Harold Danko, the mastermind of this two-saxophone quintet project has dreamed of uniting Rich Perry’s tenor with Dick Oatts’ alto for at least quarter of a century. Danko was already an established member of Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra when Dick and Rich joined them as new saxophone wonders, “who made a lasting impression on everyone who heard them…” (Harold Danko)

“… Riley plays softly but packs a wallop, tearing up speedy bop workouts, sliding deep into the blues, and bouncing merrily in swing time...” , Forrest Dylan Bryant (JazzTimes) on Riley’s “Easy To Remember” (SCCD 31609). On this his third album, the powerful duo collaboration between Stephen Riley and bassist John Brown created a masterpiece.

“…. Guarna’s guitar brings a mellow approach to the session, merging with his sidemen in a legato affair that finds lyrical space everywhere. ….. Guarna enjoys his lyrical ride on this album of sweet delights.” (Jim Santella – allaboutjazz on Out From The Underground SCCD 31607).

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.

Six decades after Charlie Parker’s death the master of modern trumpet Marcus Printup pays tribute to Bird whose music occupies substantial part of his musical foundation. “… Marcus Printup and associates show beyond doubt that Bird’s messages continue to have relevance I our times, two generations later.” (Mark Gardner)

Dave Gelly of Gramophone Jazz Good CD Guide described Cochrane as “a mature and imaginative pianist with a delicate touch and deep harmonic resources… ” After a few years’ absence from the recording scene Cochrane emerges strong and brilliant here with his working trio.

Veteran tenorman from the Tristano School Ted Brown is marking his 80th birthday with the release of this CD with plenty of vitality. On his last CD “Preservation” SCCD 31539, Derek Taylor of all-about-jazz wrote, “Sitting comfortably at the controls, he demonstrates from the start that his chops haven’t eroded a bit during his long hiatus in academia … Brown is still at the top of his game."

Pianist Bill Gerhardt has been a part of active jazz scene in New York for the past decade with his working band with which he makes his leader debut. Since his sideman appearance on Jed Levy’s “Round And Round” (SCCD 31529) Gerhardt has been on the “must record” list of SteepleChase.

Canadian saxophonist Andrew Rathbun makes a powerful statement on this new album as predicted by all-about-jazz’ Budd Kopman: “Rathbun's next album will most likely not sound anything like Shadow Forms, (SCCD 31598) which makes his journey all the more interesting to follow."

The third leader album of Versace finds him in an energetic trio setting. On “Many Places” (SCCD 31589) Matthew Miller of all-about-jazz remarks, “The truly astonishing aspect of Versace’s talent is the potent mix of virtuosity and musicality he brings in equal measure to each performance. In the hands of a lesser musician the B3 can easily overwhelm any musical setting, but Versace’s ear and infallible sensibility seem to always lead him in the right musical direction.”

SteepleChase’ on going jam session series finds here the classic format for a jam in three tenors. Ken Dryden of allaboutjazz commented on Vol. 17 and 18: “…SteepleChase producer Nils Winther’s interest in documenting spontaneous meeting of talented musicians deserves praise…”

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…”

SteepleChase’ new recording artist Eric Rasmussen is among the young elites of New York jazz scene. His debut album here casts refreshing light on the special music evolved through the teachings of pianist Lennie Tristano and turns its inspirational source into deeply personal and emotional music of his own.

“Loren Stillman is one of New York’s best alto saxophonists, and has gained the distinction well before reaching age 30.” (Jazztimes – David Adler) The sequel to highly acclaimed SCCD 31604 “Trio Alto Volume 1” features Stillman’s original compositions. Donald Elfman of allaboutjazz of the first volume, “Loren Stillman has emerged from prodigy status into a player of great interest. While using traditional instrumental formats and settings, the altoist has an approach to tunes that sound fresh and different. Stillman displays youthful enthusiasm and a willingness to experiment lightly with textures and sound pictures.”

“It is a joy for me to play regularly with great musicians of this calibre who seem to know instinctively what I am aiming for in each composition. This knowledge and understanding ensures that recording with them is a pleasurable experience."

“….it is Riley's highly personal approach which really grabs this listener and made producer Nils Winther an instant convert, determined to put him on tape. Nils feels Stephen to be one of the most distinctive and original of the younger sax players on the scene….” (Mark Garder, from the liner notes) Stephen Riley’s debut album “Inside Out” (SCCD 31584) has recently been selected as an outstanding CD by BBC

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…..”

Pianist Harold Danko brings back his successful “Trilix” trio to present another essential trio treats here. On “Trilix” Donald Elfman of All About Jazz wrote, “When a piano trio—or any jazz group, for that matter—is at the top of its game, all of the qualities that make its individual members shine come to the fore but also work in the service of both the tunes and the larger aesthetic of the group. Danko, Formanek and Hirshfield make a vitally engaging, intelligent and musical trio album. “

On this his 8th release Ballou states, “Of the sessions I have made this one is particularly significant. It represents a direction I have been headed in for years: informing one’s self with knowledge and experience, in both art and life, therefore increasing the potential to create a vast experience for the audience. The collaborative creations you hear on this recording are the collective conversations of three people sincerely striving to connect with you, the listener”

Bassist/Composer Ron McClure chose a drum-less trio format for his new outing for SteepleChase exposing himself into a more demanding role. “It would have been risky business trying some of these pieces without drums with most players, but with Rich Perry and George Colligan, I knew that there was no reason to worry. “ (Ron McClure – form the liner notes)