This SteepleChase leadership debut showcases tenor saxophonist Kim Bock’s enormous talent. He has established himself in New York jazz scene since 2000 after completing his studies in Boston and Florida. Kim Bock has been featured in Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau Band.

Following the release of his impressive SteepleChase leadership debut of 2005 (SCCD 31586 “The Brothers’ Breakfast”) young altoist Loren Stillman came back to studio with veterans Steve LaSpina and Jeff Hirschfield to launch his trio alto series with his usual ease and confidence.

“There can be no doubt that Tom Guarna and his three dedicated colleagues make their mark with an hour of fluent and adventurous music, confirming that besides being an exceptional guitarist, the leader is also a composer and arranger of genuine ability…” (from the liner notes by Mark Gardner)

On this his latest solo recording the composer / performer Andy LaVerne states, “This CD, as a personal statement, is one of the most important I have made since I began recording for SteepleChase 30 years ago. It demonstrates and documents how my writing has evolved over the years.”

When reviewing Levy’s previous release SCCD 31579 “ Mood Ellington”, BBC Music Magazine’s Richard Cook wrote, “…Levy offers one of the richest tenor sounds in contemporary jazz…”

Following his successful SteepleChase debut album (SCCD 31562 Blue Function) recorded in jazz’s birthplace, New Orleans where he lives, Christian Winther moves his recording venue to jazz’s thriving place, New York for this his second outing to result in once again an exciting, evolving and enjoyable album. On his debut album, Cadence’s Jim Santella commented, “… The leader’s centerpiece is his laid-back attitude. It enables him to caress a melody without raising a fuss, … to show a sincere love for lyric beauty… ”

“Alto saxophonist Stillman, in his early 20s, is quite a discovery and destined for a bright future in jazz.. ” was an opening assertion by JazzTimes’ Owen Cordle reviewing Loren’s 2004 album “How Sweet It Is” (Nagel-Heyer label). Mark Gardner shares Mr. Cordle’s opinion in the linernotes for this album stating, “Sudden mergence as a prodigy need not be a career handicap, and certainly not in the case of saxophonist Loren Stillman, who makes his SteepleChase leadership debut with this impressive CD… ”.

Since his debut album “Introducing Ari Ambrose” SCCD 31450 in 1998, Ari Ambrose’s burgeoning career has enjoyed critical and popular acclaim. Most recent is by David Franklin of JazzTimes on the previous album “Waiting” SCCD 31560 “A exceptional example of mainstream modern jazz…” “… Ari Ambrose is open to the excitement of exploration, allows his muse to roam freely and that willingness, shared by his confreres here, makes him eminently listenable at all time. … ” (Mark Gardner)

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)

Shadow Forms

OrganicLee

Classical Music

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“… 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.

Classical Music

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."