Guitarist/composer/educator John Hart often acknowledged for his elegantly shaded phrasing and his clear and fluid sound came to the fore on this fourth SteepleChase recording as full-fledged soloist backed by the piano trio consist of his long-time playing-mates. This is his first guitar/piano quartet in 25 years. “Guitarist John Hart, a celebrated sideman who first gained recognition for his work with Jack McDuff, has always had an attractive sound and a creative style that falls within jazz’s modern mainstream.” (Scott Yanow- Downbeat on Checkmate SCCD 31910) “Since its inception in 1972, the SteepleChase label of the Dane Nils Winther has been synonymous with exceptional (often illustrious) mainstream jazz. The place of John Hart in its roster is none too surprising. Hart is a guitar player of refinement and taste … Hart’s beautifully shaded melodies and detailed and balanced intermezzi of concise and fast cadenzas signify his matured musicianship.” (Francois -van-de-Iinde – Jazz Journal on Act Three SCCD 31885)

Martin Jacobsen, Danish born tenor saxophonist came back to normalcy after a few years of combat against a rare and grave autoimmune disease. That explains the delay of release of this live recording from France. The group here including fabulous Hiroshi Murayama on piano, almost identical from his previous album from Tokyo (SCCD 31802), dazzles the audience at Eaubonne Jazz, France (near Paris). Jacobsen’s renowned book “Let’s Speak Jazz: for Saxophone” (by Schott) is soon to be published in Japan. "Jacobsen’s tenor sax rips and rolls as he pumps out the phrases, making conversation with the grammatical precision of a writer. The quotations, commas, and semi-colons of the composition are all there to be heard. His love of the instrument is visible in an ability to make complicated compositions simple, remarkable for a musician who began playing sax at the relatively late age of 18, and who is, for the most part, self-taught." (The Daily Star, UK)

Copenhagen Suite

Peter Zak on this his 10th album reveals his thoughts on jazz compositions by writing his own liner notes, which makes quite an interesting read as a bonus to the strong music embodied here. “…Zak’s originals have the strengths to become jazz standards themselves.” (Ken Dryden – the NYC Jazz Records on The Disciple SCCD 31791) “Pianist Peter Zak and his superb trio went into the studio to swing on Down East, and swing they did…. Zak's beautiful way with a melody comes to the forefront.” (Dan McClenaghan - AAJ on Down East SCCD 31715) “To “get” Zak, you have to pay close attention. The surfaces of his music seem conventional until you notice how imaginatively his improvisations are developed, and how intelligently they tie. Zak invariably comes upon lovely notes you never anticipated.” (Thomas Conrad – JazzTimes on Seed Of Sin SCCD 31641)

Hang In There

Award-winning trumpeter/composer Jason Palmer is a dedicated educator as Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music I Boston. Palmer also holds a post as Vising Assistant Professor of Music at Harvard University. The first prize winner of 2009 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition Jason Palmer joined SteepleChase in 2010 and this is his 10th album with captivating interpretation of classic ballads as well as his originals. “Over the past decade, trumpeter Jason Palmer has proven to be one of the most compelling artists of his generation. With each new volume in a series of CDs for SteepleChase, Palmer reveals a different aspect to his musical mind while the expressiveness of his horn continues to expand as well”. (Ken Dryden-NYCJR on SCCD 31820 Beauty ‘n’ Numbers.)

In the past two decades saxophonist Jed Levy has been the stalwart of New York jazz scene leading his own group or performing with such luminaries as Jaki Byard, Junior Mance, Eddie Henderson, Jack Walrath, Kevin Mahogany, Tom Harrell, among other. On this his 7th SteepleChase release Jed Levy the composer takes the centre stage and presents an album-length suite with each section relating to Jed’s impression of Italy where he made numerous trips and gave concerts. “Very Impressive and about as inventive a departure from the standard tenor-and –rhythm conventions as one can hope for….a first-class session.” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz On CD Sleight Of Hand SCCD 31383)

New Horizon

“There can be no doubt that Tom Guarna and his three dedicated colleagues make their mark with an hour of fluent and adventurous music, confirming that besides being an exceptional guitarist, the leader is also a composer and arranger of genuine ability…” (from the liner notes by Mark Gardner)

Set 'Em Up

“It is a joy for me to play regularly with great musicians of this calibre who seem to know instinctively what I am aiming for in each composition. This knowledge and understanding ensures that recording with them is a pleasurable experience."

This is George Colligan's second solo CD for Steeplechase. His first, entitled "Small Room" (SCCD 31470), has met with critical acclaim everywhere. "George Colligan is one of the brightest and most articulate new pianists on today's scene. A composer to reckon with as well, Colligan's music defies easy categorization." Harvey Pekar - Jazz Times

On all his 10 SteepleChase albums including this quartet recording Rathbun the composer-arranger is the major component giving each album a distinct musical as well as philosophical concept. “The Speed Of Time” is about his unique perception of time during and after the pandemic era, which he describes eloquently in his liner notes. “Since his debut as a leader in 1999, Andrew Rathbun has developed into one of the compelling saxophonists and composers of his generation.” (Ken Dryden-NYCJR)

Mike Richmond’s fourth cello album focuses on Bill Evans’ music. Award winning bassist Richmond has a long exceptional career performing with Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Gil Evans a. o. Richmond has recently been drawn more to playing cello which allows him a greater freedom in refined expressions. “Cello is wonderful in jazz. It’s soulful, melodic, and is best in small combos. That’s what you have in Mike Richmond: La Vie en Rose SCCD 31878” (Cadence Magazine)

“There can be something very special about a bassist-led session…their knowledge of both time and melody … coupled with the rich emotional sound of their instrument, results in some of the most creative jazz….”, remarked Elliott Simon (All About Jazz) on LaSpina’s previous CD “Remember When” (SCCD 31540). Two years later Steve LaSpina cuts this impressively thoughtful album with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

The Irish Connection

“….it is Riley's highly personal approach which really grabs this listener and made producer Nils Winther an instant convert, determined to put him on tape. Nils feels Stephen to be one of the most distinctive and original of the younger sax players on the scene….” (Mark Garder, from the liner notes) Stephen Riley’s debut album “Inside Out” (SCCD 31584) has recently been selected as an outstanding CD by BBC

Perry and Danko have been closely working together for almost 30 years. As evident in their first duo album “Cancoes do Brasil” (SCCD 31463), they are in total empathy and harmony again here on this new duo programme. “Rich Perry is that rarest of tenor saxophonists—a complete musician with an understanding of space and timing, a palpable sense of color and humor and absolutely no need to showboat or compromise .… he makes jazz that’s adventurous and highly listenable… .playing standards not frequently performed and in new ways of playing in the tradition… . ” (Donald Elfman – Allaboutjazz) “Danko's a mature player who knows the power of economy, melodic sense and a refined touch; wasting not a note, his improvisations always tell a compelling story.” (Steve Futterman – JazzTimes)

When reviewing Levy’s previous release SCCD 31579 “ Mood Ellington”, BBC Music Magazine’s Richard Cook wrote, “…Levy offers one of the richest tenor sounds in contemporary jazz…”

On this CD, long time SteepleChase leader saxophonist Rich Perry teams up with Steve Lampert (tpt.), Denis Irwin (bass), and Jeff Hirshfield (drums) for an exploration into freer material than he has in past studio outings. Recorded in March 2001, this CD features all original material by Perry (2) and Lampert (6) reminiscent of Ornette Coleman's early works. In reviewing "Doxy" (SteepleChase SCCD 31473), Dick Bogle of The Portland/Seattle Scanner states that Perry "roams free but always within his own structure in this pianoless group. His tone is impeccably clear and rich."

"Ambrose's tenor speaks with the brusque swagger of a young Rollins and his upper register forays more than a hint at the Lovano influence, still Ambrose is well on the way to developing a very mature and appealing voice." Chris Hovan - jazzreview.com.

Take five SteepleChase leaders (three of them brilliant modern exponents of the electric guitar), have them bring some tunes they dig into the studio, roll the tapes, sit back and listen to a creative hour of spontaneous combustion. That’s what producer Nils Winther did when he laid on a rendez-vous for a trio of the label’s top plectrists - Vic Juris, Dave Stryker and Tony Purrone. To give this formidable “string section” the appropriate drive, two fellow SteepleChasers, drummer Keith Copeland and bassist Scott Colley, both leaders in their own right, were pressed into service. (from Mark Gardner's liner notes)

Dave Stryker’s most successful band “Blue To The Bone” is back again. This long-waited third volume is dedicated to Brother Jack McDuff and Stanley Turrentine, both of whom left tremendous influence on Stryker. “… a truly original guitar voice to break new ground in large ensemble music …. Stryker has assembled a fantastic group to realize his pieces … There is no more satisfying guitarist, with such a large body of original works to be heard today … ” (Charles A Apicella)

Moonscape

As one of the most inventive and original voices on trumpet Dave Ballou has established himself firmly on the scene. His latest CD here presents a largely-standard-tune collection in an intriguing free framework. “…He’s a sound, knowledgeable and versatile musician who can improvise impressively in a free context or complex chord changes…” (Harvey Pekar, CD Reviews)