“…This is jazz of today but played in the spirit of the music's history and with an awareness of its best traditions. Jamming lives!” (Mark Gardner) CD Review’s Rick Finlay wrote, “…SteepleChase’s series of jam sessions drawing together the cream of the contemporary jazz world makes a refreshing change these days.”

Dedicated To You

Relax And Enjoy

“…a first class young musician, …an intelligent, possibly major talent …” (Jazz Journal) “ …impressive leader debut …a fully formed stylist, …a writer of substance.” (JazzTimes) “…Ambrose passes all test with four stars…” (Dick Bogle) “…Ambrose is a star on the rise…”(CD Review) Ari Ambrose collected tons of praises from the jazz critics all over the world for his gutsy debut album of pianoless trio format. On his sixth album here, Ari formed a pianoless and tightly knit quartet “ by four jazzmen, characterised by their willingness to test and stretch their individual and collective imaginations to the limits in the cause of making resilient music”.(Mark Gardner)

Big Room

Peter Zak’s new album, a solo recital on the label's famed Fazioli F278 grand piano, not only showcases his impressive craftsmanship on the instrument but also reveals once again his profound musicality that makes his music tremendous listening pleasure. Thomas Conrad of JazzTimes commented on Zak’s previous album “For Tomorrow” (SCCD 31592), “…one of the most polished, intelligent, swinging piano trio now playing in New York or anywhere else…”

The Bob Rockwell Trio

SteepleChase is proud to present this special reunion album. It is a reunion between bandleader/composer/arranger/guitarist Pierre Dørge and producer Nils Winther after a break of 20 years. The ever evolving and innovative sound of NJO through a quarter century of playing has been winning a growing number of enthusiastic fans all over the world.

As Rich Perry’s previous release SCCD 31776 “Nocturne” deviated the standard quartet configuration by replacing piano with guitar, on this his 22nd album Rich tries something new again: an organ trio. With his two long-time creative partners (Gary Versace at the keyboard and Jeff Hirshfield on drums) Rich Perry opens a new chapter of the art of jazz improvisation. “This is standards-centered jazz of the best sort.” (Derek Taylor- dusted magazine on SCCD 31776 Nocturne) “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 with a smart and sympathetic band playing standards not frequently performed and in new ways of playing in the tradition.” (Donald Elfman - AAJ on SCCD 31558 East Of The Sun & West Of 2nd Ave.)

Award-winning saxophonist/composer CHRIS BYARS divides his artistic focus between development of original material and studying the vast repertoire of jazz composers of the 20th century. During the past five years under SteepleChase label Chris Byars released two albums of his own materials and four albums paying tribute to unsung heroes of bebop compositions of 40s and 50s: Gigi Gryce, Lucky Thompson, Freddie Redd and Duke Jordan respectively. On this new album Byars combines the result of his research into historical compositions and his own creation. “Lucky Strikes Again coaxes a huge sound out of five horns, a credit to the quality of the arrangements… Byars has put together a set of concise, rewarding tracks with a band that turns in a terrific performance of outstanding material.” (AAJ – Greg Simons on SCCD 31713 “Lucky Strikes Again”) “Classic bebop was never strong on formal composition, but Duke Jordan, who died in 2006, was a rare exception… 11 of his pieces are played here by a sextet led by alto saxophonist Chris Byars. The players are all young enough to have been Jordan’s grandchildren, but together they create exactly the full, mellow sound his harmonies demand… an excellent set.” (The Guardian UK – Dave Gelly on SCCD 31787 “The Music Of Duke Jordan”)

“As long as there is jazz, jam sessions will continue to be the glue that holds the art form together. It’s a dyed-in-the-wool tradition in the music and a primary means by which it evolves. These conclaves of like-minded players draw enthusiastically on the best traits of the practice. The days when giants like Bean, Bags, Jaws and Jug frequented after hours haunts, blowing just for the fun of it and honing their craft into a distinctly American art form are past, but the vernaculars they shaped live on in these men and show that the handed down torch is definitely still burning bright.” (Derek Taylor /allabout jazz - on Vol. 6)

Volition

The collaboration between Ambrose and Riley on Tenor Treats (SCCD 31656) session, packed with stimulating performances gave us a bonus of enough material for this sequel. “The instantaneous rapport achieved by Riley and Ambrose is indicative of the flexibility of these two accomplished players, who know the value of complementing, rather than trying to outdo, each other. There's a deep unity of thought in the way they roll out each performance . ." (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

New York based saxophonist Kim Bock brings his band to Scandinavian tour annually. One of their concerts from Copenhagen is captured here live with the enthusiastic audience. Tom Greenland of allaboutjazz wrote of Bock’s debut album “Secrets” (SCCD 31603): “…An excellent beginning, Secrets showcases Bock’s writing and playing and, most of all, his ability to attune his talents to the voices of his contemporaries.”

One year after her long-awaited comeback album (from a lengthy leave of absence due to illness) “Simple Truth” (SCCD 31705), pianist LeeAnn Ledgerwood compiled this latest album with 100% original material, showcasing her extraordinary talent as composer as well. Carlo Wolff of JazzTimes commented on “Simple Truth”, “Ledgerwood is not interested in impressing with technique and daring; hers is an artistry of nuance and emotional layering. ….. inviting album.” “… pianist Lee Ann Ledgerwood is part of an ever growing contingency of extremely talented jazz musicians of the female persuasion… and first crack at a piano trio record. Ultimately, it proves to be one of the best of its kind in recent memory. Simultaneously adventurous but also emotionally direct…” (C. Andrew Hovan, aaj on “Transition” SCCD 31468)

Trumpeter/composer/arranger Jason Palmer was a new name when he recorded as sideman for Billy Hart album “Sixty-Eight” (SCCD 31707). He became SteepleChase recording artist last year with his brilliant “Nothing To Hide” album (SCCD 31699) backed by his Boston-based band. For his second album here Jason put together a new group featuring saxophonist Mark Turner of whom Jason remarks, “Mark Turner is one of the most influential non-trumpeters on my approach to improvisation.” and several up-and c-coming young jazz artists from the New York scene.

When Children Smile

“The music presented here …. demands attentive listening. ….The shades and textures woven by the Scott Five are neither random nor nonchalant, but carefully coloured and contoured. It is absorbing music that grows on you more with each hearing …..”Mark Gardner (Contributor, Jazz Journal International since 1962) • On Scott’s earlier album “Song for Amy” (SCCD 31561), Cadence’s Dave Dupont wrote, “…balance between drawing resources from the past and expressing musical ideas with in-the-moment urgency is what makes me inclined to sing the praises of Scott’s song.”

Introducing Ari Ambrose

On The Roll

The Steve Slagle Quartet

Three Of Four

In this long-waited first leader album in six years Oatts again reveals himself as an uncompromising and phenomenal jazz musician. In reviewing Oatts’ previous release “South Paw” (SCCD 31511) Owen Cordle of JazzTimes wrote, “ …Long-time lead alto man with the Vanguard Orchestra, Oatts comes from the Desmond- Konitz school of saxophone playing. But a sweet sound and a cerebral approach to improvising comprise only part of his style. There's also a trim muscularity in his tone and lines. And the lines can be quite angular and oblique at times. I don't hear any other alto man playing with all these qualities these days. …”

Distant Dream

Veteran alto saxophonist Andy Fusco, despite his long-time active career which had begun with the 5-year tenure with the Buddy Rich Big Band in the late 70s, has been notoriously under-recorded as a leader. His SteepleChase debut album last year “Whirlwind” SCCD 31811, though it took 12 years before its release, has marked the new era for the virtuoso instrumentalist. Here on his new album (only one year has passed since the last one) Fusco leads his hand-picked band to present a tasteful and full-blooded program. “Whirlwind is one of those rare releases that exceeds craft and competence, and establishes its own reasons for being. Among other things, it's a bottomless well of a jazz record. The more you play it, the more discoveries you make. The music offers multiple perspectives and can be enjoyed in a number of ways.” (David A.Orthmann – AAJ on SCCD 31811)