With over 30 leader/co-leader albums on SteepleChase, Andy LaVerne stands as one of jazz's most quietly fearless innovators. His new project, Crystal Night, expands the dynamic chemistry of his acclaimed trio-bassist Mike Richmond and drummer Jason Tiemann-by adding vibraphone's rising star Sasha Berliner, whose artistry evokes the spirit of Bobby Hutcherson and Gary Burton while charting her own path. This quartet offering features ten newly written LaVerne compositions, each meticulously designed to explore subtle harmonic colors, metric shifts, and emotional depth. From the title track's crystalline lyricism to the explosive energy of "Power Play" and the gently introspective "Second Thoughts," Crystal Night is a study in texture, trust, and ensemble clarity. "If you haven't known Andy LaVene ever, This ine is a perfect introduction. It's lyrical, musicaly intensive and most eloquent." (Ole Mayyiemen - Jazz Special on SCCD 31818 Genesis)

Saxophonist-composer Chris Byars, praised as a modern master of ensemble writing and conceptual storytelling, delivers new album The Dark Forest his fifteenth release on SteepleChase and perhaps his most introspective to date. Byars' signature Original Jazz Sextet achieves remarkable harmonic and emotional depth through intricate voicings and counterpoint. Critics have celebrated Byars as a visionary of new bop vocabulary. His previous albums like Boptics and Rhythm and Blues of the 20s drew accolades for their smart, infectious writing and engaging solo showcases. "... he knows his musicians so well, Byars is masterful in his writing, blending the reeds and trombone in intricate ensembles while letting the soloists all shine throughout." (Ken Dryden - New York City Jazz Record on SCCD 31929)

Veteran bassist Scott Lee, renowned for his innovative compositions and masterful performances, brings a fresh and dynamic energy to this his fourth release on SteepleChase. Lee's vision of the bass as a melodic force, alongside pianist Vazquez and drummer Hirshfield, pushes the narrative in unexpected directions. Since moving to NY in the late 70s. Lee has worked with Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, Zoot Simms, Al Cohn, Freddie Hubbard, Red Rodney, Kenny Werner, Joe Lovano to mention a few. Bill Smith of JazzTimes comments on One Thought (SCCD 31687)," Leader and bassist Scott Lee offers simple yet thought-provoking music. Those who feel that jazz is losing it's creative edge should hear this album and other basically mainstream offerings of the last few years."

For his debut leader project on SteepleChase, Bollenback chose a bold and distinct approach, opting for a guitar and bass duo format. Teaming up with bassist Boris Kozlov, a three-time Grammy winner. Bollenback explores new musical territories with a mix of original compositions by Bollenback and Kozlov, along with jazz standards that highlight their exceptional musical connection and rhythmic synergy. Renowned for his versatility and dynamism on the guitar, Bollenback's unique approach to jazz and blues has earned him accolades from legends like George Benson, who praised him as a "versatile dynamo on guitar." Over the years, Bollenback has collaborated with numerous jazz greats, including organist Joey DeFrancesco, appearing on nineteen of his albums and earning a Grammy nomination for co-producing 2011's Never Can Say Goodbye.

Acclaimed guitarist Craig Brann joins forces with tenor saxophone virtuoso Greg Tardy for an electrifying new release on SteepleChase. This album showcases Brann's signature melodic storytelling and Tardy's expressive phrasing, creating a dynamic interplay between guitar and saxophone that is both adventurous and deeply rooted in jazz tradition. "As a guitarist, Brann continually reshapes his sound... When a musician has the capacity to do just about anything, the choices he makes are critical. Here, Brann and his quintet never put a foot wrong." (Mark Corroto - All About Jazz on SCCD 31847 Lineage)

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.

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.

Duke Jordan (1920 - 2006) was approached in NY by Marcel Romano, musical consultant of the French film Les Liaisons Dangereuse directed by Roger Vadim in 1959 to audition for the soundtracks. It laid down the groundwork for Jordan's rise to the star composer status. All too famous "No Problem" is not included in this sketching but a few of the tunes we come to appreciate later are here in their prototypes. This recording made in a NY studio has never been heard (except maybe by Vadim). SteepleChase is proud to announce the world premier release of the album of cultural/historical significance.

Many of us old-timers remember George "Big G" Coleman in the late 50s and 60s performing with almost every single legendary name in that golden era of American jazz, a.o. Miles Davis. Coleman who turns 90 this year is still going strong and surrounds himself with the elite artists of younger generation including the leader of this album Brian Charette (Hammond-B3). This album can be seen as the sequel to 2018's "Groovin' With Big G" (SCCD 31857) again with Charette in charge of keeping the music flowing. "This is a mellow date, a blowing date to be sure but Charette's B-3 rarely goes the funk route and is closer to Wild Bill Davis. Coleman's tenor is as strong as ever and while not aggressive, it is still forceful." (Papathomas on SCCD 31857)

After the 45-year world jungle expedition, guitarist/composer/chieftain Pierre Dorge takes his tribe to it's home turf Copenhagen's fabled Jazzhus Montmartre to record live their latest album filled with all but one new vibrant compositions by Dorge. Donald Elfman of AAJ once remarked, "Pierre Dorge has what seems like a magical ability - he can re-imagine and re-think the way that music is voiced thus creating entire new worlds out of worlds we think we know."

New York's ace trumpeter Joe "Mags" Magnarelli's third outing on SteepleChase is condensed to a quartet format with trumpet as the sole frontline giving the leader new dimension and depth to define his voice. His previous release (SCCD 31939 New York-Osaka Junction) received enthused remarks " he is particularly outstanding, demonstrating a brilliant clarity that could be called the height of sophistication." (Catfish-Records, Japan) and "Magnarelli has always been a jazzman-of-all-work, good in small groups like this one and great at starring in big bands and he's on fire here" (JazzWise-Peter Vacher UK)

Hammond B-3 organ has a rich host of illustrious players in the jazz history including Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Joey DeFrancesco to mention a few, but Brian Charette is the first (and so far the only) jazz artist who recorded solo organ albums. The first release was highly acclaimed SCCD 31756 Borderline of 2013. Here on his third solo endeavour Charette delights us premiering as vocalist on 2 tracks. "Charette is a burning soloist who understands the tradition of the Hammond B-3 as well it's future-just as certainly as he understands his place in that lineage." (Ken Micallef - Downbeat)

Yes, Brouqui is French and a phenomenal guitarist/composer and this is his SteepleChase debut album. But no, this is not of French Gypsy tradition. He is out of pure American modern jazz vein with a touch of French elegance. He commutes between Paris and NYC performing and recording. "A warm jazz full of swing. His inspired and fast guitar interprets with assurance and sensitivity. We will savour the creative breath of his improvisations... highly recommended." (Claude Olberg - Jazz Magazine)

NY's venerable veteran bassist Ron McClure's new release is a case of "Lost and Found". The recording was made 32 years ago at Manhattan's upper Eastside nightclub Danshaku (Baron in Japanese). McClure was hired to play a gig and formed a trio with pianist Don Friedman (1925-2016) and guitarist Vic Juris (1953-2019). The gig was privately recorded but the tape was lost. Long story short, the missing tape was found last year in a NY apartment and it's sound has been restored meticulously for us to experience a fabulous night of NY jazz scene three decades ago. "McClure is recognized for inventive improvising, creative compositions in a wide variety of settings and immaculate tone." (Ken Dryden - NYCJR on 31935 Night Quest)

Steve Swallow who is one of the pioneers of electric double bass in jazz noted that Millhouse "is using it to help define and refine what the electric bass can do to refresh jazz music." Eminent practitioner of this unique six-string instrument Millhouse as bassist and guitarist in one creates again on this second album with the saxophone trio format refreshing and formidable jazz. "With the rich saxophone and drum sounds the 6 strings incorporates chord playing techniques and moves around freely showing the way electric bass should be in modern jazz.' (K. Harada- Bass Magazine on SCCD 31942 Unwinding)