John Tchicai (1936 - 2012) to whom this CD is dedicated was one of the most celebrated jazz musicians hailing from Europe (Denmark) of our time. Pierre Dørge owes the considerable part of his musical roots to John Tchicai whose impact on contemporary jazz is immeasurable. “Danish composer-guitarist Pierre Dørge, like Charles Mingus before him, possesses an antic ardor for the striking horn voicings and ruminative soundscapes of Duke Ellington, …. The other signature trait that Dørge’s New Jungle Orchestra semi-big bands have displayed over their 30-plus years of existence is an ability to unleash a cosmopolitan pinwheel of moods, tones and textures.” (Brittania Thompson – JazzTimes on Sketches of India SCCD 31728) “Talk about your pan-cultural jazz. What isn’t in here? Pierre Dørge admits all sorts of influences and styles into the music of his New Jungle Orchestra, ..The aesthetic varies widely from tune to tune, and yet it all feels part of the greater whole… .” (Steve Greenlee – JazzTimes on Jazz Is Like a Banana SCCD 31636)

The twosome of cornettist Kirk Knuffke and pianist Jesse Stacken made SteepleChase Debut in 2009 with the highly acclaimed album “Mockingbird” (SCCD 31677) with subtitle The Music of Thelonious Monk & Duke Ellington. Martin Longley of AAJ commented, “… it's refreshing to find the two pianist/composers united in a single conception, pointing out that they probably have more similarities than differences. …This is nostalgia made vibrant, played with precision, depth, good taste and a leisurely refusal to overcrowd its sonic space.”

“Alto saxophonist Stillman, in his early 20s, is quite a discovery and destined for a bright future in jazz.. ” was an opening assertion by JazzTimes’ Owen Cordle reviewing Loren’s 2004 album “How Sweet It Is” (Nagel-Heyer label). Mark Gardner shares Mr. Cordle’s opinion in the linernotes for this album stating, “Sudden mergence as a prodigy need not be a career handicap, and certainly not in the case of saxophonist Loren Stillman, who makes his SteepleChase leadership debut with this impressive CD… ”.

Pennsylvania, 1947) go way back into the late 1970s when the two young musicians cut their teeth in the Thad Jones / Mel Lewis Orchestra. Although they have performed together in all types of groups and bands over the years, this is the first time they perform in a duo setting where “there is never a dull or wasted moment as two minds connect in perfect harmony.” (Mark Gardner from the linernotes)

Saxophonist Gregory Tardy, a New Orleans native who has been one of the central figures of American jazz scene for the last decade joined SteepleChase as its new recording artist. SteepleChase is proud to present his first recording for the label. “… This carefully conceived and beautifully executed set can only enhance the reputation of an exceedingly accomplished saxophonist/composer… ” (Mark Gardner)

Stephen Riley (tenor, soprano sax & alto clarinet) is another new SteepleChase recording artist. Although this is his debut recording as the leader, Stephen Riley at the age 30 has an impressive career that includes Wynton Marsalis, the Harper Brothers, the Brecker Brothers, Ray Charles, Clark Terry, the Mingus Big Band, to mention a few. “… From the listener’s point of view, the Stephen Riley Trio has made a most significant and satisfying start… As a leader, Stephen has hit the bull’s-eye first time…” (Mark Gardner)

Gregory Tardy follows up his SteepleChase debut album of 2006 with this immensely inspiring recording. Matthew Miller of All About Jazz wrote of “The Truth” (SCCD 31583): “Of the many stars to have emerged on the jazz horizon during the ‘90s, one of the most disciplined, emotive and perhaps underrated is the multi-faced Gregory Tardy … With this release Tardy takes another step toward establishing himself as one of the most important saxophonists of his generation…..”

In A New York Minute

For this new recording bassist Steve LaSpina put together a quartet in order to create a quieter and lyrical instrumentation with his new compositions.

Lazy Bird

SteepleChase opens a new century with one of its favourite genre, piano trio, with the label’s long time contributor Andy LaVerne. This LaVerne’s 20th entry on the label features recent originals by the pianist including title tune “Know More”.

Brian Charette, hailed as the best of the new breed of B3 players” (Bill Milkowski of JazzTimes) brings here a new trio format with Mike DiRubbo on alto saxophone for his second outing for the label. Charette’s SteepleChase debut album “Upside” (SCCD 31678) met enthusiastic acclaims. Among others, “… he does have something valuable to say as evidenced by the pleasures and strengths indicative to this debut “ (Derek Taylor – Master of A Small House)

That's All

Severe Clear

Dave Stryker’s music is deeply rooted in blues, having performed with Jack McDuff in the 80s and Stanley Turrentine in the 90s. Dave’s special blend of jazz and blues culminated first time in 1996 in the form of “Blue To The Bone I” (SCCD 31400). Since then the project has become a popular on-going series. The fourth addition features Stryker’s regular organ trio (Jared Gold on B-3 and McClenty Hunter on drums). “There are solid solos from all hands throughout the album …. Based on the personnel and the feeling of these performances, I'd like to catch this group live”. (Owen Cordle – JazzTimes on Blue To The Bone III SCCD 31465) “As great as the first set was, it's without hesitation that I deem this new one a valiant leap forward. …..They, along with the charts and an elation that the blues almost paradoxically provide, make for an end product that is indeed greater than the sum of the parts” (C. Andrew Hovan-AAJ on Blue To The Bone II SCCD 31524)

SteepleChase proudly introduces a new trumpet star Jason Palmer, the winner of the First prize of 2009 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition. Jason makes his SteepleChase debut with his quintet, which has been serving as the house band at Boston’s historical Wally’s Jazz Café since 2001. “…Jason Palmer reveals a singular originality that surely places him among the foremost brass players of his generation.” (Mark Gardner – from the liner notes)

Accolade to Jack Walrath the trumpeter and composer includes “imaginative”, “unpredictable” and “whimsically humorous”. Most of the material on this new album is inspired by the composer’s recent trip to Greece which takes us To Hellas And Back of Jack’s enhanced devotion to lyricism and his strong projection on all emotional spectrum. “Jack Walrath not only displays tremendous trumpet playing, a rich and varied approach to composition and wonderful band, he also puts something into this fantastic CD that's missing from too much new jazz: a sense of fun and humour…. Musical food for thought with amazing jazz playing, this recording can't be praised highly enough.” (Francis Lo Lee – AAJ on “Ballroom” SCCD 31650) “Forsooth! Provides ample proof that the trumpeter should be on a larger stage.” (Ken Dryden – The New York City Jazz Records on “Forsooth!” SCCD 31722)

Sienna

Discovering new talents has been SteepleChase’s raison d’être throughout its history. John McNeil’s debut on SteepleChase label “Embarkation” SCCD 31099 in 1978 was a most typical example of such endeavor. During the late 70s and early 80s McNeil made 7 albums on SteepleChase. After 17 years of absence McNeil returns to the label with this thoughtful and stimulating CD, revealing his new height of maturity as an artist. The label itself grew 400 titles richer during the past 17 years.

The winner of First-Place Category of Great American Song Contest 2019 Allegra Levy debuted 6 years ago with Lonely City (SteepleChase LookOut SCCD 33118) produced by the legendary trumpeter/arranger John McNeil who was Allegra’s mentor at the New England Conservatory where she graduated from in 2011. The album instantly put her name on the luminary jazz singer list all over the world. After two more highly acclaimed albums on the label: SCCD 31827 Cities Between Us showcasing her enormous talent as composer/lyricist and SCCD 31852 Looking At The Moon focusing on Levy the singer/interpreter, Levy and McNeil collaborated again to present this new album of McNeil compositions with lyrics written by Levy. Allegra leads this time all-women quartet which serves as a dynamic and exemplary part of women in jazz today. “Lonely City is an excellent and mature first effort from Allegra Levy and will put the music world on notice that she is a musician that has established herself as a winner and future superstar.” (Music Man) “All the vocal skills expressed in the debut are confirmed: elegant timbre clarity, interpretations that alternate lightness and emotional intensity, highlighting register flexibility, colloquial warmth and good interpretative taste … Everything flows to the end with a good balance between the vocal and instrumental dimensions, with interventions always sought after and attentive to melodic values.” (Angelo Leonardi, AAJ on Cities Between Us) “… Levy is a very gifted writer who has absorbed the language and style of the Great American Songbook without sounding retro … Levy is a fresh new voice, with songs steeped in the tradition and primed to join the canon.” (Jim Motavalli, NYC Jazz Record on Cities Between Us) “Throughout, Levy’s distinctive warm-cool vibe … and flawless articulation shine through.” (Christopher Loudon, JazzTimes on Looking At The Moon - Editor’s Pick) “In Looking At The Moon Levy has assembled tunes, musicians, and arrangements that generally maximize her strengths” (Steve Provizer, The Arts Fuse)

Since the inaugural album for SteepleChase “Inside Out” SCCD 31584 (2005) Stephen Riley has shown his inclination to piano-less trio format as in his previous release “Hart-Beat” SCCD 31742. That inclination seems to halt here due to Riley’s encounter with pianist Peter Zak in whom Riley declares to have found an ideal partner. “…. a truly special album.” (Terrell Holmes – The New York City Jazz Record on Hart-Beat) “…. a really solid recording, with some noteworthy playing making it a worthy successor in a lineage of great tenor saxophone trio records.” (Gregg Simmons – AAJ on Hart-Beat)

Nomad

Shades Of Blue

Ron McClure, veteran bassist and accomplished composer, has also keen eyes to spot talents. A year ago McClure introduced a young (then 17), very gifted jazz violinist Gabe Terracciano in his 15th album “Crunch Time” (SCCD 31736). Here on his latest release McClure gives another young (22) exceptional tenor talent Chad Leftowitz-Brown a chance to shine alongside of Terracciano. “…it is at once a band of substance and style, McClure’s powerful bass and terrific tunes stimulating the young players.” (Donald Elfman – The New York City Jazz Record on SCCD 31736) “… fans of McClure’s mainstream fare will no doubt revel in this latest set to see an American release. “ (C. Andrew Hovan – AAJ on “Dream Team” SCCD 31435)

What Is This?