Iva Bittova newest release with the Prague Philharmonia is a sweeping and sonically ample project featuring older and newer compositions from Bittova's repertoire arranged for symphony orchestra. These include pieces created in tandem with Pavel Fajt (Periny/Feather Duvets), Vladimir Vaclavek (Zvon/The Bell, Uspavanka/Lullaby, Sirka v louzi/A Match in a Puddle, Zeleny venecek/Green Wreath), with the bands Dunaj (V cernem/In Black) and Cikori (Zapiskej/Whistle), works within her solo projects (Paraskeva, Elida), as well as a new piece (Vetvicka/Twig).

Dreamsville marked 25 years of Carol Kidd’s partnership with Linn and saw the long-awaited return to the studio of this unique UK jazz legend. Originally released in 2008, Dreamsville is re-issued as part of Linn’s ECHO series that offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label’s award-winning catalog. An exquisite album of hand-picked standards and self-penned songs, it is perhaps no surprise that is was named the Best CD at the 2009 Scottish Jazz Awards and a Recommended Release on BBC Radio 2 by Russell Davies. Known for her impeccable phrasing and delivery and for her innate ability to breathe fresh life into jazz standards, Carol’s performances of Gershwin, Rogers & Hart, Irving Berlin and Henry Mancini classics sees the singer deliver a masterclass in interpretation and shows why she is considered “a singer's singer.” Carol co-wrote two new tracks with guitarist Nigel Clark, “There Goes My Heart” and “Do You Believe?”. Carol is acknowledged in jazz circles as “Britain's finest ballads singer” (Jazz Review). She was named Best Vocalist at the 2011 Scottish Jazz Awards, a title she has won four times at the British Jazz Awards.

Visits blurs lines between improvisation and composition, jazz and classical, spontaneity and planning. To hear what Triade do is to lose yourself in endless possibilities. Cellist Michelle Kinney drew Carei Thomas and Gary Schulte down a new path, away more traditional jazz improvising. New possibilities opened up, and new compositions were spontaneously generated on fragments of Thomas' work. Recorded in the mid-1990s, it receives via innova it's first digital pressing.

"• Walking In The Sun’ heralded a new direction for Ms. Jungr. • Originally released in 2006, now re-issued as part of Linn’s ECHO series • Drawing on influences from a wide range of musical traditions, including gospel and the blues, this album is Ms. Jungr’s most accessible release to date. • Includes a new song by Eric Bibb, Heading Home, which sees the legendary guitarist make a guest appearance on the track."

"• Barb Jungr's original take on the songs of Jacques Brel marked her Linn debut • Originally released in 2000, now re-issued as part of Linn’s ECHO series • Ms. Jungr opted to use specially commissioned translations for her English language renditions • Ms. Jungr has won numerous accolades with many industry critics considering her to be the finest songstylist in Britain. • Her acclaimed releases and 'revelatory' live performances have brought her to audiences all around the world."

"• Critics uniformly adored Barb Jungr’s reflective rendition of Ray Davies’ title track • Originally released in 2003, now re-issued as part of Linn’s ECHO series • This collection of classic and original material includes songs by Richard Thompson and Bob Dylan • Ms. Jungr has been compared to her heroine Nina Simone, as well as Edith Piaf and Peggy Lee"

Founded in 1971 by Ornette Coleman, Karl Berger, and Ingrid Sertso, the Creative Music Studio (CMS) had a simple goal: create music, without boundaries. Artists came to Woodstock, NY, to be a part of a collective synergy, to live and work together as they found common ground and developed their vocabulary. The CMS Archive Selections documents that vocabulary and those creations, and this 3-CD set on innova Recordings represents its first fruits.

"Presenting an eclectic variety of songs demonstrating Claire’s vocal talents Originally released in 2000, this album saw Claire Martin lead the jazz world into pop-crossover territory before Norah Jones and Madeleine Peyroux made this style an accepted genre. Claire Martin has been a driving force behind the UK jazz scene for the past 25 years Co-presenter, Jazz Line-Up, on BBC Radio 3 since 2000."

"Originally released in 1987, ‘Nice Work’ features a spectrum of standards from the Great American Songbook The song list is chosen with Carol’s characteristic good taste; several Gershwin favourites are interspersed amongst neglected but estimable material From the beginning of Carol's career, her albums were extremely well received"

Guitarist Samo Salamon hails from Marigor, Slovenia and splits his work and life between USA and European Continent, though in the last 10 plus years his activities has kept growing and expanding in the USA collecting numerous accolades from critics and public alike. “One of the more exciting and inventive improvising artists, Slovenian guitarist Samo Salamon’s stylistic modus operandi, coupled with massive chops has earned him prominence within global, progressive-jazz circles. (Glenn Astaria – Jazz Review 2012) “Guitarist Samo Salamon is one of those players quietly but fully engaged with moving the music forward.” (Nic Jones, AAJ 2011) “The guitarist is the star, though, and he is a star. He is a tremendous player, articulating each note and line with clarity and force, no matter the velocity … to say many things via many means, … without hesitation and with complete artistic conviction … exciting and satisfying.” (George Grella – The Big City 2011)

John Tchicai (1936 - 2012) to whom this CD is dedicated was one of the most celebrated jazz musicians hailing from Europe (Denmark) of our time. Pierre Dørge owes the considerable part of his musical roots to John Tchicai whose impact on contemporary jazz is immeasurable. “Danish composer-guitarist Pierre Dørge, like Charles Mingus before him, possesses an antic ardor for the striking horn voicings and ruminative soundscapes of Duke Ellington, …. The other signature trait that Dørge’s New Jungle Orchestra semi-big bands have displayed over their 30-plus years of existence is an ability to unleash a cosmopolitan pinwheel of moods, tones and textures.” (Brittania Thompson – JazzTimes on Sketches of India SCCD 31728) “Talk about your pan-cultural jazz. What isn’t in here? Pierre Dørge admits all sorts of influences and styles into the music of his New Jungle Orchestra, ..The aesthetic varies widely from tune to tune, and yet it all feels part of the greater whole… .” (Steve Greenlee – JazzTimes on Jazz Is Like a Banana SCCD 31636)

Brian Charette’s unique, reed-based sextet released their first album “Music For Organ Sextette” (SCCD 31731) in 2012 to a critical and public acclaim. Dan Bilawsky noted in AAJ : “…On Music For Organ Sextette, Charette weaves a unique and gripping aural tapestry together with a mélange of woodwinds serving as the thread. He channels his energy into creating constructs that benefit from the blending of multiple voices ... Music For Organ Sextette is an anomaly in the world of organ-centric jazz … Charette challenges the status quo with this one and winds up the victor in every way.” On this second outing of the Sextet Brian Charette even furthers and deepens his musical universe making this sextet a perfect and permanent formula for its creative founder.

Pianist/composer Oregario Diàz, graduate of The Manhattan School of Music with Mater Degree devides his time in his homeland Venezuela and New York performing with his groups. The title song dedicated to the New York-born Haitian pop artist Jean Michel Basquiat reflects Diaz’ deep appreciation of arts. For this his third album Diaz put together a highly cohesive ensemble to paint an attractive collage of joyful music. Ole Nimand of Jazz Special (DK) commented on Diaz’ previous release “The Skyline Session” SCCD 31753, “….The two tunes from Diaz’ own pen confirm again his compositional talent and his melodias and expressive solos steal the scene….This is a brilliant and stylish presentation of the kind of jazz that is otherwise no longer on the throne these days….”

Trumpeter/composer Jason Palmer has surprised audiences with each of his new releases full of fresh concept and amazing execution. This his 4th release is no exception. All Jason originals here are inspired by the places he has visited during his numerous tours throughout the world including the two towns closest to his heart: his birth place High Point, North Carolina and his current home town near Boston, Roslindale. Jon Ross of Downbeat remarks of Jason, “Palmer is an exciting player - achieving pinpoint focus in his attack one minute, turning his concrete bebop lines into caramel, sliding through pitches and bending them to his will the next. If Palmer's music stays close to home, he should go far."

SteepleChase Lookout is proud to introduce another new exciting artist, originally from Italy currently New York-based Paolo Sapia who started his professional career as jazz pianist. Paolo changed his instrument to alto saxophone in 2004 and moved to New York City with a scholarship from New York University in 2005.Since then Paolo has studied, performed and recorded in USA with a broad range of musicians including Eric McPherson, Jimmy Cobb, Antonio hart, Kevin Hays, Bob Mover, Jeremy Manasia, Mark Turner, Reggie Workman, Quincy Davis, Sam Harris, Eden Ladin, Marco Panascia, Harold O’Neil, Vincent Herring, Joseph Lepore, Luca Santaniello. Philip Dizack, Peter Zak, Rafal Sarnecki, Joel Holmes, Wayne Escoffery, Reggie Quinerly, Mike Eckroth, Jimmy Owens , among others..

The twosome of cornettist Kirk Knuffke and pianist Jesse Stacken made SteepleChase Debut in 2009 with the highly acclaimed album “Mockingbird” (SCCD 31677) with subtitle The Music of Thelonious Monk & Duke Ellington. Martin Longley of AAJ commented, “… it's refreshing to find the two pianist/composers united in a single conception, pointing out that they probably have more similarities than differences. …This is nostalgia made vibrant, played with precision, depth, good taste and a leisurely refusal to overcrowd its sonic space.”

More than a decade ago critic C. Andrew Hovan cited Colligan “One of New York’s finest”. George Colligan has since evolved into a matured and yet adventurous artist on the world stage. This latest album showcases his new New York trio performing all Colligan originals. “His own intelligent and emotional talents create room for the best to play at their very own best…..With George Colligan at the helm, the horizon is not the limit.” (Travis Rogers - JazzTimes on “The Facts” SCCD 31752)

Russian-Born Gene Segal, who moved to USA as a child, is one of the elite guitarists of the younger generation from the New York scene. After receiving his Master’s Degree in composition from prestigious William Patterson University Gene immersed himself in New York’s competitive and creative milieu to find his own voice as an instrumentalist and composer. This Gene Segal’s SteepleChase Lookout debut is the first glimpse into an ever-evolving artist revealing his fascination with Frensh composer Olivier Messiaen, one of the most important composers of the 20th century.

Ian Patterson of AAJ remarked, “Rathbun's music is intellectually challenging and yet immediately accessible...”, when he was reviewing The Idea of North (SCCD 31762) Rathbun’s previous album. New York-based Canadian saxophonist/composer Andrew Rathbun has been releasing series of innovative albums which delight us with consistent creative and entertaining quality. Here on his latest recording Rathbun joins forces with NY’s finest rhythm section to produce another unique instrumental jazz. “This outstanding release remains fresh with each hearing, as new facets of these performances become apparent to the listener.” (Ken Dryden - AAJ on Shadow Forms SCCD 31598)

Veteran pianist/composer/educator Andy LaVerne has been a stalwart of SteepleChase Label for almost four decades. His latest album here is the sequel to “Live At The Kitano” with his unique piano/organ trio named One Of A Kind, which aptly describes its out-of-the-ordinary nature of the ensemble. C. Andrew Hovan of AAJ commented on the first SteepleChase release of the group Intelligent Design (SCCD 31618), “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.”

Bassist/composer/arranger/ Paul Brusger is one of the most sought-after bassists in the New York jazz scene, known for his rock-solid time and his penchant for hard-bop tradition (and for his past as professional baseball player). Here on his SteepleChase LookOut debut album Brusger displays his formidable talent as composer/arranger with his dream quartet comprising of Gary Smulyan (baritone sax), Mike LeDonne (piano) and the legendary Louis Hayes (drums).

New York-based drummer/composer Christian Coleman and one of Australia’s leading pianist Gavin Ahearn worked and recorded together in Sydney in 2008. They got together again in New York to record early this year. The superb recording came under the radar of SteepleChase LookOut label resulting in this release. The session was further joined by the winner of the 2008 Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition Jon Irabagon and New York’s up and coming bassist Iranian-American Sam Minaie.

Peter Zak on this his 10th album reveals his thoughts on jazz compositions by writing his own liner notes, which makes quite an interesting read as a bonus to the strong music embodied here. “…Zak’s originals have the strengths to become jazz standards themselves.” (Ken Dryden – the NYC Jazz Records on The Disciple SCCD 31791) “Pianist Peter Zak and his superb trio went into the studio to swing on Down East, and swing they did…. Zak's beautiful way with a melody comes to the forefront.” (Dan McClenaghan - AAJ on Down East SCCD 31715) “To “get” Zak, you have to pay close attention. The surfaces of his music seem conventional until you notice how imaginatively his improvisations are developed, and how intelligently they tie. Zak invariably comes upon lovely notes you never anticipated.” (Thomas Conrad – JazzTimes on Seed Of Sin SCCD 31641)

Organist Mark Minchello is no stranger to SteepleChase, having been a member of Elliot Zigmund’s group Trio EZ. He is at home in both the jazz and pop worlds. He has worked with traditional jazz artists Cecil Payne and Ted Curson as well as contemporary jazz artists Boney James, Gerald Albright and Will Downing. For 18 years he served as musical director to R&B Diva Regina Belle. On this leader debut album Mark brings fresh ideas to the great tradition of organ jazz.

Stanley Cowell during the last five decades has not only been active on the jazz scene but also devoted himself in the musical education of younger generation. Now his well-earned retirement from teaching at the Rutgers enables him to spend more time in performing and recording. The latest album, which is his 13th release on this label, Stanley Cowell presents himself as a supreme interpreter of jazz’s standard titles. “…it's a great pleasure to hear Stanley Cowell's It's Time: a finely crafted collection of mostly originals that is at once sophisticated, both aggressive and pensive, and simply fascinating to listen to.” (Greg Simmons – AJJ on “It’s Time” SCCD 31740)

Allegra Levy, a New England Conservatory graduate in her early 20s, has already established herself as a singer/composer/band leader in the New York jazz scene with her sultry, rich tones and truly original compositional skills. Assisted by the legendary trumpeter John McNeil with recording and producing, Allegra makes her recording debut here showcasing her enormous talent. “This is a mature first recording by a singer you're sure to hear more from. I think you'll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed producing it. The tunes are catchy and well-constructed, and you'll probably find yourself singing them in a short time. I sing them still.” (John McNeil from the liner notes)

Since his debut album “Inside Out” SCCD 31584 (2005) Stephen Riley has kept momentum to become and to stay the “distinctly unique jazz voice” (Neil Tesser). In spite of his preference for piano less format, Riley found the ideal pianist for him in Peter Zak, with whom he recorded the previous album “Lover” SCCD 31765. Here on his 11th release Riley backed by the same team including Peter Zak to interpret an amazing collection of classic but rarely heard jazz titles. “Lover, Riley’s latest, employs the talents of label mate Peter Zak … (Riley’s) unconventional use of ultra-hard reed to essay a satin soft sound—a common sense contradiction—sets him apart from every other under-40 player I can think of. This date brings his track record as a leader to seven for seven and, for reasons I’m still discovering and savoring, it comes highly recommended.” (Derek Taylor – Dusted Magazine on “Lover” SCCD 31765)

Gregory Tardy’s seventh release on SteepleChase “Hope” delivers strong musical and spiritual message to us all. Since his comeback from a three year sabbatical from the music scene Tardy has firmly resumed his place as “one of the most important saxophonists of his generation” (Matthew Miller, AAJ). “… ultimately it’s Tardy’s show. Not only is he arguably the most original of the band’s improvisers, he’s also the most impassioned. His lines are incisive and hard-edged. Even his most fanciful flights are purposeful. His energetic approach consistently lifts the group’s performance to a higher level….” (Chris Kelsey – JazzTimes on Steps of Faith SCCD 31610)

Rich Perry’s newest album Nocturne marks the 21st release in his 21-year-tenure with SteepleChase and for the first time Rich employs guitar (by Nat Radley) instead of piano for his quartet. Rich Perry still is arguably the best-kept-secret of today’s modern jazz scene inspite of all the talks of admiration by the critics and the fellow musicians such as tenor player David Valdez. To quote Valdez from his blog, “.. Rich never plays down to the audience, never compromising his advanced harmonic and rhythmic concepts in favor of wide accessibility…. Even though he stays on the cutting edge Rich's sound is always musical and melodic. He just always approaches melodic phrases from an extremely oblique angle. I really can't think of a badder cat that flies so low under the radar… I don't see this changing in the future since fame and fortune are obviously not motivating factors for Mr. Perry.”