Dexter Gordon’s most creative and prolific years were spent in Europe in the 1960s and the first half of 1970s. Right until the great homecoming (to USA) of 1976 Dexter had performed frequently in Copenhagen’s famous Montmartre Jazzhus. Many of the nights were broadcasted by Danish Radio and later released by this label (The Dexter In Radioland series). This latest Gordon album recorded 1974 is special because of the fact that - except for a few tracks which were broadcasted - that night the whole concert of the evening has never been made available to the public before. And Dexter makes this concert even more special with his display of relaxed yet intense power of creativity. On Dexter’s 2004 release Loose Walk SCCD 36032 Chris Kelsey of JazzTimes wrote, “…the gritty soulfulness of his playing reminds us just how much we miss the greats of his generation. They don't make 'em like this anymore.”

This first volume of a SteepleChase jam session series, set to run to more than 20 CD releases, brings together three tenor saxophonists (who, incidentally, double effectively on other instruments) and an excellent rhythm section who combine expertly in a most stimulating session. (from Mark Gardner's liner notes)

The collaboration between Duke Jordan and SteepleChase in the 70s represents a major body of Duke Jordan’s creative output both as performing artist and as composer. Duke led his regular trio with Wilbur Little and Dannie Richmond during the extensive Scandinavian tour in the autumn of 1978. This release is from the concert at the Art Museum at Høvikodden, Norway, filled with Duke Jordan’s melodic magic.

JazzTimes’ Chris Kelsey commented on Bill Barron Quintet – Live at Cobi’s (SCCD 31570): "Straight ahead tenor players who regularly stretch themselves and break a sweat in the process are too few and far between these days. That's what makes a record by someone like the late Bill Barron so attractive. Barron had no such problems cutting loose. He possessed an original voice-not revolutionary, but unique in its way. Live at Cobi's (Steeplechase) comes from a pair of late '80s concerts Barron gave not long before his death in 1989 at the age of 62. ….. Where are the new Bill Barrons - the mainstreamers who sound like no one but themselves? In this sequel CD tenor saxophonist Bill Barron (1927-1989) features his younger brother, pianist Kenny Barron.

How can six men, who don’t normally play together and certainly not as an ensemble, congregate and make such fine, purposeful music of enduring consequence? That’s the spell of jazz and the lasting lure of the jam session, of which this particular one is an outstanding example.

Elite trombonist of the younger generation Vincent Gardner assembles sextet for his forth album on the label to showcase his enormous talent as arranger. “…Gardner is an impressive, well-rounded trombonist, fleet and nimble in a boppish uptempo zone and blessed with vocalistlike expressivity when elegance is required.” (Josef Woodard – JazzTimes on Gardner’s debut album “Elbowroom” SCCD 31580)

Guitarist Purrone leads his power rhythm section (Dave Anderson - electric fretted & fretless bass and Thierry Arpino - drums) in a session covering tunes ranging from "Body and Soul" to one of Miles Davis' later compositions "Petits Machins (Little Stuff)". Purrone is a rising guitar star. He is well known for his work with the Heath Brothers and all over the East Coast. Jim Ferguson of Jazz Times in his review of an earlier Purrone CD on SteepleChase ( SCCD 31475- Temperament) states that "there is more to this six string wonder than sheer velocity. He swings hard and sure while tantalizing the ear with ideas that range from eccentric circus moves to phrases that are hip and creative." Recorded in March 2001, this CD marks Purrone's sixth effort as a leader for SteepleChase. He is well known for his work with the Heath Brothers and all over the East Coast. Jim Ferguson of Jazz Times in his review of an earlier Purrone CD on SteepleChase ( SCCD 31475- Temperament) states that "there is more to this six string wonder than sheer velocity. He swings hard and sure while tantalizing the ear with ideas that range from eccentric circus moves to phrases that are hip and creative." Recorded in March 2001, this CD marks Purrone's sixth effort as a leader for SteepleChase.

The follow-up set to the 2002 homage to Evans and Hall, Timeline (SteepleChase SCCD 31538) continues to illustrate the astonishing empathy and interplay between Abercrombie and LaVerne and to concentrate on conveying the spirit of the Evans/Hall sound. “… Abercrombie and LaVerne bring their own values and sensibilities to bear throughout the set… ” (Jim Ferguson, JazzTimes)

Vic Juris’ new album continues in the highly acclaimed guitar trio configuration of his earlier release “Omega Is The Alpha” SCCD 31696 , on which John Kelman of AAJ remarked, “….That Juris is working in an open-ended trio setting with two players of like-minded intent and similarly undervalued status, only makes Omega is the Alpha an even more exceptional album. …. it's also a sure bet as one of this year's finest guitar sets.” “….Juris is a favourite among guitarists, in part because his exceptional technique is all but masked by his dedication to playing interesting things…” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD)

The final set of the dazzling live recording of Rich Perry Quartet at New York’s famous jazz lounge at the Kitano Hotel puts slightly more weight on jazz originals. “… a quartet of talented musicians playing well-worn standards can still come up with renditions startling in their freshness and artistic relevance.” ( Matthew Miller of allaboutjazz )

SteepleChase is proud to present the first volume of quintessential Rich Perry Quartet live from New York’s newest and hottest jazz venue The Kitano Hotel on Park Avenue.

Legendary vibraphonist from Philadelphia Khan Jamal makes his rare appearance on the label with an intriguing collection of Coltrane compositions “…. the Khan Jamal Quartet proves that the music of Coltrane transfers easily to the vibraphone, and in the process is reborn anew … these collected "Impressions of Coltrane" are significant for several reasons. Above all, though, they are immensely enjoyable.” (Mark Gardner – from the liner notes)

Japanese 24-bit remastered pressing. Disk Union. 2017.

Half Note

Confirmation

Blues For Harvey

Japanese 24-bit remastered pressing. Disk Union. 2017.

This Is Buck Hill

Birdtown Birds

Axen

The House I Live In

Live On Tour In The Far East Vol.1

At The Golden Circle Vol. 4

Since the time vibraphone was invented in 1921 (could be 1916) there has been an impressive and growing list of exceptional practitioners of this mallet instrument. And one of them is Tony Miceli whom Victor Schermer of All About Jazz describes as, “a vibraphonist of astonishing virtuosity, musical resilience, and inventiveness. His vibes playing is nothing short of phenomenal.” Miceli performs and gives masterclasses in the US and abroad. This is Tony Miceli’s leader debut album on SteepleChase.

Renowned Russian jazz pianist Ivan Farmakovskiy makes his highly anticipated debut on SteepleChase Records with a stunning new album. Blending his signature hard-bop style with modern jazz sensibilities, Farmakovskiy delivers a masterful performance that bridges tradition and innovation with American rhythm section of Christian McBride and Jack DeJohnette. Ivan won the 1994 bi-annual Russia Jazz Competition, the biggest contest for young Russian performers and he won another prize at the 1997 Europe Jazz Contest in Belgium.