Allegra Levy, a New England Conservatory graduate in her early 20s, has already established herself as a singer/composer/band leader in the New York jazz scene with her sultry, rich tones and truly original compositional skills. Assisted by the legendary trumpeter John McNeil with recording and producing, Allegra makes her recording debut here showcasing her enormous talent. “This is a mature first recording by a singer you're sure to hear more from. I think you'll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed producing it. The tunes are catchy and well-constructed, and you'll probably find yourself singing them in a short time. I sing them still.” (John McNeil from the liner notes)

Reconstruction

Steeplechase producer Nils Winther’s interest in documenting spontaneous meetings of talented musicians deserves praise, demanding single takes and no rehearsals to keep the music fresh and the players on their toes. (Ken Dryden on Jam Session vol. 17 & 18 – allabout jazz)

Born To Be Blue

Dexter In Radioland vol. 6 With his favourite rhythm section, Dexter leads the proceedings of this sixth volume of live transmission from the 60’s European jazz Mecca Montmartre . “This excellent series of records which starts with Montmartre Jazzhus live date from 1962 documents the way in which Gordon was playing when he arrived in Europe ... They prove that he was playing very well at the time...” (Barry McRae, Jazz Journal International)

This Danish Radio transmission of 1966 together with the preceding two volumes (SCCD 36016 “If I Had You” and SCCD 36019 “I Should Care”) from 1965 make up a precious and important part of Brew Moore’s scarce discography and a reminder of a genius whose life ended too prematurely. “…Moore was never happier than during the Copenhagen years, where the working environment, audience appreciation and enthusiastic colleagues were all factors that made life fulfilling.” (Mark Gardner)

“… Riley plays softly but packs a wallop, tearing up speedy bop workouts, sliding deep into the blues, and bouncing merrily in swing time...” , Forrest Dylan Bryant (JazzTimes) on Riley’s “Easy To Remember” (SCCD 31609). On this his third album, the powerful duo collaboration between Stephen Riley and bassist John Brown created a masterpiece.

Thomas Conrad of JazzTimes wrote of the Peter Zak Trio: “… constitute one of the most polished, intelligent, swinging piano trios now playing jazz in New York or anywhere else.”

JazzTimes ‘s Owen Cordle remarked on Christian Winther’s previous SteepleChase Album “The Only Plan” SCCD 31585, “ It marks his rise as another promising tenor saxophonist among the ranks of well-schooled young jazz musicians”. On his third album on the label here Winther plays a soulful jazz vibrant with feeling and passion.

Embrace

There Goes My Heart

The “Three” of “The Three Is Not A Crowd” goes way back to 1977 when Andy LaVerne, Mike Richmond and Billy Hart comprised the rhythm section for the great Stan Getz quartet. Andy LaVerne cut his debut album with Richmond and Hart that year in Copenhagen which was released as “Another World” (SteepleChase SCCD 31086). 35 years later the “Three” convened in a NJ studio to record. The result here is not just a reunion but a new world of creative outpouring by the three mature artists.

This is the first leader album of Joe Locke (b. March 18, 1959 in Palo Alto, California) on SteepleChase. “He has a solid background in the modern-mainstream tradition…An interesting album by a musician from whom I am sure we will hear more.” (Mike Shera – Jazz Journal International) “Joe Locke is a new star on jazz vibraphone scene, who deserves even wider recognition now. This album has a excellent ensemble feel to offer solid performance throughout. Locke’s vibraphone has fresh musicality.” (Sato – Swing Journal)

A new face on SteepleChase, guitarist Craig Brann was born in Whitefield, Maine in 1978 and studied music at William Patterson University in New Jersey. He lives in Brooklyn and performs in and around New York City. Craig’s SteepleChase debut “Advent[ure]” is SteepleChase’s first ever “Christmas” album as all the tunes are based on Christmas carols. Those Christmas melodies here are, however, reworked into something fresh and new by the creative hand of Brann who has long been influenced by Lennie Tristano. "Required holiday listening... Craig Brann and friends dig deep into the jazz canon in order to truly reinvent the world of holiday music. Listen up - you'll not only be charmed at hearing these familiar songs in such a new way, but surprised and rewarded at every turn." (Sam Sadigursky – saxophonist, composer and winner of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award)

Precisely a year ago then 17-year old high school student, Gabe Terracciano from Portland, Maine with his violin in his hand walked into a NYU classroom where the veteran bassist/educator Ron McClure held his jazz ensemble class. McClure, after playing a few tunes together with this young violinist, started to plan this recording session with him. Ron McClure states in the liner notes: “I knew instantly that I was listening to someone who is going to make it!…... I felt like I was a witness to something unique, as much as being part of this event …. ”

Slagle Plays Monk

Pastels

Parade

The 6th leader album by trumpeter Dave Ballou finds him in an unusual but fascinating two-bass quartet form. In addition to the two superb bassists John Hebert and Michael Formanek, percussionist Kevin Norton contributes his part on drums and vibes. Here’re excerpts of reviews on Ballou’s earlier releases: “Ballou plays idea-rich, solidly structured solos…He has a full, warm, cultivated tone; plays very well in the lower as well as upper register…. a thoughtful, melodic improviser….”(Harvey Pekar / JazzTimes on The Floating World SCCD 31486)

Another World

Copenhagen Calypso

“Wonderfully creative work from Pierre Dørge and his New Jungle Orchestra – a set that often features gentle, sensitive musical moments – although always handled with the sort of offbeat style we've come to expect from Dørge!” is the opening comment on Dørge’s previous album Whispering Elephants (SCCD 31652) by DUSTY Groove America. One month prior to the above studio recording Dørge and NJO gave a sold-out concert at the newly opened Royal Play House in Copenhagen, from which this latest album is compiled. The orchestra is enhanced by three international soloist: Sweden’s Josefine Cronholm on vocal, India’s Shashank Subramanyan on flutes and Dawda Jobarteh from Gambia on kora and vocal. Sartre’s immortal quote, “Jazz is like a banana—it has to be consumed on the spot,” may hold true in some instances, but this recording is a thing worth saving and savoring. (on SCCD 31632 Jazz Is Like A Banana, Steve Greenlee/Jazz Times)

Lee Konitz, at seventy something, is one of the most active jazz musicians, not just for his age but simply active, period. He is constantly on the road or in the studios with insatiable appetite for performing. On this date the veteran is surrounded by three Young Lions as Lee calls them. Though they had never played together before, the mutual respect and appreciation were apparent as the session progressed. “Pride” is Lee Konitz’ 11th entry on SteepleChase.

Pianist Stacken and trumpeter Knuffke are new faces on SteepleChase. Both joined the New York jazz scene relatively recent years (Stacken 2002 / Knuffke 2005). They rapidly established themselves as leaders and sidemen. Here on their SteepleChase debut the Duo succeeds in presenting an intriguing program of Monk & Ellington works.

You Stepped Out Of A Dream