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After Midnight

Relax And Enjoy

“…a first class young musician, …an intelligent, possibly major talent …” (Jazz Journal) “ …impressive leader debut …a fully formed stylist, …a writer of substance.” (JazzTimes) “…Ambrose passes all test with four stars…” (Dick Bogle) “…Ambrose is a star on the rise…”(CD Review) Ari Ambrose collected tons of praises from the jazz critics all over the world for his gutsy debut album of pianoless trio format. On his sixth album here, Ari formed a pianoless and tightly knit quartet “ by four jazzmen, characterised by their willingness to test and stretch their individual and collective imaginations to the limits in the cause of making resilient music”.(Mark Gardner)

The Bob Rockwell Trio

Peter Zak’s new album, a solo recital on the label's famed Fazioli F278 grand piano, not only showcases his impressive craftsmanship on the instrument but also reveals once again his profound musicality that makes his music tremendous listening pleasure. Thomas Conrad of JazzTimes commented on Zak’s previous album “For Tomorrow” (SCCD 31592), “…one of the most polished, intelligent, swinging piano trio now playing in New York or anywhere else…”

This month’s LookOut features an exciting New York ensemble co-led by bass/drum team of Ambrosio and Meissner. Bassist David Ambrosio has a wide spectrum of musical background from classical composition to jazz performance including Afro/Cuban Bata drumming which gives a unique color to this album. Drummer Russ Meissner grew up in Toronto, Canada and studied music at William Patterson University in NJ. Since late 90s Meissner has been one of the most sought after drummers on NY scene. With this strong backbone duo New York’s foremost instrumentalists present this inventive and creative set here.

Italy’s new piano-forte star Federico Bonifazi hails from Umbrian region but his musical soul belongs to the jazz scene of New York city where this his second SteepleChase LookOut release was produced. On this album Bonifazi invites trumpeter Philip Harper of the Harper Brothers to be featured. “You'll see is an album worthy of special attention, designed and built with strong artistic personality and with a huge communicative generosity, in which Bonifazi interacts with his fellow performers with that nurturing freedom with humility and discretion that only great artists possess and that’s what makes this CD a real gem in the musical production of the Umbrian pianist.” (A Proposito di Jazz on SCCD 33125)

The Anderson Brothers (identical twins) are no new-comers in spite of their young age (b. 1987 in Washington D.C.). Peter & Will had already been active on US and international jazz scene as teenagers receiving numerous accolades from the press and acclaim from the thrilled audience. On this new album Peter (tenor sax), Will (alto sax) join forces with fellow tenor saxists Ken Peplowski and Grant Stewart to present a dazzling program of quintessential jazz repertoire. “A Perfect example of two heads being better than one. Outfitting a group with alto and tenor saxophones perfectly encapsulates the wide harmonic array and colourful timbrel ranges each instrument can achieve.” (Eric Wendell – Hot House May 2014)

As Rich Perry’s previous release SCCD 31776 “Nocturne” deviated the standard quartet configuration by replacing piano with guitar, on this his 22nd album Rich tries something new again: an organ trio. With his two long-time creative partners (Gary Versace at the keyboard and Jeff Hirshfield on drums) Rich Perry opens a new chapter of the art of jazz improvisation. “This is standards-centered jazz of the best sort.” (Derek Taylor- dusted magazine on SCCD 31776 Nocturne) “Rich Perry is that rarest of tenor saxophonists — a complete musician with an understanding of space and timing, a palpable sense of color and humor and absolutely no need to showboat or compromise .…. he makes jazz that's adventurous and highly listenable with a smart and sympathetic band playing standards not frequently performed and in new ways of playing in the tradition.” (Donald Elfman - AAJ on SCCD 31558 East Of The Sun & West Of 2nd Ave.)

Denmark’s outstanding keyboardist/pianist/composer Irene Becker first entered in media’s limelight as a charter member of the one of the first women rock band in Denmark back in the 70s. Irene has since been a central figure in the Danish contemporary music scene as composer/performer and as an essential member of the famed New Jungle Orchestra led by her colleague/husband Pierre Dørge. Here on her new album Irene showcases her mettle as arranger/composer adding Greenlandic singer Aviaja Lumholt’s voice to create a unique musical universe. American cornetist Kirk Knuffke, the winner of the 2015 DownBeat “Rising Star” award makes a guest appearance in one of the tracks.

SteepleChase is proud to present this special reunion album. It is a reunion between bandleader/composer/arranger/guitarist Pierre Dørge and producer Nils Winther after a break of 20 years. The ever evolving and innovative sound of NJO through a quarter century of playing has been winning a growing number of enthusiastic fans all over the world.

Award-winning saxophonist/composer CHRIS BYARS divides his artistic focus between development of original material and studying the vast repertoire of jazz composers of the 20th century. During the past five years under SteepleChase label Chris Byars released two albums of his own materials and four albums paying tribute to unsung heroes of bebop compositions of 40s and 50s: Gigi Gryce, Lucky Thompson, Freddie Redd and Duke Jordan respectively. On this new album Byars combines the result of his research into historical compositions and his own creation. “Lucky Strikes Again coaxes a huge sound out of five horns, a credit to the quality of the arrangements… Byars has put together a set of concise, rewarding tracks with a band that turns in a terrific performance of outstanding material.” (AAJ – Greg Simons on SCCD 31713 “Lucky Strikes Again”) “Classic bebop was never strong on formal composition, but Duke Jordan, who died in 2006, was a rare exception… 11 of his pieces are played here by a sextet led by alto saxophonist Chris Byars. The players are all young enough to have been Jordan’s grandchildren, but together they create exactly the full, mellow sound his harmonies demand… an excellent set.” (The Guardian UK – Dave Gelly on SCCD 31787 “The Music Of Duke Jordan”)

“As long as there is jazz, jam sessions will continue to be the glue that holds the art form together. It’s a dyed-in-the-wool tradition in the music and a primary means by which it evolves. These conclaves of like-minded players draw enthusiastically on the best traits of the practice. The days when giants like Bean, Bags, Jaws and Jug frequented after hours haunts, blowing just for the fun of it and honing their craft into a distinctly American art form are past, but the vernaculars they shaped live on in these men and show that the handed down torch is definitely still burning bright.” (Derek Taylor /allabout jazz - on Vol. 6)

Veteran jazz drummer Eliot Zigmund has enjoyed a wide and varied career in jazz spanning forty years of playing with numerous jazz stars: Bill Evans, Jim Hall, Stan Getz, Benny Golson, Lee Konitz, among others. Born 1945 in the Bronx, Eliot grew up in the fertile New York jazz scene of the 50’s and 60’s and began playing professionally at the age of 15. He studied music at both the Mannes College of Music and at the City College of New York. Eliot has been a sideman on many recordings and has also released three albums under his own name including his Steeplechase recording titled “Breeze” (SCCD 31635), featuring Gary Versace, Mike Lee and Phil Polumbi. Trio EZ here consists of New York’s in-demand trumpeter Rick Savage and keyboardist/Hammond B-3 organist Mark Minchello.

One For Bird

Embarkation

The collaboration between Ambrose and Riley on Tenor Treats (SCCD 31656) session, packed with stimulating performances gave us a bonus of enough material for this sequel. “The instantaneous rapport achieved by Riley and Ambrose is indicative of the flexibility of these two accomplished players, who know the value of complementing, rather than trying to outdo, each other. There's a deep unity of thought in the way they roll out each performance . ." (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

New York-based drummer/composer Christian Coleman and one of Australia’s leading pianist Gavin Ahearn worked and recorded together in Sydney in 2008. They got together again in New York to record early this year. The superb recording came under the radar of SteepleChase LookOut label resulting in this release. The session was further joined by the winner of the 2008 Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition Jon Irabagon and New York’s up and coming bassist Iranian-American Sam Minaie.

Volition

One year after her long-awaited comeback album (from a lengthy leave of absence due to illness) “Simple Truth” (SCCD 31705), pianist LeeAnn Ledgerwood compiled this latest album with 100% original material, showcasing her extraordinary talent as composer as well. Carlo Wolff of JazzTimes commented on “Simple Truth”, “Ledgerwood is not interested in impressing with technique and daring; hers is an artistry of nuance and emotional layering. ….. inviting album.” “… pianist Lee Ann Ledgerwood is part of an ever growing contingency of extremely talented jazz musicians of the female persuasion… and first crack at a piano trio record. Ultimately, it proves to be one of the best of its kind in recent memory. Simultaneously adventurous but also emotionally direct…” (C. Andrew Hovan, aaj on “Transition” SCCD 31468)

New York based saxophonist Kim Bock brings his band to Scandinavian tour annually. One of their concerts from Copenhagen is captured here live with the enthusiastic audience. Tom Greenland of allaboutjazz wrote of Bock’s debut album “Secrets” (SCCD 31603): “…An excellent beginning, Secrets showcases Bock’s writing and playing and, most of all, his ability to attune his talents to the voices of his contemporaries.”

Three Of Four

Introducing Ari Ambrose

Bassist/composer/arranger/ Paul Brusger is one of the most sought-after bassists in the New York jazz scene, known for his rock-solid time and his penchant for hard-bop tradition (and for his past as professional baseball player). Here on his SteepleChase LookOut debut album Brusger displays his formidable talent as composer/arranger with his dream quartet comprising of Gary Smulyan (baritone sax), Mike LeDonne (piano) and the legendary Louis Hayes (drums).