy Award-winning clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, and a lineup including the legendary bassist Eddie Gomez, iconic percussionist Steve Gadd and his son Duke, and Brazilian mandolin great Hamilton de Holanda, the album leads audiences through a lighthearted yet technically spellbinding listening experience with just the right amount of flare. Each piece on the album was either written or arranged for Stoltzman, such as the Paul Simon classic 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, arranged by Steve Gadd (who, not to mention, played drums on the original Simon version). From this, to Return to Bahia written specifically for Stoltzman by Bill Douglas, an arrangement of Chick Coreas Spain, and more, Taperebá altogether moves listeners through a kaleidoscope of 20th and 21st-century jazz, popular music, and more. Taperebá is many things: a collection of works by legends past and present, a celebration of rich and diverse styles, and a group of friends making beautiful music together. However one connects with the music most, Taperebá is an experience not to be missed.
Featuring reinterpretations of famous jazz standards by artists like Joe Lovano, Lee Konitz, Bill Frisell, Charlie Haden, and his daughter Petra Haden on vocals, Paul Motian creates an audio film about scenes in New York City for closed eyes.
Twenty years after their acclaimed trilogy, Eric Rasmussen and his long-standing quartet return with School of Tristano 4—a revelatory deep dive into the compositions and aesthetics of Lennie Tristano, Lee Konitz, and Warne Marsh, paired with striking originals.
Drawing from decades of study, stage experience, and personal connection, Rasmussen’s quartet reinvents this rich, often-underrepresented repertoire with stunning clarity, warmth, and spontaneity.
While the album brims with telepathic interplay and ensemble finesse, Rasmussen’s alto saxophone sings with a personal voice, never imitative, always rooted in the language of deep jazz tradition but reaching forward.
Guitarist Nate Radley, bassist Dave Ambrosio, and drummer Mark Ferber bring unmatched sensitivity, groove, and lyrical depth.
School of Tristano 4 offers both serious jazz heads and adventurous listeners a fresh insight into classic modernist repertoire—an album that resonates with the spirit of Tristano while speaking entirely in the quartet’s own voice.
Saxophonist-composer Chris Byars, praised as a modern master of ensemble writing and conceptual storytelling, delivers new album The Dark Forest—his fifteenth release on SteepleChase and perhaps his most introspective to date. Byars’ signature Original Jazz Sextet achieves remarkable harmonic and emotional depth through intricate voicings and counterpoint.
Critics have celebrated Byars as a visionary of new bop vocabulary. His previous albums like Boptics and Rhythm and Blues of the 20s drew accolades for their smart, infectious writing and engaging solo showcases.
“… he knows his musicians so well, Byars is masterful in his writing, blending the reeds and trombone in intricate ensembles while letting the soloists all shine throughout.” (Ken Dryden – New York City Jazz Record on SCCD 31929)
Following the critical acclaim of The Talisman (SCCD 31955), alto saxophonist Dave Pietro returns with The Butterfly Effect, his second release on SteepleChase—a label that has become a vital platform for his richly inventive voice. A veteran of ensembles led by Maria Schneider, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Gil Evans, Pietro continues to command attention as a composer and bandleader whose work is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant.
Returning collaborators include pianist Gary Versace, whose kaleidoscopic soloing adds depth and color, and bassist Jay Anderson, whose expressive lines anchor the group with elegance. Trumpeter Scott Wendholt and drummer Adam Cruz round out the lineup, each contributing dynamic performances that elevate Pietro’s compositions. His writing is marked by intricate counterpoint, unexpected harmonic shifts, and a deep sensitivity to ensemble interplay. Pietro’s music balances complexity with clarity. The Butterfly Effect is more than a follow-up—it’s a statement of artistic evolution. Where The Talisman introduced Pietro’s voice to a broader audience, this new release deepens the narrative, offering a compelling blend of lyrical beauty, structural sophistication, and improvisational fire.
“Pietro has great chops and a profound imagination, and possesses a warm, accessible, lyrical sound...” ( Lee Lowenfish - New York Jazz Newsletter)
Yuko Mabuchi Trio thrills audiences with every concert. Her January performance opening for Branford Marsalis in the 1,800 seat Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall whet international jazz appetites. She next headlined the Arlington Jazz Festival in Texas, and Yuko Mabuchi Trio performed in Blues Alley in April as part of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D. C. European and Asian stages beckon. Yuko s debut recording on Yarlung, "Yuko Mabuchi Trio," was a top seller in the Yarlung catalog last year, in all formats. Yuko deserves this success. "The Absolute Sound" published a rave review of her Segerstrom concert. Elaborating further, Rick Brown writes in Yarlung News Yuko Mabuchi combines sexy athleticism at the piano with serious musical poetry. The young fans in the house responded to both with great enthusiasm. So did audience members in their 70s and 80s. This was a fast up tempo set resulting in thunderous applause with audience members yelling and stamping their feet for the standing ovation at the end.... I recognized some audience members who had driven from San Francisco or flown in from Hong Kong and different parts of the country for the event....
Clement: Coming Home - Jazz Thing Next Generation, Vol. 97
Double Moon Records
CD
$16.99Apr 07, 2023
Drummer Mathieu Clement is only 21 years old, and he was only 20.at the time of recording “Coming Home”. Jazz is in the best hands with this young group, all of whom are younger than thirty. Mathieu Clement's sextet celebrates the balance between tradition and modernity with great enthusiasm and shows that the label "Jazz thing Next Generation" is a never-ending source.
“...Witchdoctor’s Son contains the most infectious, buoyant, gleeful music...the interaction between Pukwana and Tchicai’s vastly differing phrase sensibilities is one of the joys of this recording...” (Lange, Down Beat)
“...from Dyani’s most consistently inventive period...” (The Penguin Guide To JAZZ)
The timeless brilliance of jazz with the remastered edition of Johnny Dyani's Witchdoctor's Son, originally recorded in 1978 brings together musicians from South Africa, Denmark, and Brazil, blending their unique styles with the rich heritage of American jazz. The presence of John Tchicai, a stalwart of the New York jazz scene, adds depth to this remarkable record. The music is deeply rooted in South African traditions, with themes composed by Johnny Dyani and Dudu Pukwana, and traditional tunes arranged by them. The spirit of Africa, especially the Xhosa world, is a constant presence throughout the album.
With over 30 leader/co-leader albums on SteepleChase, Andy LaVerne stands as one of jazz’s most quietly fearless innovators. His new project, Crystal Night, expands the dynamic chemistry of his acclaimed trio—bassist Mike Richmond and drummer Jason Tiemann—by adding vibraphone’s rising star Sasha Berliner, whose artistry evokes the spirit of Bobby Hutcherson and Gary Burton while charting her own path.
This quartet offering features ten newly written LaVerne compositions, each meticulously designed to explore subtle harmonic colors, metric shifts, and emotional depth. From the title track’s crystalline lyricism to the explosive energy of “Power Play” and the gently introspective “Second Thoughts,” Crystal Night is a study in texture, trust, and ensemble clarity.
“If you haven’t known Andy LaVene ever, This ine is a perfect introduction. It’s lyrical, musicaly intensive and most eloquent.” (Ole Mayyiemen – Jazz Special on SCCD 31818 Genesis)
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.
Yes, Brouqui is French and a phenomenal guitarist/composer and this is his SteepleChase debut album. But no, this is not of French Gypsy tradition. He is out of pure American modern jazz vein with a touch of French elegance. He commutes between Paris and NYC performing and recording.
“A warm jazz full of swing. His inspired and fast guitar interprets with assurance and sensitivity. We will savour the creative breath of his improvisations…. highly recommended.” (Claude Olberg - Jazz Magazine)
Veteran bassist Scott Lee, renowned for his innovative compositions and masterful performances, brings a fresh and dynamic energy to this his fourth release on SteepleChase. Lee’s vision of the bass as a melodic force, alongside pianist Vazquez and drummer Hirshfield, pushes the narrative in unexpected directions. Since moving to NY in the late 70s. Lee has worked with Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, Zoot Simms, Al Cohn, Freddie Hubbard, Red Rodney, Kenny Werner, Joe Lovano to mention a few. Bill Smith of JazzTimes comments on One Thought (SCCD 31687) ,” Leader and bassist Scott Lee offers simple yet thought-provoking music …. Those who feel that jazz is losing its creative edge should hear this album and other basically mainstream offerings of the last few years .”
Chicago’s grand tenor man Earle Lavon "Von" Freeman Sr. (October 3, 1923 – August 11, 2012) was a revered and most loved elder of the jazz scene in the Windy City. Von has been on producer Nils Winther’s top priority list of the musicians he wanted to record. The dream came true in the late spring of 1992, when Von was 72. Von’s powerful tenor is tastefully supported by his trusted rhythm section of Jodie Christian (piano), Eddie De Haas bass) and Wilbur Campbell (drums)..
“This is an excellent introduction to the Chicago style of tenor playing and to four extremely creative musicians at their peaks.” (Cadence)
SteepleChase proudly presents the 2025 audiophile reissue of Jaywalkin', the iconic 1976 album by legendary Danish jazz bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen. Known for his impeccable technique and rich, resonant tone, Pedersen’s playing on this album is nothing short of masterful.Remastered from the original analog tapes for unparalleled sound clarity 180g heavyweight vinyl with exclusive new liner notes exploring the album’s legacy and Pedersen’s virtuosity by bassist and NHØP biographer Thomas Ovesen
Featuring Philip Catherine on guitar, Ole Kock Hansen on electric piano, and Billy Higgins on drums, Jaywalkin' is a dynamic blend of swing, bossa nova, and intricate jazz improvisation. The title track "Jaywalkin'" stands as one of Pedersen’s finest performances, showcasing his effortless command over rhythm and melody.
A Must-Have for Jazz Collectors
June 15, 1976 Long tall Dexter plunges into a blowing spree in this unusual piano-less trio format. “...It contains some of his freest solos, notably On Green Dolphin Street...” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz)
C. Andrew Hovan the author of the new liner notes for the album writes: “Lullaby for a Monster”, recorded just before his triumphant homecoming, stands as a powerful reminder of an era when jazz giants roamed in abundance. A favorite among musicians, this album deserves wider recognition within Gordon’s impressive discography.”
“...intense and vibrant music throughout...” (DIAPASON, France)
“.... in this stripped down setting Dexter Gordon is truly on fire ...” (Soulpope – The Jazz Beat) 180g Audiophile Vinyl
Just in Time, is a long-overdue spotlight on one of jazz’s most quietly influential pianists. Recorded in 1989 with Bob Cranshaw on bass and Kenny Washington on drums, this trio session captures Willis’s lyrical touch, harmonic depth, and rhythmic sophistication in full bloom.
Willis’s career began with a voice solo in Aaron Copland’s The Second Hurricane under Leonard Bernstein, but jazz soon claimed him. By 19, he was playing with Jackie McLean and Hugh Masekela, and later with Stan Getz, Cannonball Adderley, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. His style—rooted in Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly, and Herbie Hancock—melds cerebral modernism with soulful hard bop.
The album features a mix of standards and originals, including the swinging title track, the introspective “Soul Search,” and the Monk-inspired “T’s Bag Blues.” His Latin-tinged “Te Quiero Mi Hermano” and homage to Herbie Hancock on “One Finger Snap” reveal a pianist deeply attuned to rhythm and tradition.
Critic Russ Musto writes, “Considering the pianist’s continuous growth in forty years of playing, I’d say its timing is prime. I’ll take it now. And look to the future for more.” Willis himself praises Cranshaw’s ballad work and calls Washington “perhaps the finest young drummer to come along in a long time.”
G1251 is not just timely—it’s timeless. A must-have for collectors and a revelation for new listeners.
“…Larry Willis plays piano with style, soul and a constant stream of heart.” (Jerome Wilson, Cadence)
This album is all about Tadd Dameron (1917 - 65), one of the most important American jazz composer/musicians. The master baritone saxophonist and perennial pole winner Gary Smulyan conceived the brilliant idea of recording Dameron compositions with lyrics. The vocal part is phenomenally rendered by the young talent Anaïs Reno. Three songs including the lovely This Night Of Stars have hitherto never been recorded.
“While Smulyan solos brilliantly throughout, Reno is the real treat here.” (Bill Milkowski – DownBeat on SCCD 31936).
“Smulyan here brings to light Dameron’s heretofore unknown Library of Congress trove of standard-quality off-Broadway gems.” (Fred Bouchard – NYCJR on SCCD 31936) 180g Audiophile Vinyl
Grammy-nominated pianist/composer Michael Eckroth makes his long-awaited SteepleChase debut as a leader with Contrafacto, joined by veteran bassist Ron McClure and dynamic drummer Steve Johns. Long recognized on the label as a versatile sideman, Eckroth steps forward with a program that highlights his refined touch, modern harmonic sense, and deep grounding in the jazz tradition. The trio explores originals and reimagined forms with clarity, swing, and understated fire, allowing Eckroth's melodic imagination to unfold in conversation with McClure's seasoned authority and Johns's responsive drive. Contrafacto introduces a mature, distinctive pianist whose writing and improvising balance structural elegance with spontaneity, marking a compelling new chapter in the SteepleChase piano trio lineage.
Spike Wilner makes a striking SteepleChase debut as a leader with Bird's Words, an album that distils the essence of Charlie Parker into something both reverent and freshly alive. Recorded in Paris with longtime colleagues Dmitry Baevsky, Yves Brouqui, Paul Gill, and Joe Strasser, the session embraces bebop's original discipline: concise, melodic soloing and a shared commitment to speaking Bird's language without modern embellishment. Wilner-steeped in the lineage of Walter Davis Jr., Jaki Byard, and Barry Harris-brings clarity and deep historical insight to every track. The band's tight interplay, crisp articulation, and unforced authority make Bird's Words a vibrant homage that reclaims the art of the concise, meaningful solo. A joyful celebration of Parker's enduring legacy.
![Uri Caine: The Passion of Octavius Catto [Vinyl]](http://arkivmusic.com/cdn/shop/files/3862757-2626823.jpg?v=1786640848&width=800)
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