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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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”)

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.

Guitarist Samo Salamon hails from Marigor, Slovenia and splits his work and life between USA and European Continent, though in the last 10 plus years his activities has kept growing and expanding in the USA collecting numerous accolades from critics and public alike. “One of the more exciting and inventive improvising artists, Slovenian guitarist Samo Salamon’s stylistic modus operandi, coupled with massive chops has earned him prominence within global, progressive-jazz circles. (Glenn Astaria – Jazz Review 2012) “Guitarist Samo Salamon is one of those players quietly but fully engaged with moving the music forward.” (Nic Jones, AAJ 2011) “The guitarist is the star, though, and he is a star. He is a tremendous player, articulating each note and line with clarity and force, no matter the velocity … to say many things via many means, … without hesitation and with complete artistic conviction … exciting and satisfying.” (George Grella – The Big City 2011)

Yvonnick Prené, French-born, New York-based, young (29) virtuoso on the chromatic harmonica presents his much-awaited CD debut on SteepleChase LookOut. While still studying at City College of New York and New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, Yvonnick was already establishing himself as a highly acclaimed artist performing in USA and Europe. “….we find a young phenom determine to take the harmonica to a new sense of melodic intensity, dynamic tension and improvisational techniques missing from the instrument on a consistent basis for years…Jour de Fête is a happy record, brimming with an effervescent quality that accentuates the sublime artistic gift of Prené…In short, Prené is the real deal….” (Brent Black – CriticalJazz.com)

Burak Bedikyan is a burgeoning jazz pianist/composer from Turkey, one unlikely jazz country in spite of the nation’s historical and cultural heritage which is close to the Western world. Classically trained Bedikyan was introduced to jazz though workshop in modern theory conducted by Aydin Esen, a widely respected Turkish jazz pianist and composer in 1996. Since then Bedikyan has thrived in jazz and here his development culminates in this debut album in collaboration with three superb American jazz artists: Chris Potter (sax), Peter Washington (bass) and Bill Stewart (drums). “….his music sits at the gateway of East and West, opening a window into his native culture, and helping to raise the profile of yet another nation on the jazz stage….” (Neil Tesser from the liner notes)

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”)

SteepleChase LookOut release # 10 here features one of the best drummers Denmark has to offer from the younger generation, Anders Mogensen, who studied at Berklee School Of Music (1990 - 1992) in Boston and graduated from the Danish Rhythmic Conservatory with Master Degree in music in 1996. Anders has been a most sought-after musician and an influential figure in European jazz scene performing with Brecker Brother, Bob Berg, Gary Thomas, Rick Margitza, Steve Swallow, Tim Hagans to mention a few. Anders Mogensen Quartet went into a studio after a successful month-long tour in Scandinavia early 2013 to record this album presented here.

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)

Composer/bassist Ronan Guilfoyle is a major figure on the Irish jazz scene and has developed an international reputation as a performer, teacher and composer. He began his career with Louis Stewart's group in the early 1980's and studied at the Banff Centre for the Arts in 1986 and 1987 where his teachers included John Abercrombie (who is featured on this CD), Dave Holland, and Steve Coleman. Performing on the acoustic bass guitar since the early 1980s, Ronan is now one of the instrument's leading exponents, and is now much in demand as a bassist, both in his native Ireland and on the international jazz scene. Guilfoyle is featured in Keith Copeland trio albums on SteepleChase (“Round Trip” SCCD31425 and “Live In Limerick” SCCD 31469). Ronan has been composing for classical ensembles since 1993, specialising in compositions which feature both improvised and written music. “Renaissance Man” is a superb example of Guilfoyle’s enormous compositional talent for contemporary music. The music on this CD is dedicated to Ronan Guilfoyle's father.

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)

One of Turkey’s leading pianists Burak Bedikyan has been rapidly establishing himself as a star player on the international jazz scene since the release of his first SteepleChase Lookout album “Circle Of Life” SCCD 33109 (2013). For his second album here Bedikyan further showcases an exciting process of on-going development as a performer and composer with unique musical background. “This is an interesting overture for the Turkish newcomer, but it sounds like there's much more in reserve.” (John Fordham – The Guardian on “Circle Of Life”) “Burak Bedikyan takes charge of the finest quartet recording for 2013, Circle Of Life… Bedikyan is a name to remember and an artist whose musical stock is an arrow pointing straight up!” (Brent Black – www.bop-N-jazz.com on “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)

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.

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.

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)

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)

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)