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Pennsylvania, 1947) go way back into the late 1970s when the two young musicians cut their teeth in the Thad Jones / Mel Lewis Orchestra. Although they have performed together in all types of groups and bands over the years, this is the first time they perform in a duo setting where “there is never a dull or wasted moment as two minds connect in perfect harmony.” (Mark Gardner from the linernotes)

Tenor Saxophonist Stephen Riley - as an aspiring student of jazz at William Paterson College in New Jersey - had a brief but significant encounter with guitarist Vic Juris who at the time taught ensemble playing class there. A couple decades has passed since and here on his new album Riley asked his former teacher to join him. Sadly, it turned out to be Juris’ last ever recording. He succumbed to cancer a few weeks after the session, although he did not show any sign of physical and mental decline on this date. On the contrary his strong presence in the dialog among the quartet made this album truly extraordinary. “Tenor-saxophonist Stephen Riley has a sound of his own, featuring a tone that is both light and piercing … Riley and Magnarelli who, while tied to the bebop tradition, in this setting do not feel compelled to stick to it. Their fresh ideas and sly song quotes are invigorating…easily recommended. (Scott Yanow – Los Angeles Times on SCCD 31881 Oleo)

John Tchicai (1936 - 2012) to whom this CD is dedicated was one of the most celebrated jazz musicians hailing from Europe (Denmark) of our time. Pierre Dørge owes the considerable part of his musical roots to John Tchicai whose impact on contemporary jazz is immeasurable. “Danish composer-guitarist Pierre Dørge, like Charles Mingus before him, possesses an antic ardor for the striking horn voicings and ruminative soundscapes of Duke Ellington, …. The other signature trait that Dørge’s New Jungle Orchestra semi-big bands have displayed over their 30-plus years of existence is an ability to unleash a cosmopolitan pinwheel of moods, tones and textures.” (Brittania Thompson – JazzTimes on Sketches of India SCCD 31728) “Talk about your pan-cultural jazz. What isn’t in here? Pierre Dørge admits all sorts of influences and styles into the music of his New Jungle Orchestra, ..The aesthetic varies widely from tune to tune, and yet it all feels part of the greater whole… .” (Steve Greenlee – JazzTimes on Jazz Is Like a Banana SCCD 31636)

Stephen Riley (tenor, soprano sax & alto clarinet) is another new SteepleChase recording artist. Although this is his debut recording as the leader, Stephen Riley at the age 30 has an impressive career that includes Wynton Marsalis, the Harper Brothers, the Brecker Brothers, Ray Charles, Clark Terry, the Mingus Big Band, to mention a few. “… From the listener’s point of view, the Stephen Riley Trio has made a most significant and satisfying start… As a leader, Stephen has hit the bull’s-eye first time…” (Mark Gardner)

“Alto saxophonist Stillman, in his early 20s, is quite a discovery and destined for a bright future in jazz.. ” was an opening assertion by JazzTimes’ Owen Cordle reviewing Loren’s 2004 album “How Sweet It Is” (Nagel-Heyer label). Mark Gardner shares Mr. Cordle’s opinion in the linernotes for this album stating, “Sudden mergence as a prodigy need not be a career handicap, and certainly not in the case of saxophonist Loren Stillman, who makes his SteepleChase leadership debut with this impressive CD… ”.

Saxophonist Gregory Tardy, a New Orleans native who has been one of the central figures of American jazz scene for the last decade joined SteepleChase as its new recording artist. SteepleChase is proud to present his first recording for the label. “… This carefully conceived and beautifully executed set can only enhance the reputation of an exceedingly accomplished saxophonist/composer… ” (Mark Gardner)

Gregory Tardy follows up his SteepleChase debut album of 2006 with this immensely inspiring recording. Matthew Miller of All About Jazz wrote of “The Truth” (SCCD 31583): “Of the many stars to have emerged on the jazz horizon during the ‘90s, one of the most disciplined, emotive and perhaps underrated is the multi-faced Gregory Tardy … With this release Tardy takes another step toward establishing himself as one of the most important saxophonists of his generation…..”

Lazy Bird

In A New York Minute

For this new recording bassist Steve LaSpina put together a quartet in order to create a quieter and lyrical instrumentation with his new compositions.

Dave Stryker’s music is deeply rooted in blues, having performed with Jack McDuff in the 80s and Stanley Turrentine in the 90s. Dave’s special blend of jazz and blues culminated first time in 1996 in the form of “Blue To The Bone I” (SCCD 31400). Since then the project has become a popular on-going series. The fourth addition features Stryker’s regular organ trio (Jared Gold on B-3 and McClenty Hunter on drums). “There are solid solos from all hands throughout the album …. Based on the personnel and the feeling of these performances, I'd like to catch this group live”. (Owen Cordle – JazzTimes on Blue To The Bone III SCCD 31465) “As great as the first set was, it's without hesitation that I deem this new one a valiant leap forward. …..They, along with the charts and an elation that the blues almost paradoxically provide, make for an end product that is indeed greater than the sum of the parts” (C. Andrew Hovan-AAJ on Blue To The Bone II SCCD 31524)

SteepleChase opens a new century with one of its favourite genre, piano trio, with the label’s long time contributor Andy LaVerne. This LaVerne’s 20th entry on the label features recent originals by the pianist including title tune “Know More”.

After 5 years’ absence from SteepleChase since his 2004 output While My Guitar Gently Weeps (SCCD 31553) guitarist Vic Juris is back here with a strong trio album, his trademark unpredictability intact to surprise us again. His earlier release Remembering Eric Dolphy (SCCD 31453) prompted JazzTimes’ Duck Baker to write, “Vic Juris is a versatile and impressively accomplished guitarist. His playing exudes warmth, intelligence and respect for the tradition“.

Someday My Prince

SteepleChase proudly introduces a new trumpet star Jason Palmer, the winner of the First prize of 2009 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition. Jason makes his SteepleChase debut with his quintet, which has been serving as the house band at Boston’s historical Wally’s Jazz Café since 2001. “…Jason Palmer reveals a singular originality that surely places him among the foremost brass players of his generation.” (Mark Gardner – from the liner notes)

That's All

Discovering new talents has been SteepleChase’s raison d’être throughout its history. John McNeil’s debut on SteepleChase label “Embarkation” SCCD 31099 in 1978 was a most typical example of such endeavor. During the late 70s and early 80s McNeil made 7 albums on SteepleChase. After 17 years of absence McNeil returns to the label with this thoughtful and stimulating CD, revealing his new height of maturity as an artist. The label itself grew 400 titles richer during the past 17 years.

Brian Charette, hailed as the best of the new breed of B3 players” (Bill Milkowski of JazzTimes) brings here a new trio format with Mike DiRubbo on alto saxophone for his second outing for the label. Charette’s SteepleChase debut album “Upside” (SCCD 31678) met enthusiastic acclaims. Among others, “… he does have something valuable to say as evidenced by the pleasures and strengths indicative to this debut “ (Derek Taylor – Master of A Small House)

Severe Clear

Sienna

One of the earlier entries of Andy LaVerne’s discography on this label was a highly acclaimed duo recording with vibraphonist Dave Samuels “Fountainhead” (SCCD 31261). Nine years later the two artists got together again in the studio with an addition of bass by Jay Anderson this time. The unique trio format of piano, vibes and bass offers a refreshing trip to a less travelled universe.

Accolade to Jack Walrath the trumpeter and composer includes “imaginative”, “unpredictable” and “whimsically humorous”. Most of the material on this new album is inspired by the composer’s recent trip to Greece which takes us To Hellas And Back of Jack’s enhanced devotion to lyricism and his strong projection on all emotional spectrum. “Jack Walrath not only displays tremendous trumpet playing, a rich and varied approach to composition and wonderful band, he also puts something into this fantastic CD that's missing from too much new jazz: a sense of fun and humour…. Musical food for thought with amazing jazz playing, this recording can't be praised highly enough.” (Francis Lo Lee – AAJ on “Ballroom” SCCD 31650) “Forsooth! Provides ample proof that the trumpeter should be on a larger stage.” (Ken Dryden – The New York City Jazz Records on “Forsooth!” SCCD 31722)

Since the inaugural album for SteepleChase “Inside Out” SCCD 31584 (2005) Stephen Riley has shown his inclination to piano-less trio format as in his previous release “Hart-Beat” SCCD 31742. That inclination seems to halt here due to Riley’s encounter with pianist Peter Zak in whom Riley declares to have found an ideal partner. “…. a truly special album.” (Terrell Holmes – The New York City Jazz Record on Hart-Beat) “…. a really solid recording, with some noteworthy playing making it a worthy successor in a lineage of great tenor saxophone trio records.” (Gregg Simmons – AAJ on Hart-Beat)

Ernie Wilkins (1919 – 1999) made phenomenal contribution to the big band music in the last five decades by composing and arranging for such major big bands as those led by Earl Hines, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and Clark Terry. Wilkins moved to Copenhagen in 1979 and in 1980 launched his own Almost Big Band which consists of top musicians from Europe and USA. ...Under leadership of Ernie Wilkins music never becomes a mere parade of soloists. He builds up a piece and gives it a form of unity. ...Listeners will keep finding fresh surprises....” (Albrekt von Konow, Orkester Journalen)