Jack Walrath calls this his first in 26 years on this label “Ballroom”, “… it’s swinging and you can dance to it ..”…the way how jazz started. “ Welcome back, Jack, to SteepleChase! It’s a terrific return, and listeners will want many more entries from this singular talent …” (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes) …
Monthly Archives: January 2008
Scott Lee – One Thought (SCCD 31649)
For this his leader debut album New York City’s quintessential bassist Scott Lee features two of the elite saxophonists of the younger generation: Loren Stillman and Andrew Rathbun both of whom Scott has long been collaborating with. Originally from North Carolina Scott Lee has been a major player in New York scene for two decades …
Jed Levy – Evans Explorations (SCCD 31648)
Jed Levy’s interpretation of Duke Ellington compositions released on “Mood Ellington” (SCCD —–) was well received by critics and listeners. On this latest CD Levy explores the extraordinary legacy of one of the most influencial pianists of our time, Bill Evans. David Franklin of JazzTimes wrote on “Mood Ellignton”, “ Tenorist/flutist Jed Levy's Mood Ellington …
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Gregory Tardy – He Knows My Name (SCCD 31647)
“ Of the many stars to have emerged on the jazz horizon during the ‘90s, one of the most disciplined, emotive and perhaps underrated is the multifaceted Gregory Tardy. ….With this release, his first on SteepleChase, Tardy takes another step toward establishing himself as one of the most important saxophonists of his generation . “ …
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Vincent Gardner – Vin-Slidin’ (SCCD 31646)
Josef Woodard of allaboutjazz commented on Vincent Gardner’s Elbow Room album (SCCD 31580),“ Gardner is an impressive, well-rounded trombonist, fleet and nimble in a boppish uptempo zone and blessed with vocalistlike expressivity when elegance is required……..He deserves the spotlight .” 1. Teaneck (Nat Adderley)2. Pensativa (Clare Fischer)3. For Heaven's Sake (Meyer/Brown/Edwards)4. Ko Ko (Charlie Parker)5. …
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Rich Perry – At The Kitano 2 (SCCD 31645)
On revewing the first volume of the Kitano live recordings (SCCD 31600) Matthew Miller of allaboutjazz commented , “…. Perry once again dazzles with his facility and impeccable taste and further asserts himself as one of the most gifted saxophonists of his generation.” 1. My Shining Hour (Harry Arlen)2. Love Walked In (George Gershwin)3. Just …
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Eric Rasmussen – School Of Tristano 2 (SCCD 31644)
Forrest Dylan Bryan of JazzTimes commented on the successful first volume SCCD 31623 “School of Tristano 1” , “… Alto saxophonist Rasmussen …. pays tribute with an airy set of tunes written by Tristano, Warne Marsh and Lee Konitz. …..Rasmussen’s quartet updates and personalizes the sound, keeping the proceedings intimate as well as respectful .” …
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Bill Gerhardt – Thrive (SCCD 31643)
At this stage of his development, with more than 30 years' playing under his belt, Gerhardt is definitely his own man, compositionally and instrumentally. That is as it should be. First and foremost he considers himself a composer; Cotangent is an outlet for his creations to be heard. At the same time he has evolved …
Steve LaSpina – Moments (SCCD 31642)
Allaboutjazz’s Elliott Simon remarked on LaSpina’s 2004 album “Remember When”, “ There can be something very special about a bassist-led session. Perhaps it is their knowledge of both time and melody that, when coupled with the rich emotional sound of their instrument, results in some of the most creative jazz ….” Once again Steve LaSpina …
Peter Zak – Seed Of Sin (SCCD 31641)
Thomas Conrad of JazzTimes wrote of the Peter Zak Trio, “… constitute one of the most polished, intelligent, swinging piano trios now playing jazz in New York or anywhere else .” Here on his third trio session, Peter Zak displays again his total command of conceptual and artistic approach. 1. All Day Long (Billy Strayhorn)2. …