This Isn't Maybe

At The Golden Circle Vol. 2

Blue To The Bone II

“Temperament” is Tony Purrone’s fourth entry on SteepleChase label and is an aptly entitled one. As writer Mark Gardner puts it in the liner notes, “Guitarist Tony Purrone possesses temperament in the most positive sense. Gregarious, fast-talking and straight-dealing, Tony is proud of his Italianate background and takes similar pride in striving to play to his full capability at all times….”

Remembering Eric Dolphy

Doxy

Never Always

The crystal clear beauty of the sound of Riza Hequibal’s harp was first heard on a few tracks of Printup’s 2007 album “Bird of Paradise” (SCCD 31626). On this new album Hequibal enhances Printup’s lyrical performances through out as an essential member of his trio. Incidentally Riza and Marcus were married a few months after the recording of this aptly titled album A Time For Love. Ken Dryden of AllAboutJazz-NY described Printup “as an open-minded player who gives his all in any setting, whether playing standards or time-tested jazz compositions or new music given to him on a record date.”

The partnership between cornetist Kirk Knuffke and pianist Jesse Stacken has so far produced two brilliant tribute albums to jazz’s great composers (SCCD 31677 Mockingbird – music of Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk, SCCD 31717 Orange is the color – music of Charles Mingus). On this their third album for the label Knuffke& Stacken comes into their element of new jazz with adventurous twists with modern composers: Steve Lacy, Carla Bley, John Coltrane, Albert Ayler and Misha Mengelberg. “…. a set that rises above the heap of albums paying tribute to jazz god fathers” (Mark Shanley on “Orange Was The Color” – JazzTimes) “This is nostalgia made vibrant, played with precision, depth, good taste and a leisurely refusal to overcrowd its sonic space.” Martin Longley on “Mockingbird” – AllAbout Jazz)

The 10th of SteepleChase’ ongoing series of Jam Sessions finds three ace guitarists in creative, competitive but friendly atmosphere of recording studio. On earlier Jam Session series, Chris Parker of CD Reviews commented, “… a varied programme skilfully played by all concerned … .” and Derek Taylor of All About Jazz wrote, “… The Danish SteepleChase imprint has long recognized the fertile dynamics of jam sessions, fronting the resources for many in its roster of players to convene in just such supportive surroundings … ”

Tenor saxophonist Brew Moore (1924 - 1973) made only a small number of recordings and this is one of the very few on CD. Moore was greatly influenced by Lester Young and was a lyrical swinging player. This recording is from the Danish Radio’s bi-weekly broadcasting in the mid 60s. “...it is straightforward and honest music...from the heart.” (T. Sjøgren)

As the title of this SteepleChase debut album ”Little Green Men” suggests, vibraphonist Michael Pinto presents us a unique jazz universe hugely inspired by his love of science fiction movie themes. A graduate of Berklee College of Music Michael Pinto, now 29 is a "vital newcomer” (AllAboutJazz) on New York scene. “… Many jazz listeners may not be familiar with the works of Brad Fiedel, Bear McCreary and Wendy Carlos, but their compositions, outside the galactic space they were written for, stand up well beyond their usual comfort zone, and Michael has skilfully adapted these themes to a jazz setting, showing they can serve as a good basis for improvisation.” (Mark Gardner – from the liner notes)

Though Ted Brown co-led a CD (“Dig-It” SCCD 31466) with Lee Konitz in 1999, this is the first leader album in some 15 years for this legendary tenor stylist from the Lennie Tristano school. “ Ted has been an uncompromising individualist throughout his stop/start career. From an early age he realised and recognised the importance of following his own path in music. He refused to be thrown off course or swayed by commercial or fashionable considerations. Consequently his playing has retained a personal quality absent from the legions of saxophone clones lacking the courage of their own convictions.” (Mark Gardner)

This is trumpeter/composer Dave Scott’s leader debut CD, though Dave has been one of the most sought after musicians both on East and West Coasts performing with Gerry Mulligan, Tom Harrell, Clark Terry, Kim Richmond, among others. “… in Song For Amy Dave Scott and his men have laid down an important first marker with this inaugural CD which confirms that this is a group with much to say and a stimulating, unhackneyed way of saying it.” (Mark Gardner form the liner notes)

Since his sensational debut CD in 1999 Ari Ambrose has received incredible amount of acclaims. To quote a few: “…. Ambrose is a star on the rise.” (Chris Hovan, Jazzreview.com), “… Ari Ambrose steps to the fore as a fully formed stylist … also a writer of substance.” (Chuck Berg, JazzTimes), “… a first class young musician … ” (Eddie Blackwell, Jazz Journal), “… Ambrose is striving mightily to have his voice be heard and recognized on its own merits … ” (Derek Taylor, one final note), “… a very satisfying and fascinating album from a very fine player… ” (Mike Rogers, JazzReview). On this his 7th album Ari expertly leads his quintet to display his ever-evolving creativity.

What modesty forbids Harold Danko from saying is that he interprets and handles this diversity of material in a most personal and refreshing manner which would surely please the composers, who also were/are all working instrumentalists. The Danko/Formanek/Hirshfield coalition is a unit that functions with unanimity. While Harold may have opted for a solo piano approach his two companions worked beautifully around that stance to achieve a wholly integrated blend. (from Mark Gardner's liner notes)

“...In this duo acoustic guitar session, the brothers Ferré grab and hold attention ...they maintain a lively, imaginative interplay... greatly extend the library for acoustic guitar. This is a worthy follow-up of their earlier album SCCD 31120 Pour Django.” (Ottawa Citizen, May 1, 1981)

On previous SteepleChase Jam Session series, 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. …. highly recommended.”

Like his mentor Von Freeman, trumpeter Brad Goode has been a star player in the Chicago scene for quite some time. Though classically trained in violin, trumpet and contrabass and with Bachelor and Master degrees in music, Brad Goode learned and shaped his style as jazz musician by performing with numerous local musicians in Chicago including his partner on this recording legendary saxophonist/trumpeter Ira Sullivan. This is Brad Goode’s first CD on SteepleChase.

When this album was first released as LP in February 1977, the unanimous reaction from the press all over the world was “ ...at long last, the first leader album by Knepper in 18 years! ....and it was worth waiting for...”. Trombonist Jimmy Knepper (b. Nov. 22, 1927 in L.A.) has been the essential part of the Mingus Dynasty in the 50s and later with Gil Evans Orchestra, Jones-Lewis Big Band and Nonet led by Lee Konitz. “Cunningbird is simply one of the best straight-ahead trombone albums in many years...” (The Daily California)

New Autumn

Special drummer-led album. While Elios Zigmund is best known for his long association with pianist Bill Evans in the 70s, he has been a major force both on the West Coast and NY scenes in the past few decades. “… Mr. Zigmund is more than merely well equipped for leadership, as he demonstrates so convincingly on this excellent session…” (Mark Gardner)

Allaboutjazz’s Elliott Simon remarked on LaSpina’s 2004 album “Remember When” “There can be something very special about a bassist-led session. Perhaps it is their knowledge of both time and melody that, when coupled with the rich emotional sound of their instrument, results in some of the most creative jazz….”

"...These young Danes displayed a remarkable maturity and a sure grasp of the idioms of the day...Bent Axen, a pianist who showed tremendous facility in absorbing American influences...and transmuting them into something which was full of character.... The trio date represents NHØP's first recording session. You will simply not believe from the aural evidence that he was just 14 years old at the time." (Richard Williams, Melody Maker)

To conclude 2004 releases SteepleChase is proud to introduce a debut album by composer / pianist Ms. Sila Cevikce. Sila was born in Ankara, Turkey and has lived in the past 10 years in USA. She studied jazz composition and performance at the Berklee College of Music and University of South Florida. When she embarked on her professional career in NYC several years ago, her enormous talent was immediately recognized. Sila has since established herself as a respected and admired member of the highly competitive New York jazz scene. “… a bright and adventurous talent with much to offer as writer and performer.” (Mark Gardner)