Andy LaVerne, a veteran of over five decades in performing, composing and educating often teaches master classes at the famed Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop. At this workshop in 2019 Andy LaVerne met and performed with Zak Brock for the first time. The Grammy Award Winning violinist Zak Brock left huge impression on the pianist. Andy invited Zak to record together three months later. The collaboration between LaVerne the master of reharmonization and contrafacts and Zak the star member of the crossover group Snarky Puppy turned out to be a true Rhapsody with an intriguing program. “The album is filled with stimulating originals, most of which seem to be newly written for the session…. Shangri-La is another valuable addition to Andy LaVerne’s discography.” (Ken Dryden – NYCJR on Shangri-La SCCD 31872)

Though guitarist John Hart has performed with quite a few organists, including the distinguished Jack McDuff with whom he played 16 years, this is his third album with organ in the group. With the award-winning, remarkable Gary Versace at the B-3, John Hart unfolds here a spellbinding Act Three of his guitar/organ trio performance. John Hart, while leading an active life as performer on the world jazz scene, has held a full-schedule lecturer/head post of the jazz guitar department at the FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC of his alma mater, University of Miami for several years now. On Hart’s previous and the first release on SteepleChase SCCD 31865 “Crop Circles” last year Ken Dryden commented, “The strength of this session merits more frequent record dates for John Hart.”

Though Gary Versace’s discography has so far been mostly occupied with his B-3 recordings, here his new album, the 5th on SteepleChase is the very first strictly piano trio which reveals Versace’s intuitively intelligent touch and inventiveness on piano. Fellow pianist Andy LaVerne who is the author of the liner notes sums up his commentary in saying, “It’s gratifying and inspiring to witness the ascension of Gary’s musical endeavors and creativity from his wide ranging exemplary sideman work (which includes my piano/ organ trio with five SteepleChase releases), to assuming the helm of his own forward leaning piano trio.”

On his 25th release on SteepleChase saxophonist Rich Perry takes on the role of composer as well for all the titles presented here. Although Rich readily confides that composing is not one of his favorite activities, we all realize the music on this disc reveals Perry’s deep creative reservoir. “… Probably Perry’s most passionate fans are other tenor saxophone players. Those who have spent their lives studying the instrument understand that the purity of Perry’s minimalism is a rare quality to which they themselves aspire … Perry’s solo is a rapt, intimate flowing. He does not sound like he is inventing but like he is reliving deep private memories.” (Tom Conrad – NYC Jazz Records on SCCD 31176 “Nocturne”

Since its inception in 1972 one of SteepleChase’s enduring policies has been to discover new talents who deserve recognition. Michael Feinberg, bassist/composer originally from Atlanta, Georgia is one of them. Feinberg with seven leader albums up his sleeve may not be labelled as a new comer but this is his debut release on this label which prides itself with the rich tradition of great bass players such as Red Mitchell, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Sam Jones, Jay Anderson, Scott Lee, just mention a few. Feinberg leads here a formidable band with two horn-front by one of the most influential saxophonists Dave Liebman on soprano and young elite Noah Preminger on tenor whose SteepleChase debut album, by the way, is on its way. "Feinberg’s original material is fresh and refreshingly free of empty complexity, giving his group... material that they can stretch out on without getting lost in technique. " (Irish Times) “He’ll be attracting widespread attention before you know it." (Jazz Espress) “… he is showing signs of being a towering personality on his instrument." (Jazzdagama.com) "There are, quite simply, few players like him. A couple playing today that come to mind immediately are Dave Holland and Boris Kozlov” (Ilikejazz.com)

Baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan brings here his trademark “contrafacts” (a music making method that shares the chord progressions with other compositions) approach to this first SteepleChase leader outing challenging us (maybe?) to guess the tunes he is employing. Smulyan whose professional career took shape by joining Woody Herman’s Young Thundering Herds at age 22 (1978) has won Critics’ and Readers’ Poll awards numerous times by Downbeat and JazzTimes, among others. England’s Penguin Guide to Jazz once described Smulyan as “the leading American exponent of post-bop baritone”.

Among today’s modern jazz piano players Russ Lossing stands out as one of the unique breed of artists who travel intelligently and with clarity between jazz and new music. For this his first release on SteepleChase Lossing focuses on standards, of course, with his trademark, innovative improvisation. “Lossing is a thinking man’s pianist. He intelligently creates and refashions themes within a variety of frameworks.” (Glenn Astarita – Jazzreview.com) “Russ Lossing is a pianist of extreme depth and intensity whose music exists between jazz improvisation and modern classicism.“ (Budd Kopman – AAJ)

Since his SteepleChase debut with “Whirlwind” album (SCCD 31811) in 2016, the veteran alto saxophonist Andy Fusco has been releasing annually a new album that documents this unique artist with big, edgy and sonorous tone to command your attention. The latest release here finds him in the company of three other horns: trumpet, tenor and trombone to generate vortical energy of an almost big band. “No turmoil here, as saxophonist Andy Fusco is very much in charge – heading up the group with a confident tone and strong sense of voice – which maybe also allows a bit more openness in the other players! Fusco blows alto throughout, with a rich, crispy tone that almost moves more towards a tenor at points …” (Dusty Groove on “Turmoil” SCCD 31843)

The title “Introducing” is somewhat misleading as Steven Herring has already made a splashing debut as a recording artist last year in Kirk Knuffke’s “Witness” album (SCCD 31859) that received numerous raving reviews for Steven’s commanding performance in a wide-ranging program of opera/gospel/jazz. The Julliard graduate operatic baritone singer Herring here on his leader debut shows off his dazzling talent as a jazz crooner exploring the Great American Songbook tradition. “Herring's commanding, resonant voice is a focal point of this music. He can perform as a romantic crooner, gospel shouter or opera singer as well as integrate himself into the fabric of the instrumental byplay.” (Jerome Wilson – AAJ on “Witness”)

For the past ten years saxophonist/composer/arranger/educator Chris Byars has passionately excavated and re-examined earlier gems of music by jazz’s historical contributors such as Gigi Gryce, Lucky Thompson, Freddie Redd, Duke Jordan, among others. For this new album Byars penned nine original compositions as a tribute to jazz greats who turned 100 years in 2017. “Chris Byars has done a remarkable job reviving these neglected compositions of Frank Strozier while also putting his own stamp on them with his inventive arrangements.” (Ken Dryden – NYCJR on “The Music Of Frank Strozier” SCCD 31824)

The third and the last of trumpeter Jason Palmer’s highly acclaimed mini-series of recordings of songs composed or made famous by his favorite lady singers pays homage to the contemporary soul, R & B singer/songwriter, eight-time Grammy winner Anita Baker. “Sweet Love”, the famous award-winning title from her second album “Rapture” (1987) turned Jason’s attention to Baker’s music. “ hardly just a straight or smooth jazz take on classics by Minnie – and instead an openly creative project that takes the core structure of the songs, then pulls them apart – especially when it comes to the rhythms – so that the players continually revisit the lovely melodies created by Riperton, yet also fly free in musical moments inspired by her energy.” (Jazz Chill of Dusty Groove on SCCD 31750 “Take A Little Trip”) “Palmer's intriguing new release is the second in his planned series of homages to singers who have produced powerful music … Wondaland is more contemporary, celebrating the artistry of Janelle Monáe via jazzed-up arrangements of her songs … overall seems more interested in building on the beauty of Monáe's music with his arrangements than in flashing his chops. Which keeps this charming album a bona fide homage.” (Bill Beuttler – Jazztimes on SCCD 31800 “Wondaland”)

Six years ago when Brian Charette’s first solo Hammond B3 organ album “Borderline” SCCD 31756 was released, it prompted Derek Tayler of Dusted Review to comment, “An hour-long recital on solo Hammond B3 organ might be a hard sell in certain circles, but Brian Charette makes a strong case for the viability of the venture on Borderline.” It received not only the critical acclaims but also became an unlikely cult hit among the American baseball-stadium organists. Here on this follow-up solo disc Charette revisits handful of his original tunes from earlier releases, expands their borders to give them new and exciting verve. “The great strength of the disc is Charette’s far and wide reach into diverse material without falling into focus-less mess… Borderline is a highly recommendable for those who have special interest in Hammond organ.” (Niels Overgård – JazzSpecial on SCCD 31756 Borderline)

Award winning trumpeter/composer Dave Scott started his professional career in L.A. after graduating from University of Southern California. His penchant for performing and composing for the standard/classical quintet format was obvious already from the earlier stage. The Dave Scott Quintet here is the original group consisting of some of the finest instrumentalists Dave formed when he first moved to New York in 2000. “Scott allows plenty of space throughout the set for the other band members. He doesn’t dominate with his own instrument as some leaders are apt to do. This is exquisite musicianship from all and together they generate a unique and varied tapestry of sound. The album is full of surprises and is well worth repeated listening.” (Brian Payne – Jazz Journal on SCCD 31864 “In Search of Hipness”)

New York’s mainstay saxophonist Rob Scheps makes SteepleChase debut here in a quartet format, a version of his renowned NY group The Core-tet. Oregon native Rob Scheps graduated from the New England Conservatory with honors in performance in 1986. He has performed and/or recorded with the Gil Evans Orchestra, Terumasa Hino, Roswell Rudd, John Abercrombie, Jaki Byard, Eddie Henderson, Clark Terry, to mention a few, as well as leading his own groups including the True Colors Big Band. “Scheps .. leads this stellar 17-piece ensemble, providing the kind of musical energy, power and finesse expected from a world-class orchestra, …” (Edward Blanco – AAJ)

Trumpeter Dave Scott’s 5th SteepleChase release here finds him leading his other New York ensemble “The Dave Scott Violin Band” which features some of America’s finest instrumentalists including Sarah Bernstein on violin. Dave Scott’s compositions allow each musician to fully engage in individual expression and the band as a whole to create distinctive tapestry of interactive improvisation. The group performs regularly in the New York City area.

As people started talking about pianist/composer Ran Blake in the 60s – as one of the striking, inventive modern players of his generation, with his unorthodox sounding musical style, a legend was born. His unique style is stemming from the special genre of 60’s movies categorized as “Film Noir”. Blake thrived as a unique artist and at the same time as a devoted educator at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Boston where the young Canadian saxophonist/composer Andrew Rathbun was tutored and nurtured by this guru. The idea of this album was conceived eight years ago and came into fruition here presenting 18 gems created by the two genius minds. “In a career that now spans five decades, pianist Ran Blake has created a unique niche in improvised music as an artist and educator.” (AAJ on Ran Blake) “Since his debut as a leader in 1999, Andrew Rathbun has developed into one of the compelling saxophonists and composers of his generation…. He covers a lot of ground stylistically while his originals succeed on many levels, especially conveying emotion or projecting stimulating imagery.” (Ken Dryden – NYCJR on SCCD 31781 Numbers and Letters)

New York jazz scene is embracing a burgeoning new voice of a harmonica player/composer who is from … no, not from the deep south of USA but from Paris, France. Yvonnick Prené has been playing harmonica professionally since he was a teenager. He studied music at legendary Sorbonne University (graduated with the master’s degree in 2011). He has also furthered his studies at City College of New York, New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and Columbia University. His recording debut six years ago on SteepleChase LookOut “Jour de Fête” enjoyed enthusiastic reception from the critics and public alike. Yvonnick is the founder of New York Harmonica School as well as the author of several books on Harmonica Studies. “….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 on SCCD 33106 “Jour de Fête”)) “Jour de Fête marks Prené's debut and it proves to be an excellent showcase for his writing and playing. … Classic tunes are peppered throughout the program, but the lion's share of the material comes from Prené's pen. He visits in on a variety of musical areas in his writing, but his instrumental voice remains remarkably consistent throughout … Jour De Fete is his recorded initiation into the fraternal order of jazz harmonica aces; he's now a part of the club for life. (Dan Bilawsky – AAJ on SCCD 33106 “Jour de Fête”)

Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies (Eastman College of Music, Univ. of Rochester) Harold Danko pays homage to Be Bop’s song-smith Duke Jordan here in an inaugural meeting with New York’s rising star cornetist Kirk Knuffke. Duke Jordan’s distinctive melodies receive Danko/Knuffke duo’s refined and creative reading and mingle naturally with their free tunes in between. “… (Harold Danko’s remarkable authority and heartfelt approach have been nothing short of an inspiration” (C. Andrew Hoven – AAJ) “This is a fascinating showcase for Kirk Knuffke's versatility. He can apply his cornet to a dazzling variety of settings ...” (Jerome Wilson – AAJ on “Witness” SCCD 31859)

New York’s jazz scene has been tremendously enriched by the presence of Chris Byars, an award-winning saxophonist/composer/arranger/educator who also as a Cultural Ambassador for the U.S. State Department has travelled to 46 countries to perform concerts and present educational workshops. Born in New York City to an elite musician family Chris was brought up in the vibrant arts environment. On this new album Chris Byars showcases his enormous talent in arranging his compositions for unique 4-horn sextet. “It's hard to label a player like this, who seems to have absorbed both the cool and hard-bop approaches and come out singing his own song. Whatever we might call it, Byars has learned the thing they can't teach in the schools; he sounds like himself and not like everybody else.” (Duck Baker, Coda Magazine)

Since his CD debut “Circle Of Life“(SCCD 33109) in 2013 followed by two more albums on SteepleChase LookOut label, Turkish/Armenian pianist-composer Bedikyan has been highly acclaimed by the international critics and public alike. New Beginning marks his recent relocation from Istanbul to New York where he feels blessed to be a part of the big jazz scene. “For improvisational music fans there is very little here not to like, flawless. An elegant yet diverse exploration of melodic possibilities. Burak Bedikyan is one of the finest artists on the horizon.” (Brent Black – criticaljazz.com on 33119 Leap of Faith)

Guitarist/composer Gene Segal has released three albums on SteepleChase LookOut: Mental Images (SCCD 33114), Matter (SCCD 33121) and Spiral (SCCD 33132) during the period from 2014 to 2017, all of which received critical and public acclaims. Always being adventurous, unpredictable, inventive Segal showcases his new and in a way debut album here for the SteepleChase’s main label with a little bit more jazz-bound material. “… rich and exciting chops from Segal’s axe make for a blues jamming delight.” (George W. Harris – The Jazz Weekly on Mental Images) “… The band has a joyful swing…Music that grows and grows.” (The Jazz Weekly on Matter)

Since Stephen Riley made his recording debut as a leader on SteepleChase with piano-less trio SCCD 31584 Inside Out (2005), this trimmed down format has stayed with Riley on many recordings including this latest album, which pays tribute to the great Sonny Rollins who first recorded this format in 1957. “The tenor saxophone trio is one of the great, if somewhat underutilized line-ups in jazz. Stephen Riley has made a study of the format and delivers a fine addition to a limited canon with Hart-beat…. Hart- Beat is a really solid recording, with some noteworthy playing making it a worthy successor in a lineage of great tenor saxophone trio records.” (Greg Simmons – AAJ on “Hart-Beat” SCCD 31742)

During the five decades of his career alto saxophonist Andy Fusco has been regarded a musicians’ musician and he has played with numerous artists and led various combination of instrumentation except an ensemble with guitarist. So here’s Andy Fusco’s first ever guitar (pianoless) quartet with venerable veteran John Hart who gives Andy and the group a new space to explore. “…The chemistry between members of the quintet and their collective wisdom is on a level seldom attained on contemporary mainstream jazz recordings.” (David A. Orthmann – AAJ on Whirlwind SCCD 31811)

As some of the critics have predicted, Richmond put together another quality cello album here again. Mike Richmond the Philadelphia-born award-winning bass player with vast experience including playing with Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Horace Silver, to mention a few is also a dedicated educator receiving a Teacher of the Year Award from New York University (1994). After the release of his previous album “The Pendulum” SCCD 31826 Richmond has been frequently performing cello as his main instrument. “Mike Richmond’s beautiful new recording – his 11th as a leader - is the first on which he plays cello exclusively .… Richmond and his quartet of seasoned players give the music a ‘singing’ quality something Richmond seeks in all his playing.” (Donald Elfman - New York City Jazz Record on The Pendulum SCCD 31826)

New York-based bassist/composer Steve Millhouse’ SteepleChase debut album calls for our attention in his unique instrument: six-string Contrabass Guitar. It was pioneered by bassist Anthony Jackson in the mid-70s, who added B to EADGC of regular electric bass. Contrabass Guitar enabled Millhouse to develop his distinctive style, which perfectly encapsulates his jazz trio featuring Rich Perry on tenor. As Gary Fukushima, the author of liner-notes predicts, “This album bodes well for things to come”.