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)

Saxophonist Bob Sands toured Europe in the 80s with The Lionel Hampton Orchestra and decided to make Madrid, Spain his home in 1992. Born in Manhattan in 1966 Bob started to learn piano at age 5 and saxophone at 9. He graduated from the Eastman School of Music with BA in 1988 and further earned the Master Degree with honors from at the Manhattan School of Music in 1991. He has performed with top jazz artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Gerry Mulligan, Mel Lewis, Clark Terry, Ron McClure, among others. In Spain he leads his own group which is presented in this new album and a big band with which he regularly gives concerts in Madrid.

Russian-Born Gene Segal, who moved to USA as a child, is one of the elite guitarists of the younger generation from the New York scene. After receiving his Master’s Degree in composition from prestigious William Patterson University Gene immersed himself in New York’s competitive and creative milieu to find his own voice as an instrumentalist and composer. This Gene Segal’s SteepleChase Lookout debut is the first glimpse into an ever-evolving artist revealing his fascination with Frensh composer Olivier Messiaen, one of the most important composers of the 20th century.

SteepleChase Lookout is proud to introduce another new exciting artist, originally from Italy currently New York-based Paolo Sapia who started his professional career as jazz pianist. Paolo changed his instrument to alto saxophone in 2004 and moved to New York City with a scholarship from New York University in 2005.Since then Paolo has studied, performed and recorded in USA with a broad range of musicians including Eric McPherson, Jimmy Cobb, Antonio hart, Kevin Hays, Bob Mover, Jeremy Manasia, Mark Turner, Reggie Workman, Quincy Davis, Sam Harris, Eden Ladin, Marco Panascia, Harold O’Neil, Vincent Herring, Joseph Lepore, Luca Santaniello. Philip Dizack, Peter Zak, Rafal Sarnecki, Joel Holmes, Wayne Escoffery, Reggie Quinerly, Mike Eckroth, Jimmy Owens , among others..

Organist Mark Minchello is no stranger to SteepleChase, having been a member of Elliot Zigmund’s group Trio EZ. He is at home in both the jazz and pop worlds. He has worked with traditional jazz artists Cecil Payne and Ted Curson as well as contemporary jazz artists Boney James, Gerald Albright and Will Downing. For 18 years he served as musical director to R&B Diva Regina Belle. On this leader debut album Mark brings fresh ideas to the great tradition of organ jazz.

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)

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)

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)

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”)

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.

Renowned educator, composer/pianist Skip Wilkins teamed up with his son Daniel, a new talent on tenor saxophone to present “Father & Son” album with Skip’s working trio: Scott Lee on bass and Jeff Hirshfield on drums. Tenor saxophonist, Daniel Wilkins is young artist on the New York jazz scene. Entering his Senior Year at the Manhattan School of Music, Wilkins has been studying with alto saxophonist Steve Wilson, tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, drummer John Riley, pianists Phil Markowitz and Garry Dial. He plays lead tenor in the Grammy-nominated MSM Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra. Skip and Daniel toured in Europe and perform regularly together in New York area.

Old Time Musketry presents a joyous music that draws on the exuberant spirit of early jazz, the poignant melodies and soulful grooves of rock and folk music, the energy and spontaneity of free improvisation, and a wilfully experimental attitude towards combining these elements into a unique vision of American music. Old Time Musketry joined forces in early 2009 in Brooklyn and has been developing their unique sound by performing widely in the New York area and around the Northeast.

SteepleChase LookOut’s new recording artist Joe Manis (saxophone) has originally established himself in Northwest – Oregon, though his active performing career reaches East Coast of USA and European cities as well. Manis’ SteepleChase LookOut debut album features pianist /organist George Colligan, who currently resides in Portland, Oregon. Manis finds in this organ trio the ideal stage to displays his intense yet sophisticated music. Manis is the recipient of 2013 Oregon Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowship.

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)

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

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/accordionist/composer JP Schlegelmilch is the featured member of Old Time Musketry which has just made its CD debut on SteepleChase LookOut (“Different Times” SCCD 33101). Jon Ross of Downbeat bestowed four stars on the album speaking highly of Schlegelmilch’s compositional skills. On this his solo debut JP explores the musical universe of the iconic composer/guitarist Bill Frisell with whom JP shares the evocative edge in contemporary American music.

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!”.

Israeli-born guitarist Rotem Sivan, who is a strong new voice on the NY jazz scene, makes his CD debut on SteepleChase Lookout. Rotem is a recipient of Montreux Jazz Festival International Competition prize in 2009. While completing his studies at Tel Aviv University and NYC’s New School University Rotem has already been a much sought-after young player in the international festivals and concerts circuit.

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)

Since his Steeplechase debut release of “North By Northwest” SCCD 33102 in September, 2012, Joe Manis has kept this organ trio featuring George Colligan busy performing in and around Oregon where he bases his activities on. Here is their second album which clearly shows the intensity and remarkable rapport of a tightknit working band. “Adding Colligan’s B-3 to his trio provoked an enjoyably incendiary chemical reaction on their 2013 album North by Northwest, with the two soloists inspiring each other to ever more daring flights, mostly in the classic style.”— Willamette Week

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.

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)

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)