Rich Perry – Organique (SCCD 31805)

SCCD 31805 Rich Perry Trio “Organique”

As Rich Perry’s previous release SCCD 31776 “Nocturne” deviated the standard quartet configuration by replacing piano with guitar, on this his 22nd album Rich tries something new again: an organ trio. With his two long-time creative partners (Gary Versace at the keyboard and Jeff Hirshfield on drums) Rich Perry opens a new chapter of the art of jazz improvisation.

“This is standards-centered jazz of the best sort.”
(Derek Taylor- dusted magazine on SCCD 31776 Nocturne)

“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 with a smart and sympathetic band playing standards not frequently performed and in new ways of playing in the tradition.”
(Donald Elfman – AAJ on SCCD 31558 East Of The Sun & West Of 2nd Ave.)

RICH PERRY tenor saxophone
GARY VERSACE Hammond B-3 organ
JEFF HIRSHFIELD drums

Recorded February 2014

1 Toys (Herbie Hancock) 9:59
2 I Didn’t Know What Time It Was (Richard Rodgers) 9:06
3 Afternoon In Paris (John Lewis) 10:05
4 Without A Song (Vincent Youmans) 9:16
5 Thad’s Pad (Hank Jones) 10:03
6 Dance Of The Infidels (Bud Powell) 8:16

Total Playing Time 56:48

EAN/UPC 716043180523

Joe Albany – An Evening With Joe Albany 2 (SCCD 31801)

SCCD 31801 Joe Albany “An Evening With Joe Albany 2”

SteepleChase’ 1973 release Birdtown Birds (SCCD 31003) by Joe Albany trio recorded live at Copenhagen’s famous Jazzhus Montmartre took the world’s jazz fans who have all but forgotten about this bebop piano legend by surprise. Joe Albany not only existed but still performed with vigor and authority. Albany concluded his engagement at Montmartre with solo recital which is presented here following the first volume SCCD 31794.

“…In this previously unreleased solo set, recorded in 1973, the ideas come tumbling out so copiously that they sometimes fall over one another – but they’re all his own ideas and there’s nothing glib about them. He was a genuine original.” (Dave Gellt – The Guardian)

“…this is a rare glimpse of Albany, and it may appeal both to completists and general listeners.” (Andy Boeckstaens – London Jazz News)

JOE ALBANY piano
Recorded May 1, 1973

1 I’m Getting Sentimental Over You (George Bassman) 1:07
2 Isn’t It Romantic? (Richard Rodgers) 1:10
3 Time On My Hands (Vincent Youmans) 1:18
4 These Foolish Things (Marvell, Steachey, Link) 2:57
5 You’re Blasé (Ord Hamilton, Bruce Sievier) 3:03
6 Over The Rainbow (Harry Arlen) 3:47
7 Jitterbug Waltz (Fats Waller) 4:15
8 Would You Like To Take A Walk (Harry Warren) 3:21
9 Penthouse Serenade (Jason Burton) 3:04
10 Imagination (Jimmy Van Heusen) 3:44
11 Lush Life (Billy Strayhorn) 4:42
12 What Is There To Say? (Vernon Duke) 1:32
13 My Ideal (Whiting, Chase) 0:50
14 When A Woman Loves A Man (Ralph Rainger) 1:50
15 Old Old Friends (Joe Albany) 3:33
16 Ain’t Misbehaving (Fats Waller) 1:10
17 I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plans (Arthur Schwartz) 0:45
18 Nature Boy (Eden Ahbez) 3:51
19 WHY WAS I BORN? (Jerome Kern) 2:13
20 DEARLY BELOVED? (Jerome Kern) 1:00
21 LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY (Jerome Kern) 0:57
22 I’M OLD FASHIONED (Jerome Kern) 1:19
23 C. C. RIDER (Ma Rainey) 3:59
24 LULLABY OF THE LEAVES (Bernice Petkere) 2:52
25 I’M IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (Jimmy McHugh) 3:22

Total Playing Time 61:43

UPC/EAN 716043180127

Jason Palmer – Wondaland – Jason Palmer plays Janelle Monáe (SCCD 31800)

SCCD 31800 Jason Palmer “Wondaland – Jason Palmer plays Janelle Monáe”

Jason Palmer launched a series of homage recordings of songs composed or made famous by iconic singers of our time a couple of years ago with “Take A Little Trip” SCCD 31750 examining songs associated with Minnie Riperton, which was highly acclaimed by critics and public alike.

Palmer here on this his 5th album on the label pays tribute to the artistry of Janell Monáe, a six-time Grammy nominated American psychedelic soul and R & B singer-songwriter.

What a novel idea—refurbish songs associated with Minnie Riperton into modern jazz explorations. Fortunately, trumpeter Jason Palmer steered clear from the novelty route on this exquisite disc by mapping out a far richer path, marked by subtle interplay, elliptical phrasing and daring arrangements.”
(John Murph – DownBeat on “Take A Little Trip” SCCD 31750)

JASON PALMER trumpet
GODWIN LOUIS alto saxophone
GREG DUNCAN guitar,
LUKE MARANTZ Fender Rhodes
DAN CARPEL bass
LEE FISH drums

Recorded December, 2014

1 SIR GREENDOWN (Nathaniel Irvin, Janelle Monáe) 6:41
2 NEON VALLEY STREET (Richard Rogers/Hart, Nathaniel Irvin, Janelle Monáe) 9:34
3 57821 (Nathaniel Irvin, Janelle Monáe) 10:37
4 BABOPBYEYA (Nathaniel Irvin, Janelle Monáe) 8:43
5 LOOK INTO MY EYES (Janelle Monáe) 5:30
6 OH, MAKER (Janelle Monáe) 8:32
7 SAY YOU’LL GO (Janelle Monáe) 6:08
8 WONDERLAND (Nathaniel Irvin, Janelle Monáe) 8:05
Total Playing Time 63:52
Arranged by Jason Palmer

UPC/EAN 716043180028

Andy LaVerne – I Want To Hold Your Hand (SCCD 31803)

SCCD 31803 Andy LaVerne Trio “Live At The Kitano Vol.3”

Andy LaVerne’s unique ensemble of piano/organ/drums wraps up the two-night engagement at New York’s prominent jazz lounge at the Kitano Hotel with this last volume of intriguing original compositions by LaVerne and a handful of appealing standard titles.

“In hindsight, it’s surprising that the piano and organ format has been so rarely utilized in jazz because it makes so much sense. The B3 is able to provide a bass line and a unique textural counterpoint that can complement as well as step forward.

… it’s Andy’s superb originals that supply the fodder for this most rewarding collection…” (Andrew Hovan – AAJ on “Intelligent Design” SCCD 31618)

  1. Upside
  2. In Lieu Of Flowers
  3. I Want To Hold Your Hand
  4. Note Worthy
  5. So Long Ago
  6. Watermelon Man

UPC/EAN: 716043180325

Martin Jacobsen – At The Jazz House (SCCD 31802)

SCCD 31802 Martin Jacobsen “At The Jazz House”

It is of certain significance to think of the fact that Martin Jacobsen was born and grew up in Copenhagen which has been arguably the European capital of jazz. Martin basically taught himself jazz at the age of 19 in this richly jazz-orientated city. He later moved to Paris, another European hot-spot of jazz.

Like Jacobsen’s well-received SteepleChase debut album “Current State” SCCD 31548 this live recording from Copenhagen’s JAZZHOUSE features Doug Raney on guitar.

“Martin Jacobsen, Danish saxophone star with a rich and smooth sound, well confirmed in the Coltrane tradition. Doug Raney, American guitarist launched by the Chet Baker Trio, the excellent descendant of the highly distinguished Jimmy Raney. Two acclaimed musicians both evolving in an aesthetic of their own which are not necessarily similar. The result, performed with a quartet de luxe, has chances to surprise many a listener!” (Jazzman, France)

  1. Reggie Of Chester
  2. Forest Flower
  3. Stairway To The Stars
  4. U. M. M. G.
  5. In A Sentimental Mood
  6. Witchcraft
  7. This I Dig Of You

UPC/EAN: 716043180226

 

Gregory Tardy – With Songs of Joy (SCCD 31798)

SCCD 31798 Gregory Tardy – With Songs of Joy

Saxophonist and composer Gregory Tardy emerged from the highly productive and creative jazz scene of the 90s and has established himself “as one of the most important saxophonists of his generation.” (Matthew Miller – AAJ).

The music Gregory Tardy composes and performs is filled with devotional texture and emotion. The strength of his music and performance reaches out to the vast range of people regardless of their spiritual background, as it is the case with this his 8th release on SteepleChase.

“He sounds as if he’s physically wresting new possibilities and beauty…. It’s moments such as these that invoke the combination of faith-infused yearning and hard-won triumph that is at the heart of the best spiritually inspired improvisational music.”

(Carlo Wolff  – JazzTimes on The Strongest Love”  SCCD 31698)

  1. I Need Thee Every Hour
  2. The Law Of Biogenesis
  3. Darn That Dream
  4. Precious Abby
  5. The Narrow Door
  6. The Myth Of Privacy
  7. Song For Joshua
  8. Ancient Of Days
  9. The Ebenezer Stone
  10. At Last
  11. Lil’ Patient One
  12. The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power

UPC/EAN: 716043179824

Pierre Dørge – Blui (SCCD 31797)

SCCD 31797 Pierre Dørge: Blui

Guitarist/composer Pierre Dørge (b. 28 February 1946 in Copenhagen, Denmark) has been leading the internationally renowned New Jungle Orchestra, which Down Beat hailed as “unabashedly one of Europe’s most sophisticated jazz band” for 35 years, performing in more than 50 countries, enriching his musical vocabulary from different culture all over the world.

On this his second quartet album (the first, entitled “Ballad Round The Corner” SCCD 31132 was released 36 years ago with now deceased legendary John Tchicai on alto sax) Pierre Dørge puts his trademark “pan-cultural jazz” energy to his new international ensemble of Kirk Knuffke (cornetist), Hamid Drake (drummer) from USA and Thommy Andersson (bassist) from Sweden.

  1. Else Belse Bird Beard
  2. Xongly
  3. Beauty Of The Insects
  4. Happy As A Cow
  5. Cha Cha Lupa
  6. All The Things We Are
  7. Wulla Wussa
  8. Blui
  9. Danza Reptilla

UPC/EAN: 716043179725

 

Freddie Redd – Music For You (SCCD 31796)

SCCD 31796 Freddie Redd “Music For You”

Due to his sporadic career Freddie Redd has kept a low profile for the last several decades. His name, however, stayed in people’s memory as the composer for the haunting music that accompanied The Connection (1959), a controversial play written by Jack Gelber. One of the last of classic bop generation, Freddie Redd  at the age of 86, fragile yet debonair, still performs with lyrical clarity and sensitivity on this superb trio recording.

  1. There’ll Never Be Another You
  2. Blues For You
  3. How High The Moon
  4. All The Things You Are
  5. Cherokee
  6. Round About Midnight
  7. Perdido
  8. Lover Man
  9. I’ll Remember April

UPC/EAN: 716043179626

Jack Walrath – Unsafe At Any Speed (SCCD 31795)

SCCD 31795 Jack Walrath “Unsafe At Any Speed”

Francis Lo Kee of All About Jazz sums up what Jack Walrath is all about in his review of SCCD 31650 “Ballroom”:

“Jack Walrath not only displays tremendous trumpet playing, a rich and varied approach to composition and wonderful band, he also puts something into this fantastic CD that’s missing from too much new jazz: a sense of fun and humor. That’s not to say that it isn’t sensitive and touching at times—”An Hour Blessed” is arguably as gorgeous as anything ever recorded….Musical food for thought with amazing jazz playing, this recording can’t be praised highly enough.”

Jack Walrath shares his inner thoughts on music and society in his liner notes for this latest album which makes quite an interesting read in addition to yet another intriguing recording.

  1. Happiness Really Is A Warm Puppy!
  2. Religion
  3. End The Beguine
  4. Beauty Is A Dangerous Thing
  5. Why Not?
  6. Bobby Timmons
  7. Unsafe At Any Speed
  8. What Would I Do Without Her?
  9. They Say His Head Might Have Been Fat, But His Heart Was Even Fatter

UPC/EAN: 716043179527

Joe Albany – An Evening with Joe Albany (SCCD 31794)

SCCD 31794 Joe Albany “An Evening with Joe Albany”

Joe Albany (1924 – 1988) was one of the handful of bebop pianists who re-emerged to the world stage in the 70s. Although there exist no official recordings with Charlie Parker, Joe Albany was one of the few white pianists who played with Bird. Albany’s troubled life seen from his only daughter’s perspectives were made into a film entitled “Low Down” which has recently been premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical and public acclaim. One of the music used in the movie was from Joe’s SteepleChase first release SCCD 31003 Birdtown Bird” (1972).

Joe Albany’s sensational moment captured here in this recording from a solo concert at Copenhagen’s famed Montmartre club serves as the testament by an extraordinary artist.

  1. Autumn In New York
  2. April In Paris
  3. I Can’t Get Started
  4. All The Things You Are
  5. As Time Goes By
  6. Everything Happens To Me
  7. I Should Care
  8. If You Could See Me Now
  9. Our Love Is Here To Stay
  10. She Walked Into My Life
  11. More Than You Know
  12. In A Sentimental Mood
  13. Prelude To A Kiss
  14. In My Solitude
  15. Who Can I Turn To?
  16. Satin Doll
  17. You Don’t Know What Love Is

UPC/EAN: 716043179428