As Thomas Conrad (allaboutjazz) once observed Bill Mays as “a literate, polished, mainstream jazz pianist (who) likes to do concept albums”, Bill Mays chose to build his first album on SteepleChase on the concept of movie themes. Mays’s mastery of color and touch superbly illustrates those silver screen memorable moments.

A sequel to Gerhardt’s successful first solo album All That I Have SCCD 31661 portraits the pianist/composer in deeply personal picture. “…, those who listened to and loved "All That I Have" will find further delightful satisfaction in encountering the nine parts that make up "Momentum". Together they embody the true essence of Bill's musical philosophy. (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

The collaboration between Ambrose and Riley on Tenor Treats (SCCD 31656) session, packed with stimulating performances gave us a bonus of enough material for this sequel. “The instantaneous rapport achieved by Riley and Ambrose is indicative of the flexibility of these two accomplished players, who know the value of complementing, rather than trying to outdo, each other. There's a deep unity of thought in the way they roll out each performance . ." (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

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A lively recording highlighting a selection of military marches and patriotic songs, featuring several Sousa pieces including "The Washington Post," "King Cotton." The USAF Band of the Rockies' performances are first-rate. Other songs include "The Footlifter," "El Capitan," "Chicago Tribune," "Sound Off - Air Force Blue," and more. 24 songs in all! (Altissimo)

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The so-called “unusual” set up of Andy LaVerne’s piano and organ trio formed a several years ago is no longer unusual after its tremendous success with the critics such as JazzTimes’ Thomas Conrad: “Andy LaVerne on piano and Gary Versace on organ sound absolutely natural and complementary together.” – on SCCD 31596 All Ways and Allaboutjazz’s C. Andrew Hovan: “Really one of the most welcomed surprises of the season, Intelligent Design lives up to its name as one of LaVerne’s best efforts thus far and one of the finest jazz releases of the year. “ – on SCCD 31618 Intelligent Design Andy Laverne this time took his trio to the excited audiences at the posh jazz bar of The Kitano Hotel on Park Avenue, NY, NY.

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“….This is exciting, entrancing and vigorous music, filled with nuances and subtleties… As for contemporary jazz trumpet playing it doesn’t come any better than the mature style purveyed by Marcus Printup, one of the finest of our times” (Mark Gardner- from the liner notes) On Printup’s previous album SCCD 31626 Bird Of Paradise JazzTimes’ George Kanzler commented, “Printup and Nash solo with more tonal and timbrel variety, sacrificing sheer velocity for expressive sounds and fewer notes. It’s a creatively fertile way to revisit Bird’s music.”

Though Ambrose and Riley, two of the elite tenorists of younger generation have known each other for several years and are both SteepleChase recording artists, this is the first time they went into a Studio to cut co-led albums. Both of them share a deep respect of the jazz’s tradition but their expressions distinctly bear their strong individual voices. Here’s the first volume of the dynamic and creative collaboration.

Guitarist Tom Guarna for his fourth leader CD puts together a beautifully executed album of intriguing music with his long-term collaborators. “…. all the participants shared a respect, familiarity and belief in the tenets of what goes to make good jazz. …” (Mark Gardner – from the liner notes)

“…there is a special world of meticulous jazz composition envisaged by the creative sensibility of Gigi Gryce to be re-discovered in Blue Lights. And the interpretation of those works by Chris Byars and his men is to be applauded and cherished. They are both authentic and inspired.” (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

“Dick Oatts and Jerry Bergonzi have stacked up a formidable total of 67 years of playing experience on the highly competitive New York scene, and that wealth of nous is evident in this rousing collaboration…..” (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

“The music presented here …. demands attentive listening. ….The shades and textures woven by the Scott Five are neither random nor nonchalant, but carefully coloured and contoured. It is absorbing music that grows on you more with each hearing …..”Mark Gardner (Contributor, Jazz Journal International since 1962) • On Scott’s earlier album “Song for Amy” (SCCD 31561), Cadence’s Dave Dupont wrote, “…balance between drawing resources from the past and expressing musical ideas with in-the-moment urgency is what makes me inclined to sing the praises of Scott’s song.”

Andrew Rathbun, Canadian-born multi-instrumentalist (primarily on tenor saxophone) is also an accomplished composer has firmly established himself on the world jazz scene. On his previous release “Affairs of State” (SCCD 31630) Stuart Broomer of allaboutjazz wrote, “…. The result is consistently thoughtful, well-crafted music in a mature idiom.”

New York based saxophonist Kim Bock brings his band to Scandinavian tour annually. One of their concerts from Copenhagen is captured here live with the enthusiastic audience. Tom Greenland of allaboutjazz wrote of Bock’s debut album “Secrets” (SCCD 31603): “…An excellent beginning, Secrets showcases Bock’s writing and playing and, most of all, his ability to attune his talents to the voices of his contemporaries.”

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Voodoo Boogaloo

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SAVEDOFF, Allen: Standing on Chairs

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