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.”

The Hot Club of San Francisco is a quintet of acoustic string virtuosos and one of the premier exponents of 'gypsy jazz' inspired by Django Reinhardt's HOT CLUB OF PARIS. This album includes special guest David Grisman, the world's best known mandolin player.

Three bright, contemporary trumpet voices engage here in fluent and spirited conversation. Listeners will find a surprise guest trumpeter on “Joy Spring” track. Ken Dryden of allaboutjazz remarked on Vol. 17 and 18, “…well worth acquiring."

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 is proud to introduce Russ Spiegel, an immensely talented guitarist / composer on this his label debut album. “Another exciting SteepleChase discovery is unveiled!” (Mark Gardner)

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)

Since embarking on a “burgeoning creative career” (Chuck Berg, JazzTimes) with his debut album “Introducing Ari Ambrose” in 1998 Ambrose has kept critics and fans positively surprised with his ever-evolving performances. In this latest album we discover the tenorman’s romantic side.

Vincent Gardner follows up his highly successful SteepleChase inaugural “Elbow Room” (SCCD 31580) - “An impressive debut as a leader” (Terrell Kent Holmes- allaboutJazz) with this exciting collections of Frank Foster /Horace Silver tunes.

The instrumentation of piano/organ/drums may be highly unusual but with Andy LaVerne and Gary Versace on the keyboards the format is a sure winner as their earlier collaboration in “All Ways” (SCCD 31569) – “(LaVerne and Versace) sound absolutely natural and complementing together….two equally appealing keyboard voices…” (Thomas Conrad – JazzTimes)

Classical Music

“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.” (Derek Taylor – allaboutjazz)

“In the jazz tradition, the jam session played and continues to play a vital role in the musical community. In that spirit, Steeplechase, a label built on tradition, has come up with a jam session series, pairing veteran players with up-and-comers as a way of spreading the word about musicians on the label.” (Matthew Miller – Allabout jazz).

Rich Perry is teamed up here with his original sidemen whom he goes back more than 13 years. “Perry and cohorts play jazz for the 21st century which shows a constant awareness and love for what went before.” (Mark Gardner) Rich's “Live at the Kitano 1” (SCCD 31600) drew a lot of attention from the critics. Matthew Miller of allaboutjazz wrote, “Perry once again dazzles with his facility and impeccable taste and further asserts himself as one of the most gifted saxophonists of his generation. …”

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Our second jazz collection is deliberately easy listening; relaxing and enjoyable, with strong melodies and a gentle swing. Sinatra, Holliday, Ella, Nat and many more stars in possibly the ultimate fantasy night club programme! Relax into the small wee hours with numbers like Sweet Lorraine, or enjoy April in Paris, and dream a little dream with Armstrong.