“…SteepleChase producer Nils Winther's interest in documenting spontaneous meetings of talented musicians deserves praise, demanding single takes and no rehearsals to keep the music fresh and the players on their toes… ” (Ken Dryden on Vols.17 & 18 – AllAboutJazz-NY)

Vol. 30 marks the last and completion of SteepleChase Jam Session series which started 12 years ago featuring talented instrumentalists of younger (and old, too) generation on the New York scene. Derek Taylor of AAJ-NY sums up the significance of this series “As long as there is jazz, jam sessions will continue to be the glue that holds the art form together. It’s a dyed-in-the-wool tradition in the music and a primary means by which it evolves. These conclaves of like-minded players draw enthusiastically on the best traits of the practice. The days when giants like Bean, Bags, Jaw and Jug frequented after hours haunts, blowing just for the fun of it and honing their craft into a distinctly American art form are past, but the vernaculars they shaped live on in these men and show that the handed down torch is definitely still burning bright.”

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GOODMAN, Geoff: Jazz + Haiku

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Far Away Places: Nostalgic Songs of Travel

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SUNDAY MORNING JAZZ (1950-1959)

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Composer/pianist Olegario Diaz was born in Venezuela and studied music in USA graduating with Master’s degree in Jazz Composition from The Manhattan School of Music in New York City. For his SteepleChase debut album here he surrounds himself with the finest of artists one can find on the NY jazz scene: Rich Perry on tenor sax, Ron McClure on bass and Billy Hart on drums. Diaz is active in performing both in USA and South America. “His visions and efforts resulted in a fresh and spontaneous performance of this fine selection of jazz standards and Diaz originals.” (Ron McClure – from the liner notes)

India and Indian music have intrigued Pierre Dørge ever since his teenage. Here on his latest album Dørge compiles his impressions of several trips there and the result of his recent field studies. Donald Elfman of AAJ once remarked, “Pierre Dørge 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.” His magical ability is at full throttle here on this extraordinary musical depiction of a fascinating country.

C. Andrew Hovan of AllAboutJazz once observed, “What has marked all of Stryker's previous SteepleChase sides has been his penchant to not repeat formats or ideas. Each session sports a different group of musicians and the material covers new ground.” Mr. Hovan’s observation proves true here on Stryker’s latest recording of mesmerizing organ quintet with repertoire raging from Michael Jackson to Clifford Brown together with his originals. “(Stryker) combines tradition and modernity in equal balance, arranges with skill and imagination, teases optimum performances from associates with good-natured relish, and plays the blues with deep felt conviction.” (Mark Gardner – from the liner notes)

"A concert recording celebrating the United States Army Blues Jazz Ensemble's 25th anniversary. Features The New York Voices vocal quartet A program consisting mainly of American standards, including Benny Goodman's “Air Mail Special”, Hoagy Carmichael's “Star Dust” and George Gershwin's “Summertime”. Since its 1972 founding, this ensemble has backed both jazz legends and show business stalwarts."

TOBIAS MEINHART QUARTET: Pursuit of Happiness

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Cool Yule

United States Air Force Airmen of Noted: A Holiday Note From

Since his SteepleChase debut with pianist Hal Galper on an album entitled "Reach Out" (SCCD 31067) in 1976, drummer Billy Hart and label have kept a long, productive relationship. This release marks his 68th recording and his 1st leader album for SteepleChase. Billy Hart has not only been the company's most recorded drummer but also one of the most influential voices in the label’s creative decision making. “… Hart is widely regarded as one of the most capable of modern-jazz drummers…” (The New Grove Dictionary of JAZZ)

Danish saxophonist Kim Boch has established himself firmly on the New York jazz scene. In addition to his regular quartet heard on SCCD 31603 Secrets and SCCD 31667 Live In Copenhagen Boch embarked on an organ trio giving the tradition-filled format a new exciting dimension. This recording took place during the trio’s US tour in 2010. In 2011 another tour in USA and Europe is scheduled.

The crystal clear beauty of the sound of Riza Hequibal’s harp was first heard on a few tracks of Printup’s 2007 album “Bird of Paradise” (SCCD 31626). On this new album Hequibal enhances Printup’s lyrical performances through out as an essential member of his trio. Incidentally Riza and Marcus were married a few months after the recording of this aptly titled album A Time For Love. Ken Dryden of AllAboutJazz-NY described Printup “as an open-minded player who gives his all in any setting, whether playing standards or time-tested jazz compositions or new music given to him on a record date.”