This CD marks Goode's second effort as a leader for SteepleChase. The long time Chicago veteran - now a professor of jazz studies at The University of Cincinnati - has also appeared on two other CDs recently released by SteepleChase in tandum with the legendary tenor saxophonist Von Freeman ("Inside Chicago, vol 1 & 2, SCCD 31500, 31501). Goode's first effort as a leader for the label ("Toy Trumpet" SCCD 31491) featured a collaboration with Ira Sullivan and "represents just the tip of the iceberg in terms of Goode's sounds which are getting attention after years of neglect". - Neil Tesser - Jazziz Magazine. This recording reveals yet another section of this iceberg.

In the 70's Schneider received much public acclaim for his efforts with the Charles Mingus and Horace Silver bands. While he has been active ever since, his development as an artist has only been well documented on SteepleChase and this CD marks Larry Schneider's 8th effort as a leader for producer Nils Winther. "Devoid of any of the inherent sappiness that is common to the lightweight tones of those adult contemporary-type players, Schneider's soprano work is marked by a mild vibrato and dark timbre that is more akin to Steve Lacy's approach" Chris Hovan - allaboutjazz.com - in reference to a previous Schneider release on SteepleChase ("Ali Girl" SCCD 31429).

Pianist/Leader/Composer/Educator are a few of the hats worn by Harold Danko. Here he leads his quartet (with special guest Dave Ballou on trumpet) as an interpreter of Eric Dolphy's music. In its seventh recording for SteepleChase, the Harold Danko Quartet explores nine tunes penned by Dolphy. Danko's previous effort for SteepleChase ("Night Scapes" SCCD 31490) has received much praise from critics everywhere. "A hauntingly beautiful collection of eight lambent vignetts" (Chuck Berg, Jazz Times, June 2001) "Danko's solos are wonderfully evocative and impressionistic throughout." (Ron Netsky, Rochester City News, March 2001) "Danko is a thoughtful composer/player whose tasteful themes are awash in musical riches" (Jack Bowers, Cadence Magazine, September 2001).

In response to wide spread critical acclaim for their first duet recording on SteepleChase (SCCD 31485 "Twins"), pianist Colligan and bassist Bodilsen did a second session for SteepleChase following a Scandanavian tour just 13 months later. "George Colligan is one of the brightest and most articulate new pianists on today's scene. On "Twins" the pianist's synaptic spontaneity dances freely. Colligan's foil is the estimable young Danish bassist, Jesper Bodilsen. Like NHOP, Bodilsen possesses a warm sound, great dexterity, virtually faultless intonation and an aura of calm even in the midst of volcanic eruptions." (Harvey Pekar, Jazz Times, July/August 2001) " A real keeper all the way around, "Twins" is yet another fine collection to add to Colligan's already imposing body of work." (Chris Hovan, allaboutjazz.com)

ETHOS JAZZ TRIO: Ethos

India/Canada Ritesh Das Toronto Tabla Ensemble: Weaving

Classical Music

A sequel to SCCD 31483 Songbook which was remarked by Mark Gardner as “….Vic’s most powerful and compelling series of jazz statements, summing up his 35 years’ involvement with the guitar…” displays again Vic’s “unpredictable lyricism” (Jim Ferguson, JazzTimes) and “…une belle fluidité et un joli sens de la mélodie… (Domi Truffandier, Jazz Hot). On this second volume Juris selects gems of jazz compositions with startling beauty.

Bassist/composer Ron McClure is also an avid tennis player. The group on this CD founded originally to give concerts for the Riverside Clay Tennis Association became McClure’s newest regular group. Considering McClure’s career background that includes Wynton Kelly, Marian McPartland, the early fusion band Fourth Way, the Jazz-Rock group Blood, Sweat and Tears, the Charles Lloyd Quartet, Thelonious Monk, among others, it is not surprising to find this group in the blend of diverse musical styles. McClure is not only a strong bassist with technical excellence but “…he is also an exceptional composer who draws on non-jazz tonalities with great confidence.” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD, Richard Cook).

As one of the most inventive and original voices on trumpet Dave Ballou has established himself firmly on the scene. His latest CD here presents a largely-standard-tune collection in an intriguing free framework. “…He’s a sound, knowledgeable and versatile musician who can improvise impressively in a free context or complex chord changes…” (Harvey Pekar, CD Reviews)

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)

Here's the second entry by the inventive and melodic tenor of Jed Levy on the label. Jed's long-time association with the late Jaki Byard clearly evidenced in the creative way he leads this superb quartet