Gregory Tardy – Monuments (SCCD 31725)

Saxophonist/composer Gregory Tardy’s latest album reunites him with pianist George Colligan whom Tardy has collaborated on a number of remarkable recordings. Since his return to the active performing scene a couple of years ago Gregory Tardy is today a full time member of the elite jazz circle. “ He sounds as if he’s physically wresting …

Jason Palmer – Here Today (SCCD 31724)

Trumpeter/composer/arranger Jason Palmer was a new name when he recorded as sideman for Billy Hart album “Sixty-Eight” (SCCD 31707). He became SteepleChase recording artist last year with brilliant “Nothing To Hide” album (SCCD 31699) backed by his Boston-based band. For his second album here Jason put together a new group featuring saxophonist Mark Turner of …

Vic Juris – Listen Here (SCCD 31723)

Guitarist Vic Juris has assembled another organ trio this time with Brian Charette at the keyboard to showcase his ever-evolving musicality in this format. His previous organ trio album “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” (SCCD 31553) from 2004 attracted attention of Aaron Steinberg from JazzTimes who commented, “…. convincingly played, very impressive recording …” “ …

Jack Walrath – Forsooth! (SCCD 31722)

Mark Gardner in his linernotes aptly sums up the new Walrath CD, “ There is never a dull moment during the switches of mood. Jack performs with all his inventive powers full on, and, importantly, his writing, direction and presence draw wonderful responses from his colleagues .” “ Jack Walrath not only displays tremendous trumpet …

Christian Winther – From The Sound Up (SCCD 31721)

SCCD 31721 Christian Winther Danish-born New Orleans tenor saxophonist Christian Winther invites Roman Skakun, young rising star on vibraphone from New Orleans to his band to create a special sound for this latest album. Jon Barron of AllAboutJazz commented on Winther’s previous release Soul House (SCCD 31633), “ Soul House is full of feel-good moments, …

Tom Guarna – Bittersweet (SCCD 31720)

For his 5 th leader album Tom Guarna selects his favourite titles from the bop repertoire. Backed by pianist Peter Zak who is well versed in bop and Zak's regular trio, bassist Paul Gill and drummer Willie Jones, Guarna achieves brilliant results with authenticity and creativity. “… Peter (Zak) shares with Tom a love and …

Vincent Gardner – The Good Book Chapter Two (SCCD 31719)

Trombonist/arranger/bandleader Vincent Gardner compiles the second chapter to follow the successful The Good Book Chapter One (SCCD 31616) which prompted Andrew Hovan of All About Jazz to comment; “… trombonist Vincent Gardner is a very likely candidate for the category of talent seeing of wider recognition….This, of course, elevates the recital beyond your typical tribute …

Ron McClure – Dedication (SCCD 31718)

Bassist/Composer/Bandleader Ron McClure eargerly took the challenge of combining two of the most exciting tenor saxophonists on the NY scene today: Rich Perry and Stephen Riley. McClure notes, “ I paid special attention to Stephen Riley’s soft, melodic qualities, which are his signature. Stephen is truly a unique voice in today’s jazz scene, and utilizing …

Jesse Stacken, Kirk Knuffke – Orange Was The Color (SCCD 31717)

SteepleChase debut album by piano/trumpet duo of Kirk Kuffke and Jesse Stacken interpreting tunes by Ellington and Monk recorded live (SCCD 31677 “Mockingbird”) prompted Derek Taylor of Master of a Small House to comment, “… They rightly take clever liberties with the tunes, …. Most importantly, they take their time with the pieces and that …

GinmanBlachman – Let’s Call Stephen Riley (SCCD 31716)

Denmark’s successful trio co-led by bassist Lenart Ginman and drummer Thomas Blachman invited Stephen Riley to be featured at the Copenhagen Jazz Festival in the summer of 2010. Following a series of well-received live concerts at the Festival Riley, the American rising star on tenor and the popular trio cut this brilliant album. “…His lushly-conceived …