Harvey Siders in his JazzTimes review (Dec. 2002) of the first release (“Match Point” SCCD 31517) of this group concluded his writing by remarking, “Here’s hoping this two-year-old combo stays together.” Ron McClure Quartet does stay together, performing in and around New York area and dedicates another superb album here “For those affected by the tragic events of the recent past, we dedicate our music and express our hopes for a long overdue Age of Peace on our Earth”.(Ron McClure)

Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, the two pillars of bebop are the inspiration behind Louis Smith’s new album «Louisville» with the sequel title to his Blue Note release some 45 years ago «Smithville». On his earlier release with bebop theme “The Bopsmith” SCCD 31489 JazzTimes’ Greg Robinson wrote, “This is an enjoyable album of first-class modern bebop. Tumpeter Smith ... is a refined player who combines the jubilant flourish of Clifford Brown with a straightforward lyricism of Kenny Dorham ... Smith has a pleasant, compact tone and an ample reservoir of ideas ...”

Here’s the 11th output by the pianist whose steady collaboration with this label was described by the Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD as “The move to SteepleChase has been nothing but positive for Danko. Producer Nils Winther has an intuitive feel for piano players and he gives Harold a well-rounded, spacious sound that enhances his increasingly positive and resonant playing.” Trilix comprises nine jazz compositions including Duke Jordan’s classic “Flight To Jordan” immaculately performed.

Martin Jacobsen 36, a new Danish saxophone star lives in Paris and performs there as well as in all the major cities of Europe. His quartet featuring American guitarist Doug Raney has been enjoying great reception wherever they played. “… Two acclaimed musicians …performed with a quartet de luxe, have chances to surprise many a listener!” (Jazz Valley, France) With this his impressive debut album we all have chance to hear how one of the most current and brilliant jazz groups in European continent sounds.

After a short stay in New York, Dexter returned to his favourite city of Copenhagen in June 1965 and resumed his career’s best and most productive period. This is the first volume of magnificent live performances from Dexter’s favourite club “Jazzhus Montmartre” in 1965.

Two veterans of bop, trumpeter Louis Smith and saxophonist Billy Mitchell joined by the young lion Mark Turner make the 7th volume of “this essential documentation of jazz” an inspired recital. For Billy Mitchell this was his last recording session. “Billy Mitchell was a dignified hero right to the end, and his playing here will stand as a fitting memorial to his resilient talent.” (Mark Gardner). JazzReview’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.”

This is the third recording by the Tony Purrone Trio which has been together for five years. On their first album “The Tonester” (SCCD 31495) Aaron Steinberg of JazzTimes wrote, “…With an admirable sense for moderation and a flair for shooting sparks, Purrone combines just the right amounts of grit and harmonic sophistication. …Purrone’s tasteful playing complements his interesting choices in tunes…” And the second album “Rascality” (SCCD 31514) received the following remarks from Jim Ferguson in JazzTimes, “…his musical abilities run deep and encompass musicality, creativity and the ability to swing….While Purrone does possess awesome skills, he exercises restraint, calling upon them when they fit into his emotional and conceptional scheme.”

Larry Schneider teamed up with his soul mate group of Andy LaVerne (piano), Mike Richmond (bass) and Adam Nussbaum (drums) calls this album “…one of my most satisfying recording experiences…. Four friends who know how to play together and create freedom from structure…” On his previous release Jazz (SCCD 31505) Bill Bennett of JazzTimes wrote, “ The momentum that saxophonist Larry Schneider generates here is just awesome. ….Schneider and the stellar rhythm section-so typical of SteepleChase are completely at ease in sharing roles and responsibilities…”

Vol. 8 features three foremost instrumentalists Ryan Kisor on trumpet, Jimmy Greene on tenor sax and Jim Pugh on trombone on the theme of the 1960’s concept of modality. “The players assembled for a collective review of iconic pieces from that time were all attuned to the spirit of the music and familiar with the patterns and procedures best suited to it…” (Mark Gardner) Derek Taylor of All About Jazz wrote of the previous volumes of this series, “The Danish SteepleChase imprint has long recognized the fertile dynamics of jam sessions, …Volume 5 and 6 in the continuing series offer up vernal combinations and surprises while upholding producer Nils Winther’s credo of “positively no rehearsal.”

Pianist LeeAnn Ledgerwood’s fifth entry on the label presents her new trio with John Graham Davis on bass and Brandon Lewis on drums. With these young and immensely talented sidemen, Ledgerwood regards this album as her best trio recording to date. Critic Dick Bogle wrote of Ledgerwood, “…She has tons of technique, handfuls of soul and volumes of ideas…”

Since his first leader album (SCCD 31313 “New Horizon”) in 1992 bassist/composer/leader Steve LaSpina has been acclaimed both as composer and performer for his consistently creative releases on SteepleChase. The latest release “Remember When”, as Mark Gardner describes in the linernotes, “…constitute a recital of rare balance in which heartfelt emotions and poignancy are ever present.” “… Persistently inventive writing …” “…LaSpina’s originals are deliciously songful” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz) “As a bassist, LaSpina evokes a wonderful sound, bent to the task by a solid time concept and intonation. That his understanding of the instrument is comprehensive comes through loud and clear…” (Bill Bennett, JazzTimes)

The soundtrack includes multiple versions of one of the film's key dances, "My Funny Valentine," performed by Elvis Costello, Kronos Quartet and Chet Baker. Tracks from Julee Cruise (of "Twin Pea ks" Fame), Kronos Quartet and Yo-Yo Ma plus score music by Van Dyke Parks round out the album.

The latest outing by one of today’s foremost jazz guitarists features 10 carefully chosen compositions written by 10 outstanding guitarists. Duck Baker of JazzTimes wrote, “Vic Juris is a versatile and impressively accomplished guitarist. His playing exudes warmth, intelligence and respect for the tradition (on Remembering Eric Dolphy SCCD 31453)… Juris reveals both sensitivity and serious chops... Guitar-watchers should take note of this impressive and adventurous player (on Songbook SCCD 31483).”

Since his sensational debut CD in 1999 Ari Ambrose has received incredible amount of acclaims. To quote a few: “…. Ambrose is a star on the rise.” (Chris Hovan, Jazzreview.com), “… Ari Ambrose steps to the fore as a fully formed stylist … also a writer of substance.” (Chuck Berg, JazzTimes), “… a first class young musician … ” (Eddie Blackwell, Jazz Journal), “… Ambrose is striving mightily to have his voice be heard and recognized on its own merits … ” (Derek Taylor, one final note), “… a very satisfying and fascinating album from a very fine player… ” (Mike Rogers, JazzReview). On this his 7th album Ari expertly leads his quintet to display his ever-evolving creativity.

This is trumpeter/composer Dave Scott’s leader debut CD, though Dave has been one of the most sought after musicians both on East and West Coasts performing with Gerry Mulligan, Tom Harrell, Clark Terry, Kim Richmond, among others. “… in Song For Amy Dave Scott and his men have laid down an important first marker with this inaugural CD which confirms that this is a group with much to say and a stimulating, unhackneyed way of saying it.” (Mark Gardner form the liner notes)

Volume 12 finds the familiar format of three-tenor front line in Rich Perry, Larry Schneider -both long respected members of the American jazz scene and Igor Butman, one of the most prominent from the Russian jazz scene. “… This seemed to be yet another of those magical dates where everything fell into place and a co-operative atmosphere prevailed so that nothing got in the way of the music ... ” (Mark Gardner – liner notes)

SteepleChase’ ongoing series of jam sessions expands its format on this 11th volume to septet with two brass and two reeds. Among the featured soloists Charles Sullivan (aka Kamau Muata Adilifu) may need a special mentioning here as this is one of his rare recording appearances since the late 80s. 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.”

This is a sequel to Stryker’s highly successful nine-piece band Miles tribute “Shades of Miles” (SCCD 31480). With a smaller ensemble (quintet) this time the music originally inspired by Miles Davis took on a life of its own. About “Shades of Miles” (SCCD 31480), Bob Protzman of St Paul Pioneer Press wrote: “Even with the recent massive reissuing of Miles’ recordings form the late 1960s and early 70s, this is an album very much worth hearing.” And Derek Day of JazzReview, “A convincing record, one that breathes new life into a tried and tested formula… ”

The compelling performance by the saxophonist throughout this new C D will prove again the true magnitude of talent to the ever-increasing numbers of critics and listeners who have discovered Rich Perry. “… the tenorman’s absolute command goes with a soft-edged tone and an undemonstrative delivery that creates a paradox at the center of his style… ” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz On CD) “.. As for Perry’s work here, it seems to have moved to an even more inspired level than hitherto, striking and impeccable balance between the cerebral and the emotional.” (Mark Gardner – liner notes) delivery that creates a paradox at the center of his style… ” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz On CD) “.. As for Perry’s work here, it seems to have moved to an even more inspired level than hitherto, striking and impeccable balance between the cerebral and the emotional.” (Mark Gardner – liner notes) “… the tenorman’s absolute command goes with a soft-edged tone and an undemonstrative delivery that creates a paradox at the center of his style… ” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz On CD) “.. As for Perry’s work here, it seems to have moved to an even more inspired level than hitherto, striking and impeccable balance between the cerebral and the emotional.” (Mark Gardner – liner notes)

With the successful debut album (SCCD 31545 “Major Incident”) in place Joshua returned to studio this time supported by three veteran sidemen: Ben Monder (guitar), his mentor and teacher Ron McClure (bass) and Billy Hart (drums). “Still not yet 22 – he was born in New York on August 24, 1982 - Joshua displays his rapidly growing confidence and maturity…The outcome is an invaluable, focussed snapshot of his artistic development … ” (Mark Gardner)

Andy LaVerne’s ongoing duo projects find the pianist this time in the company of his contemporary (both Bergonzi and LaVerne were born in 1947). Sharing the common taste and experience in music their mutual respect and admiration are evident throughout this album. Saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi is also a renowned educator whose work is vastly appreciated and respected by his numerous students and colleagues. “… There is never any shortage of momentum in these performances which are deftly swinging and never give the slightest impression of being forced or in any sense incomplete … ! (Mark Gardner)