Highly unusual jam of three bassists. This jam session is all about “a celebration of a wondrous and indispensable voice in just about every jazz ensemble.” (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.”

The release of Jam Session Vol 15 featuring three young elites of alto sax coincides aptly with the 50th anniversary year of Charlie Parker’s death. “… Jamming … is actually a creative igniter, serving to raise everyone’s game, while keeping a sense of perspective and respect for the music and each man’s place within it.… ” (Mark Gardner)

On his 7th CD on the label trumpeter Dave Ballou combines the jazz tradition, free improvisation and modern composition to reflect his ever-evolving musical mind. On Ballou’s earlier release “On This Day“ (SCCD 31504) Duck Baker JazzTimes wrote, “ Listeners who believe that free playing is only about angst and catharsis should check out this impressing and engaging outing.”

SteepleChase is proud to present the leader debut album by organist Gary Versace, who was voted a “rising star” on the Hammond Organ in Downbeat’s 2004 Critics Poll. SteepleChase’ new recording artist Gary Versace is one of the most sought after organists/pianists/accordionists on the elite scene of jazz all over the world. “Unveiled here is the already mature style of a witty and wise player who has developed a most individual response to the challenges posed by an instrument which offers a myriad possibilities for this highly perceptive practitioner…” (Mark Gardner)

Saxophonist Gregory Tardy, a New Orleans native who has been one of the central figures of American jazz scene for the last decade joined SteepleChase as its new recording artist. SteepleChase is proud to present his first recording for the label. “… This carefully conceived and beautifully executed set can only enhance the reputation of an exceedingly accomplished saxophonist/composer… ” (Mark Gardner)

Stephen Riley (tenor, soprano sax & alto clarinet) is another new SteepleChase recording artist. Although this is his debut recording as the leader, Stephen Riley at the age 30 has an impressive career that includes Wynton Marsalis, the Harper Brothers, the Brecker Brothers, Ray Charles, Clark Terry, the Mingus Big Band, to mention a few. “… From the listener’s point of view, the Stephen Riley Trio has made a most significant and satisfying start… As a leader, Stephen has hit the bull’s-eye first time…” (Mark Gardner)

Gary Versace is “one of the most exciting yet sensitive performers on the Hammond B3 to emerge in recent years.” (Mark Gardner). His SteepleChase leadership debut album “Time And Again” SCCD 31572 drew attention of critic John Kelman of All About Jazz who commented, “… Time And Again is a strong debut, but Versace is capable of much more – a fact that will no doubt be revealed in good time.” No doubt indeed, here on this his second CD you will find an artist with a most original conception offering fascinating musical experiences.

“There can be something very special about a bassist-led session…their knowledge of both time and melody … coupled with the rich emotional sound of their instrument, results in some of the most creative jazz….”, remarked Elliott Simon (All About Jazz) on LaSpina’s previous CD “Remember When” (SCCD 31540). Two years later Steve LaSpina cuts this impressively thoughtful album with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Perry and Danko have been closely working together for almost 30 years. As evident in their first duo album “Cancoes do Brasil” (SCCD 31463), they are in total empathy and harmony again here on this new duo programme. “Rich Perry is that rarest of tenor saxophonists—a complete musician with an understanding of space and timing, a palpable sense of color and humor and absolutely no need to showboat or compromise .… he makes jazz that’s adventurous and highly listenable… .playing standards not frequently performed and in new ways of playing in the tradition… . ” (Donald Elfman – Allaboutjazz) “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.” (Steve Futterman – JazzTimes)

'THE Hub, with a growing reputation as undiscovered gems, are rapidly developing a dedicated cult following.' BBC Radio 3 THE Hub is a band whose appetite for far flung sounds often defies categorization and whose members, Sean Noonan, Tim Dahl, Dan Magay play with the conviction and ferocity of men on a mission. A look at their recent European tour schedule indicates that they could be on the road as often as AC/DC. After initially shocking audiences with their eclectic array of original compositions, THE Hub have earned a loyal fan base worldwide. Hub fans have even been known to travel up to six hours to see them perform. So who is THE Hub? 'Maniacally exhilarating, gripping in it's precision and energy, a real breath of fresh air.' John Fordham - The Guardian (U.K) THE Hub is creating a new movement in jazz joining diverse music listeners from the hard core/metal, punk, new music, and electronic music scenes. Their latest album release 'Trucker' is another existential leap that is described as, 'Clearly a totally new form of music with an aggressive heavy metal touch belied by a jazz sensibility and control.' Jeremy Hurewitz - Prague Post 'Trucker' comes straight out of the Brooklyn underground music scene where they create a sonic amalgam of hip-hop, hardcore, punk, funk, and freeform jazz improvisation. All of these modes lead to music with originality . 'Trucker' is now available in record stores worldwide providing an irresistible force for progressive music listeners everywhere.

Tony Purrone belongs to a special rank of guitarists whose awesome skill and blinding velocity can co-exist with deep musical sensitivity and creativity. On this his seventh release on SteepleChase Purrone is whole-heartedly on jazz groove. For his Six-String Delight (SCCD 31438) album, JazzTimes' Bill Mikowski wrote," A monster guitarist, Purrone displays his prodigious technique on this celebration of 10 jazz guitar innovators. A wonderful sampler for jazz guitar fans and an admirable showcase for this criminally under-recognized six-string virtuoso." And Jim Ferguson of JazzTimes commented on Rascality album (SCCD 31514), ".. it's important to know that his musical abilities run deep and encompass musicality, creativity and the ability to swing, traits it should be understood that while Purrone does possess awesome skills, he doesn't overly lean on them. He usually exercises restraint, calling upon them when they fit into his emotional and concept ional scheme. "

Terrell Kent Holmes of allaboutJazz commented on Zak's CD debut (SCCD 31578 The Peter Zak Trio) last year, "Pianist Peter Zak is something of an unknown quantity to New Yorkers, but on his SteepleChase debut, he makes a considerable first impression. On this disc, which is comprised mostly of originals, he displays a style, which, although clearly touched by his major influences, remains vibrant and singular. During a great gig last month at Smoke, Zak showcased several of the tunes (and one that isn't on the disc, a burner with the hilarious title "The Cream or the Clear," which hopefully will be on a future release)." Yes, the title in question is in fact on this his second release For Tomorrow which portrays a mature artist with confidence, authority and brilliance.

“Three tenor sax players form the front line for this 18th SteepleChase jam session, and their contrasting styles ensure that no hint of sameness creeps into the proceedings. Dick Oatts, Billy Drewes and Walt Weiskopf are all individual and fluent performers who prove to be compatible playing companions.” (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.”

“The choice of trumpeters proved to be inspired because Ryan Kisor, John McNeil and Brad Goode worked together beautifully and formed a clarion-clear brass choir on the ensembles. Each does his own thing and they are different enough to ensure a constant flow of surprises. They obviously had a ball, and there is no question of anyone "carving" his fellows; rather it is a story of mutual inspiration.” (Mark Gardner) On previous SteepleChase Jam Session series, 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… ”

This SteepleChase leadership debut showcases tenor saxophonist Kim Bock’s enormous talent. He has established himself in New York jazz scene since 2000 after completing his studies in Boston and Florida. Kim Bock has been featured in Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau Band.

Following the release of his impressive SteepleChase leadership debut of 2005 (SCCD 31586 “The Brothers’ Breakfast”) young altoist Loren Stillman came back to studio with veterans Steve LaSpina and Jeff Hirschfield to launch his trio alto series with his usual ease and confidence.

“There can be no doubt that Tom Guarna and his three dedicated colleagues make their mark with an hour of fluent and adventurous music, confirming that besides being an exceptional guitarist, the leader is also a composer and arranger of genuine ability…” (from the liner notes by Mark Gardner)

On this his latest solo recording the composer / performer Andy LaVerne states, “This CD, as a personal statement, is one of the most important I have made since I began recording for SteepleChase 30 years ago. It demonstrates and documents how my writing has evolved over the years.”

Following his successful SteepleChase debut album (SCCD 31562 Blue Function) recorded in jazz’s birthplace, New Orleans where he lives, Christian Winther moves his recording venue to jazz’s thriving place, New York for this his second outing to result in once again an exciting, evolving and enjoyable album. On his debut album, Cadence’s Jim Santella commented, “… The leader’s centerpiece is his laid-back attitude. It enables him to caress a melody without raising a fuss, … to show a sincere love for lyric beauty… ”

“Alto saxophonist Stillman, in his early 20s, is quite a discovery and destined for a bright future in jazz.. ” was an opening assertion by JazzTimes’ Owen Cordle reviewing Loren’s 2004 album “How Sweet It Is” (Nagel-Heyer label). Mark Gardner shares Mr. Cordle’s opinion in the linernotes for this album stating, “Sudden mergence as a prodigy need not be a career handicap, and certainly not in the case of saxophonist Loren Stillman, who makes his SteepleChase leadership debut with this impressive CD… ”.

Since his debut album “Introducing Ari Ambrose” SCCD 31450 in 1998, Ari Ambrose’s burgeoning career has enjoyed critical and popular acclaim. Most recent is by David Franklin of JazzTimes on the previous album “Waiting” SCCD 31560 “A exceptional example of mainstream modern jazz…” “… Ari Ambrose is open to the excitement of exploration, allows his muse to roam freely and that willingness, shared by his confreres here, makes him eminently listenable at all time. … ” (Mark Gardner)