In 1974 SteepleChase released Perceptions SCCD 31022 by pianist Connie Crothers (1941- 2016) who was one of the prominent students of legendary Lennie Tristano. Now, 50 years later SteepleChase is proud to present Crothers’ mentees jazz pianist/free improviser/singer Caroll Leibowitz and alto saxophonist Nick Lyons in tandem inviting us to their unique soundscape that encompasses the past, present and future of jazz. “…. almost telepathic… hypnotically engaging…” (Roger Farbey - All About Jazz on Liebowitz-Lyons previous release)

Adams/Eaton duo’s new album stays in “Third Stream”, a term invented by Gunther Schuller as a way to create a new genre by bringing jazz and European classical music together. Eaton points, “We think of ourselves as jazz musicians with some classical training, but our cultural milieu was one where jazz had become a global music.” The debut album Paraphrase prompted NYCJR’s Dan Bilawsky to remark, “the tracks) illuminate the duo’s take on jazz history and where things might be headed next.”

The leader of this album pianist/composer/psychiatrist David Janeway has been playing an active role on the New York jazz scene for the past four decades leading a handful of different ensembles. This album made available after 30 years from the recording testifies David’s timeless and compelling ability of music making. “A skilled composer and pianist capable of creating music that is imaginative, sensitive and often exciting.” (David Franklin-Cadence)

Korean-born New York based jazz vocalist/pianist/composer Soyoung Park presents her debut album on SteepleChase which starts with a phenomenal rendition of “Baker’s Mood”. Park studied at Berklee College of Music. She then finished her Master’s degree at Manhattan School of Music. Park received Korean singer-songwriter title in Yoo Jaeha Music Award in 2007 and was named a top 6 finalist in 2016 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Voice competition. She was semi-finalist in 2016 Montreux Jazz Voice competition.

The leader of this captivating debut album, Yoko Yates is the celebrated composer of the soundtrack for the award-winning documentary film Mothers’ Way, Daughters’ Choice filmed in NYC. Yoko Yates pianist/composer/educator grew up in Hokkaido, Japan, the northernmost island where the vast ancient and ingenious nature is still intact. Yates’ compositional style and ideas are hugely influenced and inspired by her formative years surrounded by this unique environment. Graduating from Berklee with a B.A. in music, summa cum laude, she went on to receive a Master’s degree in education from Lesley University in Cambridge (MA). She furthered her studies at Columbia University, Teachers College (NY) for doctoral study in music education. While being a member of the piano faculty at Greenwich House Music School in Manhattan and at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music since 1996, Yoko has maintained a performing career as a pianist and sometimes as a vocalist, and has been particularly active as a composer. “Yoko Yates’ finely crafted original compositions shine brightly with beautiful performances by all. This is a noteworthy first CD.” (Scott Lee - producer) “Yoko’s music is imaginative, fun, beautiful and natural. It incorporates a variety of genres and has an emotional depth that hits my heart. Her unique style appeals not only to jazz enthusiasts but to a broader audience”. (David Gahan - lead vocal Depeche Mode, Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2020 “Going beyond what words can express”. (Kyoko Gasha - documentary film director and Reuters journalist)

SteepleChase’s March 2022 is featuring “Duo” settings. Here on our SteepleChase LookOut label we are proud to present two New York based young elite instrumentalists Nicki Adams (piano) and Michael Eaton (saxophone). They both share neo-classism in jazz as their formative background but they transcend beyond the categorization to something far more original and multifaceted. The album “Paraphrase” is a formidable presentation at this junction of time of how jazz has developed itself through its rich and diverse history. Nicki Adams (b. 1988) is a New York-based composer and pianist. He has worked with renowned artists including Billy Hart and Francisco Mela and appeared on NPR's Soundcheck and Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theatre. Nicki plays with many groups including his own band. His works have appeared in film and radio throughout the world. Michael Eaton (b. 1981) is a Brooklyn, NY based saxophonist, composer, and educator active in contemporary jazz and free improvisation. He embraces a progressive and holistic vision of jazz, cognizant of the music's rich history, while he reaches for a personal outlook with an eye towards future possibilities.

Pianist/composer Kirk Lightsey (b. 1937 in Detroit, Michigan) is a contemporary of John Coltrane, growing up with Detroit’s jazz heavy weights such as Barry Harris, Paul Chambers, Tommy Flanagan, to mention a few. After a lengthy successful career in USA performing with Chet Baker, Woody Shaw, Dexter Gordon a. o. Lightsey moved to Paris, France in the 90s. This live recording from Basel, Switzerland with his European band makes a graceful continuation of his famous tribute albums: “From Kirk To Nat” and “Goodbye Mr Evans”. “A swinging and heartfelt recording ... You can feel definitely the spirit of John Coltrane throughout and the playing is stellar and on the highest level ... this is a great band and the music is both inspired and inspiring!” - Gary Smulyan

Classically trained pianist David Janeway was introduced to jazz when his father took him to hear Oscar Peterson live. He was 14 years old. He then immersed himself in the rich tradition of jazz of Detroit where he grew up. Janeway moved to New York City in 1978 and has since been an active part of New York jazz scene. In the mid-80s he branched out his career in medical science studying psychiatry at Medical School of Michigan State University. He has been holding a dual profession in NYC. For the past several years Janeway can be heard with his current piano trio featuring Billy Hart and Cameron Brown. “Distant Voices” is a tribute to the many jazz pianists that have inspired and influenced Janeway throughout his career. “…Janeway is not afraid to experiment in the moment and has a range of technique that allows him to test the waters fearlessly. ..he is constantly evolving, and I have never heard one player have so many different ways of texturizing.” (Monique Avakian, The Patch) “A skilled composer and pianist capable of creating music that is imaginative, sensitive and often exciting.” (David Franklin - Cadence)

SteepleChase launched its sister label “LookOut” in 2012 to introduce world’s jazz artists who deserve wider recognition. The label amassed over 40 titles now. Here is #44 - veteran trombonist Peter McEachern and his quartet. McEachern bases his activities in Connecticut but tours and teaches all over USA. He released a CD in 2018 entitled “Bone Code” with his trio. This 2021 version is expanded with the addition of the young saxophone star Noah Preminger. McEachern is not only dextrous with his instrument but also a prolific composer, who penned most of the tunes on this album. “What strikes one as significant, however, is McEachern's trombone technique, which features a variety of styles played with great intimacy… While often subtle but never rambunctious, his understated technique allows the compositions to breath.” (Don Phipps – All About Jazz)

French-born saxophonist Jonathan Orland studied at the Berklee College Of Music in Boston with George Garzone, Bill Pierce, a. o. and furthered his studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Now back in Paris Orland recorded this his third leader album with the quartet he leads and performs regularly in Paris. “Between classicism and modernity, Orland’s playing is impressive with its inventiveness and virtuosic character.” (Christian Larrede – Jazz News) “Jonathan Orland belongs to a category of young musicians whose superlative technique allows them to dominate their instrument so perfectly that they give the impression to overcome every difficulty with ease, even on fast tempos. He demonstrates some uplifting boldness in the way he treats harmonies and a real capacity to compose beautiful melodies”. (Jacques Aboucaya – Jazz Magazine)

The album concept “Ballin Sings Berlin” is a logical conclusion of a series of tribute concert Yaala Ballin produced a while ago entitled “His Name Was Israel Baline”. The idea started with Yaala’s research into possible ancestral connection with Irving Berlin (born Israel Baline). With or without connection she ended up with the superb recital of gems by arguably the greatest American songwriter. Israli-born Yaala was classically trained but grew more attracted to jazz later on and studied with Sheila Jordan. Since her move to New York in 2004 Yaala has developed herself into one of the remarkably original singers on the NY scene. Yaala was featured on “The Music Of Duke Jordan” (SCCD 31787) with the Chris Byars Septet.

Italy’s young piano talent Federico Bonifazi met Tolga Bilgin, Turkey’s rising star trumpeter at the Milan Conservatory where they studied a few years ago. Their mutual admiration and friendship let them to perform as duo or in a larger ensemble since. Bonifazi’s fourth album “Last Minute” makes a suburb example of where the European jazz stands today. “You'll see is an album worthy of particular attention, conceived and created with a strong artistic personality and with an enormous communicative generosity, in which Bonifazi holds up well with his traveling companions who support him, follow him without ever overlapping , with the humility and discretion that only great artists possess and that make this CD a real pearl in the musical production of the Umbrian pianist.” (Top 1 Communication – on SCCD 33125)

SteepleChase LookOut begins its new year 2020 release with this piano trio album by French pianist/composer Marc Benham (also known as Benhamou). Benham started to play piano at very young age and his prodigious talent enabled him to perform professionally with Dixieland and New Orleans oriented jazz bands while still a teenager. Through expansive performing experience of diverse styles of jazz piano Benham developed his personal, original voice. Here on his debut on SteepleChase Benham showcases his dynamic and at the same time lyrical artistry of piano trio. Benham is also a dedicated educator who teaches jazz piano at the Conservatoire CIMP (Paris 17) and at the Bill Evans Piano Academy also in Paris. “Whether it’s stride, classical music or modern jazz, Marc Benham has an incomparable grasp of the material both in fiery and in controlled manner. He whirls but delivers a melodic and clear musical concept that testifies both harmonious and technical skills.” (France Musique)

Burak Bedikyan, Turkish-born Armenian pianist/composer, made a huge move in 2017 in his musical and personal life by leaving his homeland to be a permanent part of great jazz scene of New York. His previous album “New Beginning” (SCCD 31861) commemorating the fresh start received high marks from media and listeners alike. Shortly prior to his departure to US Bedikyan recorded this album with his Istanbul-based group including drummer Can Kozlu, one of his teachers from Istanbul Bilgi University. Here is a unique group of musicians with diverse ethnic and cultural background to present a daring, exciting improvisational music. “Burak Bedikyan is one of the finest artists on the horizon.” (Brent Black / Criticaljazz.com) “This is a first-class trio date and an important step forward for Burak Bedikyan.” (Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene - on New Beginning SCCD 31861)

Native of Umbria, Italy, pianist/composer Federico Bonifazi has become a highly acclaimed name both in national and international scene in recent years. For this his 3rd album Bonifazi composed a suite depicting the beauty of his beloved Umbria in the changing colors of autumn performed by Bonifazi’s handpicked elite Italian ensemble. “.. an album worthy of special attention, conceived and created with a strong artistic personality and with a huge communicative generosity, … with the humility and discretion that only the great artists possess and that make this CD a real pearl in the musical production of the Umbrian pianist.” (Proposito di Jazz on SCCD 33125 “You’ll See”)

Korean-born New York-based pianist/composer Eugenia Choe received quite a few superlative reviews for her 2016 debut album “Magic Light” (SCCD 33127) from international press. Eugenia’s second album here is an impressive display of her original and intriguing compositions presented superbly by her working trio. “Eugenia Choe rode her personally distinctive currents into this amalgamated music and made a magnificent record.” (James Nadal – AAJ on SCCD 33127 Magic Light) “Everything's here: the pianist's exquisite touch, her compositional acumen infused with an alluring and idiosyncratic intelligence, her soul, sympatico trio mates, adept sequencing, and a cool cover photo and design. This could be the debut of the year.” (Dan McClenaghan – All About Jazz)

Young Anderson Brothers (Peter and Will are identical twins) both on clarinet here band together with two veteran clarinetists Ken Peplowski with rich background in big band jazz and multiple Grammy Award winner Paquito D’Rivera to perform live to a jubilant audience. “They are sparkling virtuosos and their clever, tidy arrangements for various combinations of clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone are smart and refreshing…. everything they play sounds fresh, creative and in the moment.” (Paul de Barros – Soundposts)

Camaraderie - a partnership of organist Mark Minchello and saxophonist Bob Hanlon - is a follow up to their first Steeplechase release Trinomial. This CD features the outstanding guitar work of Vic Juris and Bob Devos as well as newcomer Charlie Sigler and drummers Andy Watson and Pete McDonald. “AH! The Hammond B3 trio with sax and drums, and Hammond hitter Mark Minchello makes the team wheeze, groove and fog up an interesting and well thought collection of tunes. They keep away from the blues and instead venture into uncharted waters by doing tunes not usually associated with this genre.” (George W. Harris – Jazz Weekly on Trinomial SCCD33117)

A New York City native, veteran drummer Eliot Zigmund has performed with numerous jazz luminaries throughout his long career but most known is his tenure with Bill Evans in the 70s where Zigmund’s sensitive and tasteful support to the great pianist was always present. Here on his new album Zigmund leads a consummate quartet fronted by up and coming sax talent Chris Cheek. “Zigmund is that breed of percussionist who does not count their pride alongside their visible signs of virtuosity. He is in every way a musician with extensive experience but above all the art of listening.” (Jazzman Magazine)

Pianist/composer Carl Winther dedicates this album to his father, legendary Danish trumpeter/composer/bandleader Jens Winther, whose untimely death February 24, 2011 stunned his fans. Carl Winther himself is an award-winning artist who - while attributes his musical foundation to his famous father - is his own voice to establish himself in the international scene. “ .. If you are into highly modern jazz trio with American roots, this album has a lot to offer.” (Brian Petre – Jazz Special on SCCD 33130 “Deconstructing Mr. X”)

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)

Guitarist/composer Gene Segal is rapidly becoming a stalwart regular player of SteepleChase Lookout with this his 3rd album, for which Gene assembles an organ trio. With his unpredictable, open, unconventional style still intact Segal applies a mini paradigm shift to straighter jazz and reveals a new dimension. “While Segal still loves the funk, as the opening "Healing Feeling" definitively shows, the remainder of the album doesn't easily fit into any one musical pigeonhole; unless there's a category at your local music store called "accomplished, original jazz-rock from out of left-field."” (Dave Wayne – AAJ on SCCD 33114)

Pianist/composer Federico Bonifazi is considered one of the most outstanding talents of younger generation of Italy. After studying music in Paris and Turin Bonifazi embarked on professional career as a jazz musician in Europe. His trip to NYC in 2014 enabled him to establish a network of friends in New York jazz scene. Bonifazi returned to NYC the following year with host of compositions of his own to record this SteepleChase Lookout debut album with New York’s leading artists including Eric Alexander and the legendary drummer Jimmy Cobbs.

Being a former classical pianist, Turkish-born Burak Bedikyan employs his enormous technical proficiency to elaborate his compositions here on this third album to illustrate the new depth in his creativity. “…his exponential growth as a performer, composer and arranger is chronicled with one of the finest releases for 2013 in Circle of Life ...” (Brent Black – Bob-N-Jazz on SCCD33109 Circle of Life)

Award winning jazz pianist/composer Carl Winther (b. 1984 in Denmark) has already established himself in the international elite instrumentalist circuit of younger generation. Growing up in a musical family with his father, renowned trumpeter Jens Winther (1960 – 2011) Carl embarked on his professional music career while still a teenager performing and recording with Billy Hart, Jerry Bergonzi, Bill Evans, George Garzone, Adam Nussbaum, Dick Oats, and Doug Raney to mention a few. “Carl Winther is an enterprising and original pianist and composer. He has toured all over the world, and is a representative of the high standard of Danish jazz internationally.” (Quintonic – album review)

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.

While Eugenia Choe is a relatively new face on NY jazz scene, she has been one of the most sought-after pianists around and her own group presented here has been actively performing in NY area for some time. Korean-born Choe also a prolific composer compiles an intriguing repertoire mostly based on her original works fit for the debut album of a burgeoning young artist.

On January 3rd this year one of the greatest contemporary jazz pianists Paul Bley passed away. Bley left a younger generation of inspired artists behind. Greg Burk is one of them, not that he plays like Bley who was his mentor/teacher but he inherited Bley’s nonconformist approach to music. Burk currently a resident of Rome, Italy is no newcomer to the scene. Quite a few of his recordings has been highly acclaimed throughout the world. This strikingly original solo recital is his first release on SteepleChase Lookout with a bonus of a captivating short story by the pianist himself.

Award winning Austrian drummer Bernd Reiter has already, in spite of his young age, played with jazz’s luminaries like Charles Davis, Kirk Lightsey, Mundell Lowe, Steve Grossman, to mention a few. Reiter formed the quintet presented here in 2015 to perform a tribute program of Hank Mobley’s music featuring American tenorsax Eric Alexander whom he started to work with in 2012. The band’s extensive European tour produced this live album from the last two concerts from the Bird’s Eye in Basil, Switzerland. One of the reviews of the live performances simply put it “Jazz at its best!”.

New York-based guitarist/composer Gene Segal was born in Russia and immigrated to USA as a young child with his musician family. His upbringing in European music tradition combined with American contemporary music including jazz enabled Gene Segal to create his unique universe of multi-layered music. “…the energy on this CD is different/better in major ways….if raw energy in jazz is your forte – GET THIS one!..I give Gene & all his players a definite MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED…” (Improvijazzation #146 on SCCD 33114 “Mental Images”)