Classical Music

The 10th of SteepleChase’ ongoing series of Jam Sessions finds three ace guitarists in creative, competitive but friendly atmosphere of recording studio. On earlier Jam Session series, Chris Parker of CD Reviews commented, “… a varied programme skilfully played by all concerned … .” and Derek Taylor of All About Jazz wrote, “… The Danish SteepleChase imprint has long recognized the fertile dynamics of jam sessions, fronting the resources for many in its roster of players to convene in just such supportive surroundings … ”

“… Mark Turner, Don Braden and Jimmy Greene offer thoughtful and distinctive collaboration as they negotiate a bunch of great jazz originals, standard ballads and a couple of organic pieces from within this ‘band for a day’… ” (Mark Gardner) On Jam Session Vol 6, Chris Parker of CD Reviews commented, “… this lively, vigorous album is as much a tribute to the liberating effect of the jam session itself as to the talent and commitment of its participants.”

Trumpeter/composer Steve Lampert made quite a stir when he appeared in saxophonist Rich Perry’s CD “Hearsay” SCCD 31515 with his compositions of “…tricky, angular bop lines …” (Harvey Siders/JazzTimes) “adventurous harmonics, eccentric and fluctuating rhythms…” (Jack Bowers/Cadence) and his performance of “…technical brilliance ….enriching the frontline’s timbre” (Siders/JazzTimes). David R. Adler of All Music Guide remarked, “Lampert…proves to be a fluid and compelling soloist.” This is Steve Lampert’s leader debut CD which contains 55 minutes of highly personal music penned by the leader. Lampert comments in the linernotes, “….The music was conceived for instrumental performers in compositional interaction with a virtual reality consisting of computer sequenced electronic music….”

The 6th leader album by trumpeter Dave Ballou finds him in an unusual but fascinating two-bass quartet form. In addition to the two superb bassists John Hebert and Michael Formanek, percussionist Kevin Norton contributes his part on drums and vibes. Here’re excerpts of reviews on Ballou’s earlier releases: “Ballou plays idea-rich, solidly structured solos…He has a full, warm, cultivated tone; plays very well in the lower as well as upper register…. a thoughtful, melodic improviser….”(Harvey Pekar / JazzTimes on The Floating World SCCD 31486)

Jazzhus Montmartre in the summer of 1965 Dexter Gordon spent most of his evenings performing at Jazzhus Montmartre packed with his loyal fans. This is the fourth volume from those unforgettable five evenings taped by the Danish Radio and made available for the broader audience for the first time by SteepleChase. “…. absolutely essential live transcriptions…” (Mark Gardner)

To conclude 2004 releases SteepleChase is proud to introduce a debut album by composer / pianist Ms. Sila Cevikce. Sila was born in Ankara, Turkey and has lived in the past 10 years in USA. She studied jazz composition and performance at the Berklee College of Music and University of South Florida. When she embarked on her professional career in NYC several years ago, her enormous talent was immediately recognized. Sila has since established herself as a respected and admired member of the highly competitive New York jazz scene. “… a bright and adventurous talent with much to offer as writer and performer.” (Mark Gardner)

Someday My Prince

On Rich Perry’s previous release SCCD 31558 East of the Sun and West of 2nd Avenue, David Franklin of JazzTimes wrote, “Tenorist Rich Perry began a fruitful relationship with SteepleChase more than a decade ago…That long-term collaboration contributes significantly to the success of the present effort. …With his full but soft-edged tone, subtle articulation and impeccable use of dynamics, Perry imbues each of the nine standards in the program with intense feeling…” “…this is a typically thoughtful, engrossing session from a contemporary master of the saxophone,…” (Mark Gardner from the liner notes)

A special release from SteepleChase's cradle period consists of the two "duo" (Kenny Drew on piano and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass) recordings originally marketed as SCS 1002 and SCS 1010 on LP. Re-mastered in a high resolution (24bits 96khz). No extra material added. "Drew and Pedersen have made this an artistic triumph...it finds both men in excellent form..." (on SCS 1002 DUO B.McRoy, Jazz Journal, UK Sept. 1973) "This is an album of great musical value which will give pleasure for a long, long time. (Chris Sheridan, Into Jazz, UK May 1974)

Classical Music

Clive Bell is Britain's leading player of the Japanese shakuhachi, and a founder member of Jah Wobble's Deep Space project. DAVID ROSS was drummer for the instrumental combo Kenny Process Team. But none of this would prepare you for Mystery Lights, their first duo recording. This is a spacious, intimate music, full of colour and melody, exploratory but highly accessible. Many instruments, both acoustic and electronic, familiar and unfamiliar, weave a spell hard to resist. This album was made in collaboration with Walter & Donald the budgerigars. Recorded live at "The Earl of Kilgorlin". CD includes a video playable on any PC.

NUEVAS RELACIONES: Anochecer

The fifth and the last volume of “Montmartre Jazzhus 1965” Series turned out to be a reunion of Blue Note’s 1964 release “One Flight Up” team. Dexter Gordon was apparently enjoying the presence of the younger trumpeter Donald Byrd one year after their first encounter in a Paris studio. “ … Dexter and Donald again achieved an excellent blend and a relaxed outing … The two horns made for a nice contrast, with Byrd’s bright, melodic lines set beside Gordon’s robust outpourings.” (Mark Gardner)

Tom Guarna has been active on New York’s jazz scene since the late 80s playing with the Yellow Jackets, Randy Brecker, Lenny White, the Mingus Orchestra, among others. He is also widely known for his collaboration with Blood, Sweat and Tears in the late 90. “…Tom Guarna here makes an impressive, albeit belated, debut at the helm of a highly musical and ever swinging trio who combined for a truly irresistible Get Together.” (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.”

“….When three terrific tenors are cutting loose the upshot is compulsive listening – and that’s the story of Volume 14: Tenors for everyone!” (Mark Gardner)

Classical Music

This Danish Radio transmission of 1966 together with the preceding two volumes (SCCD 36016 “If I Had You” and SCCD 36019 “I Should Care”) from 1965 make up a precious and important part of Brew Moore’s scarce discography and a reminder of a genius whose life ended too prematurely. “…Moore was never happier than during the Copenhagen years, where the working environment, audience appreciation and enthusiastic colleagues were all factors that made life fulfilling.” (Mark Gardner)

Peter Zak is the latest addition of pianist to SteepleChase. Except for a few months of extra-curricular jazz study at University of California, Berklee School Peter Zak has never received formal music education. This natural talent found his own way into the music to become the complete pianist equipped with impeccable taste, effortless ease and technical perfection. “Peter Zak, a new name…but one, I suggest, we will hear a great deal more of in the future.” (Mark Gardner)

Harold Danko renders his most personal pianistic insight into the music of Earl Hines precisely 100 years after the great piano man’s birth. “… The CD should make everyone dig out their Hines sides and listen again to the pieces and personality that made such an indelible imprint on the jazz muse.” (Mark Gardner) Of the Harold Danko Trio’s 2004 release Trilix (SteepleChase SCCD 31551), Steve Futterman of JazzTimes wrote, “… Danko’s a mature player who knows the power of economy, melodic sense and a refined touch; wasting not a note, his improvisations always tell a compelling story.”

Classical Music

The follow-up set to the 2002 homage to Evans and Hall, Timeline (SteepleChase SCCD 31538) continues to illustrate the astonishing empathy and interplay between Abercrombie and LaVerne and to concentrate on conveying the spirit of the Evans/Hall sound. “… Abercrombie and LaVerne bring their own values and sensibilities to bear throughout the set… ” (Jim Ferguson, JazzTimes)

Piano/organ/drums is an uncommon combination, but how well it works in the hands (and feet) of such sensitive performers! (Mark Gardner) In this strikingly unusual “Trio” format Andy LaVerne finds a most tasteful and brilliant partner in organist Gary Versace and a new musical horizon to explore.

Like many other musicians tenor saxophonist Jed Levy has been drawing inspiration from the vast repertoire by the prolific genus of Duke Ellington. Jed has selected and transcribed for this recording rarely heard Ellington compositions. “…The strength of the material inspired all of us and it was great to hear these tunes come to life. What started out as an early morning record date with some very challenging music soon progressed into downright fun and we all left with a smile on our face. I hope the smile is contagious as you share with us the joy that is the music of Duke Ellington.“ (Jed Levy)