Dave Stryker’s most successful band “Blue To The Bone” is back again. This long-waited third volume is dedicated to Brother Jack McDuff and Stanley Turrentine, both of whom left tremendous influence on Stryker. “… a truly original guitar voice to break new ground in large ensemble music …. Stryker has assembled a fantastic group to realize his pieces … There is no more satisfying guitarist, with such a large body of original works to be heard today … ” (Charles A Apicella)

Andy LaVerne's association with SteepleChase dates back nearly a quarter of a century. He has been a prolific contributor to the catalogue. This marks his 16th effort as a leader and he has made numerous appearances as a sideman for the label. This CD contains four new compositions by LaVerne along with renditions of Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge" and Duke Pearson's "You Know I Care". Andy's last 3 CDs for SteepleChase are "Highly recommended for fans of jazz piano" by Ken Dryden of The All Music Guide. LaVerne's music "is quiet, contemplative, and smart." - Richard Kamins, Cadence.

All 10 pieces comprising this program are particularly suited to treatment by this type of instrumentation. Malach has worked with a whole host of names including Miles Davis and Horace Silver. Cochrane has worked with the likes of Michael Brecker, Eddie Gomez, Clark Terry, and Jack Walrath (SteepleChase SCCD 31172 "In Europe") among many others. On this set Cochrane covers 10 tunes including 2 originals, Bill Evans' "Orbit", Mal Waldron's "Soul Eyes" and Joe Henderson's "Step Lightly".

Guitarist Purrone leads his power rhythm section (Dave Anderson - electric fretted & fretless bass and Thierry Arpino - drums) in a session covering tunes ranging from "Body and Soul" to one of Miles Davis' later compositions "Petits Machins (Little Stuff)". Purrone is a rising guitar star. He is well known for his work with the Heath Brothers and all over the East Coast. Jim Ferguson of Jazz Times in his review of an earlier Purrone CD on SteepleChase ( SCCD 31475- Temperament) states that "there is more to this six string wonder than sheer velocity. He swings hard and sure while tantalizing the ear with ideas that range from eccentric circus moves to phrases that are hip and creative." Recorded in March 2001, this CD marks Purrone's sixth effort as a leader for SteepleChase. He is well known for his work with the Heath Brothers and all over the East Coast. Jim Ferguson of Jazz Times in his review of an earlier Purrone CD on SteepleChase ( SCCD 31475- Temperament) states that "there is more to this six string wonder than sheer velocity. He swings hard and sure while tantalizing the ear with ideas that range from eccentric circus moves to phrases that are hip and creative." Recorded in March 2001, this CD marks Purrone's sixth effort as a leader for SteepleChase.

On this CD, long time SteepleChase leader saxophonist Rich Perry teams up with Steve Lampert (tpt.), Denis Irwin (bass), and Jeff Hirshfield (drums) for an exploration into freer material than he has in past studio outings. Recorded in March 2001, this CD features all original material by Perry (2) and Lampert (6) reminiscent of Ornette Coleman's early works. In reviewing "Doxy" (SteepleChase SCCD 31473), Dick Bogle of The Portland/Seattle Scanner states that Perry "roams free but always within his own structure in this pianoless group. His tone is impeccably clear and rich."

How can six men, who don’t normally play together and certainly not as an ensemble, congregate and make such fine, purposeful music of enduring consequence? That’s the spell of jazz and the lasting lure of the jam session, of which this particular one is an outstanding example.

Gong With Wind epitomises neatly the nature and purpose of this unique collaboration between evergreen veteran saxophonist Lee Konitz (supplying the wind) and master percussionist Matt Wilson (the man with the “gongs”). The pair have known each other and played together intermittently for many years. Matt was part of Lee’s group in the early 1990s. Konitz had in mind for sometime to make an entire album with the sole assistance of the drummer for whom he has the highest regard. (from Mark Gardner's liner notes)

This 4th volume of the Jam Session series presents six musicians at the start of their career. Since the time of the recording took in 1997 all six have made major advancements in their career and build a name for themselves in the jazz world with recordings and performances with major jazz artists and in their own names.

"Ambrose's tenor speaks with the brusque swagger of a young Rollins and his upper register forays more than a hint at the Lovano influence, still Ambrose is well on the way to developing a very mature and appealing voice." Chris Hovan - jazzreview.com.

This is George Colligan's second solo CD for Steeplechase. His first, entitled "Small Room" (SCCD 31470), has met with critical acclaim everywhere. "George Colligan is one of the brightest and most articulate new pianists on today's scene. A composer to reckon with as well, Colligan's music defies easy categorization." Harvey Pekar - Jazz Times

Trombone-piano duo may sound unlikely but if it concerns with the two masters of the respective instruments here, the result is a total delight. “… It isn’t the instruments that determine the outcome of this intimate collaboration, but the musicians, their skills, interplay, sensitivity and consummate artistry which are the decisive factors.” (Mark Gardner)

Gordon/Bailey Co. dazzles us again with their powerful live performance on this third volume from the Swedish tour of 1974, which previously produced two highly successful CDs: SCCD 31290 “Round Midnight” and SCCD 31373 “Revelation”. “... all Dexter’s recordings from this time are particularly creative, especially with a soloist of Bailey’s calibre at his elbow to drive Gordon” (Mark Gardner) "...recorded in the early stages of Dexter's residence with the SteepleChase label...This may have been Gordon's great period, surpassing in some ways his earlier years with Blue Note...Dexter is relaxed and confident..." (Krin Gabbard, Cadence)

Take five SteepleChase leaders (three of them brilliant modern exponents of the electric guitar), have them bring some tunes they dig into the studio, roll the tapes, sit back and listen to a creative hour of spontaneous combustion. That’s what producer Nils Winther did when he laid on a rendez-vous for a trio of the label’s top plectrists - Vic Juris, Dave Stryker and Tony Purrone. To give this formidable “string section” the appropriate drive, two fellow SteepleChasers, drummer Keith Copeland and bassist Scott Colley, both leaders in their own right, were pressed into service. (from Mark Gardner's liner notes)

This first volume of a SteepleChase jam session series, set to run to more than 20 CD releases, brings together three tenor saxophonists (who, incidentally, double effectively on other instruments) and an excellent rhythm section who combine expertly in a most stimulating session. (from Mark Gardner's liner notes)

What modesty forbids Harold Danko from saying is that he interprets and handles this diversity of material in a most personal and refreshing manner which would surely please the composers, who also were/are all working instrumentalists. The Danko/Formanek/Hirshfield coalition is a unit that functions with unanimity. While Harold may have opted for a solo piano approach his two companions worked beautifully around that stance to achieve a wholly integrated blend. (from Mark Gardner's liner notes)

Between 1992 and 1998, trumpeter Brad Goode recorded many of the club dates he played in Chicago. Most of these featured the eminent tenor saxophonist Von Freeman with Brad, other guest soloists and various rhythm sections. Scores and scores of hours of potent music were documented and from that vast "live" archive Mr Goode and SteepleChase producer Nils Winther have selected the cream for this series of "Inside Chicago" jazz CDs of which this is the 3rd volume.

Between 1992 and 1998, trumpeter Brad Goode recorded many of the club dates he played in Chicago. Most of these featured the eminent tenor saxophonist Von Freeman with Brad, other guest soloists and various rhythm sections. Scores and scores of hours of potent music were documented and from that vast "live" archive Mr Goode and SteepleChase producer Nils Winther have selected the cream for this series of "Inside Chicago" jazz CDs of which thi s is the 4th volume.

A very special evening for both the performers and listeners would ensue; Rich was really “on” from the first to last notes played, and everyone present was “in the zone” with him. It is interesting to me that the music came off as well as it did, since much of my time in the days before the concert was spent in the administrative and promotional trenches. I had fully intended for the group to rehearse with Rich and to stick in a tune or two of mine, but as luck would have it there were many last minute things to take care of as well as a surprising lack of local publicity for Rich’s appearance. (from Harold Danko's linernotes)

“Don Friedman is probably playing better now than at any other period of his splendid career. Maturity has brought a deepening of emotional expression, a refinement of touch and the knowledge of exactly how much he wants to say within a given performance……On this beautifully conceived and executed CD, Don is in the bright company of three musicians who share his aims and ideals, and hold true to the tenets of balancing spontaneity with organisational clarity and discipline…” (Mark Gardner – linernotes)

“…a first class young musician, …an intelligent, possibly major talent …” (Jazz Journal) “ …impressive leader debut …a fully formed stylist, …a writer of substance.” (JazzTimes) “…Ambrose passes all test with four stars…” (Dick Bogle) “…Ambrose is a star on the rise…”(CD Review) Ari Ambrose collected tons of praises from the jazz critics all over the world for his gutsy debut album of pianoless trio format. On his sixth album here, Ari formed a pianoless and tightly knit quartet “ by four jazzmen, characterised by their willingness to test and stretch their individual and collective imaginations to the limits in the cause of making resilient music”.(Mark Gardner)

“…This is jazz of today but played in the spirit of the music's history and with an awareness of its best traditions. Jamming lives!” (Mark Gardner) CD Review’s Rick Finlay wrote, “…SteepleChase’s series of jam sessions drawing together the cream of the contemporary jazz world makes a refreshing change these days.”

“…Dave Ballou, Greg Gisbert and Scott Wendholt pooled their considerable instrumental resources to fashion the fifth session in the SteepleChase landmark series documenting where contemporary jazz and some of its most distinctive voices are at these days. The contents of this CD, its predecessors and the sets to come suggest, most emphatically, that the music and its proponents are in fine shape and good heart…”. (Mark Gardner) On previous SteepleChase Jam Session series, CD Review’s Rick Finlay wrote: “…SteepleChase’s series of jam sessions drawing together the cream of the contemporary jazz world makes a refreshing change these days .…. highly recommended.”

Though Ted Brown co-led a CD (“Dig-It” SCCD 31466) with Lee Konitz in 1999, this is the first leader album in some 15 years for this legendary tenor stylist from the Lennie Tristano school. “ Ted has been an uncompromising individualist throughout his stop/start career. From an early age he realised and recognised the importance of following his own path in music. He refused to be thrown off course or swayed by commercial or fashionable considerations. Consequently his playing has retained a personal quality absent from the legions of saxophone clones lacking the courage of their own convictions.” (Mark Gardner)

40 years ago Bill Evans and Jim Hall recorded two brilliant duo albums called “Intermodulations” and “Undercurrent”. Andy Laverne and John Abercrombie whose collaboration dates back to the late 1960s have been inspired by the Evans-Hall recordings and have been experimenting with the format. Andy LaVerne remarks, "Over the years we have collaborated as a duo many times in concerts, club dates, workshop sessions. I guess Bill and Jim set a wonderful example to us of what could be achieved by the piano/guitar instrumentation”. This CD, though it is neither re-creation nor copying of the original material, is an evolution of the predecessors. have been inspired by the Evans-Hall recordings and have been experimenting with the format. Andy LaVerne remarks, "Over the years we have collaborated as a duo many times in concerts, club dates, workshop sessions. I guess Bill and Jim set a wonderful example to us of what could be achieved by the piano/guitar instrumentation”. This CD, though it is neither re-creation nor copying of the original material, is an evolution of the predecessors.

The collaboration between Duke Jordan and SteepleChase in the 70s represents a major body of Duke Jordan’s creative output both as performing artist and as composer. Duke led his regular trio with Wilbur Little and Dannie Richmond during the extensive Scandinavian tour in the autumn of 1978. This release is from the concert at the Art Museum at Høvikodden, Norway, filled with Duke Jordan’s melodic magic.

A sequel to the much acclaimed “Quartet Music” (SCCD 31513) features again pianist/leader Michael Cochrane’s first class treatment of the carefully chosen material for the quartet. Jack Bowers of Cadence magazine commented on the previous release: “…Cochrane, Malach, bassist Calvin Hill and drummer Jeff Hirshfield play them with remarkable ease and assurance, uncovering the beauty and charm in every number without ever appearing to be working at it. Quartet music at its best.”

Introducing a new talent has always been a major and satisfying incident for SteepleChase. The list of artists whose debut albums it produced includes Doug Raney, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Andy LaVerne, Hilton Ruiz, Joe Locke, Kevin Hays, Larry Willis, Rick Margitza, Rich Perry just to mention a few. The latest addition, saxophonist Joshua Douglas Smith is just turning 21 and studying jazz and economics at New York University. Joshua and his fellow NYC students formed this group and within a short time they began to display extraordinary levels of creativity. “Joshua Douglas Smith and his three contemporaries…make an impressive debut here and in doing so indicate a bright and optimistic future for jazz.” (Mark Gardner)