Ari Ambrose – Chainsaw (SCCD 31481)

SCCD 31481 Chainsaw / Ari Ambrose Quartet

Ari Ambrose with this his third CD is no longer a new comer who need an introduction. Although he is still young (26) and relatively new on the scene, there is no doubt that here is an artist with tremendous potential.

As his former teacher saxophonist Dick Oatts puts it, “ Of all the young talents, his is the one that has given me the most pleasure…a great player….He’s truly immersed himself in the music in the best possible way… ”

“ In this impressive leader debut, tenor saxophonist Ari Ambrose steps to the fore as a fully formed stylist. …At 26, the brash New Yorker is a master of his horn …” (Chuck Berg, JazzTimes)

1. Chainsaw (Carlo De Rosa)
2. Come rain or come shine (Harry Arlen)
3. Blues for Madlong (Ari Ambrose)
4. Ghost of a chance (Young/Washington)
5. Giant steps (John Coltrane)
6. Think of one (Thelonious Monk)
7. Zingaro (Antonio Carlos Jobim)
8. Wheels (Carlo De Rosa)
9. Cotton Tail (Duke Ellington)

UPC/EAN: 716043148127

Dave Stryker – Shades Of Miles (SCCD 31480)

SCCD 31480 Shades Of Miles / Dave Stryker

Dave Stryker, who is ever striving to meet a new challenge, re-examines here on his 12 th album on the label, the impact of Miles Davis’ music from the late 60s. Based on the sound and format of Miles’ “Bitches Brew” period, Stryker creates intriguing music of his own.

In the linernotes, renowned tenorman David Liebman comments,

”… Dave Stryker and his band have created a wonderful and joyous palette of sound for you to enjoy with the ghost of the Prince of Darkness looming in the shadows. I could imagine Miles listening and voicing his approval of this recording. Enjoy!! ”

1. Topaz (Dave Stryker)
2. Sienna (Dave Stryker)
3. Orchid (Dave Stryker)
4. Jade (Dave Stryker)
5. Cobalt (Dave Stryker)
6. Fuchsia (Brian Lynch)

UPC/EAN: 716043148028

Lee Konitz – Pride (SCCD 31479)

SCCD 31479 Pride / Lee Konitz Quartet

Lee Konitz, at seventy something, is one of the most active jazz musicians, not just for his age but simply active, period. He is constantly on the road or in the studios with insatiable appetite for performing. On this date the veteran is surrounded by three Young Lions as Lee calls them. Though they had never played together before, the mutual respect and appreciation were apparent as the session progressed. “Pride” is Lee Konitz’ 11 th entry on SteepleChase.

1. Monkian' around (Lee Konitz)
2. Triste (Antonio Carlos Jobim)
3. Come rain or come shine (Harry Arlen)
4. Stellar (Lee Konitz)
5. Gundula (Lee Konitz)
6. Secret Love (Sammy Fain)
7. Lover man (Ram Ramirez)
8. Zingaro (Antonio Carlos Jobim)

UPC/EAN: 716043147922

Andy LaVerne, Dave Samuels – Between Earth & Mars (SCCD 31478)

SCCD 31478 Between Mars & Earth / Andy LaVerne & Dave Samuels

One of the earlier entries of Andy LaVerne’s discography on this label was a highly acclaimed duo recording with vibraphonist Dave Samuels “Fountainhead” (SCCD 31261).

Nine years later the two artists got together again in the studio with an addition of bass by Jay Anderson this time. The unique trio format of piano, vibes and bass offers a refreshing trip to a less travelled universe.

1. Retrospect (Andy LaVerne)
2. Gardenia (Gary Peacock)
3. On Green Dolphin Street (Bronislav Kaper)
4. Tenderly (Hoagy Carmichael)
5. Blue in green (Bill Evans)
6. Tri-tones (Dave Samuels)
7. Maiden voyage (Herbie Hancock)
8. Between Earth & Mars (Andy LaVerne)
9. B.E. (Gary Peacock)

UPC/EAN: 716043147823

LeeAnn Ledgerwood – Compassion (SCCD 31477)

SCCD 31477 Compassion / LeeAnn Ledgerwood Solo

A Tribute to John Coltrane

A solo recording of the Coltrane compositions (and a tune that has been associated with Coltrane) has been on pianist LeeAnn Ledgerwood’s mind for quite some time. Coltrane has been one of the major influences and inspiration for Ledgerwood. The intensively engaging performance here reflects her love and understanding for Coltrane’s works and expression.

Mark Gardner describes this session as “ the most significant entry in her discography to date ” in the linernotes.

1. After the rain (John Coltrane)
2. 5th house (John Coltrane)
3. Love (John Coltrane)
4. Venus (John Coltrane)
5. Naima (John Coltrane)
6. Resolution (John Coltrane)
7. Wise one (John Coltrane)
8. Compassion (John Coltrane)
9. I wanna talk about you (Billy Eckstine)

UPC/EAN: 716043147724

Michael Cochrane – Footprints (SCCD 31476)

SCCD 31476 Footprints / Michael Cochrane Trio

Pianist Michael Cochrane displays here his deep appreciation and understanding of saxophonist/composer Wayne Shorter’s music of the 60s. The 73 minutes of Shorter melodies are performed with great sensitivity, imaginations and dexterity by one of the best jazz piano trios today.

“Cochrane is a mature and imaginative pianist with a delicate touch and deep harmonic resources…” (Dave Gelly, Gramophone Jazz Good CD Guide)

1. Black Nile (Wayne Shorter)
2. One by one (Wayne Shorter)
3. Fee-fi-fo-fum (Wayne Shorter)
4. Virgo (Wayne Shorter)
5. ESP (Wayne Shorter)
6. Footprints (Wayne Shorter)
7. Ana Maria (Wayne Shorter)
8. Pinocchio (Wayne Shorter)
9. Fall (Wayne Shorter)
10. Infant eyes (Wayne Shorter)
11. Speak no evil (Wayne Shorter)

UPC/EAN: 716043147625

Tony Purrone – Temperament (SCCD 31475)

SCCD 31475 Temperament / Tony Purrone Trio

“Temperament” is Tony Purrone’s fourth entry on SteepleChase label and is an aptly entitled one.

As writer Mark Gardner puts it in the linernotes, “ Guitarist TonyPurrone possesses temperament in the most positive sense. Gregarious, fast-talking and straight-dealing, Tony is proud of his Italianate background and takes similar pride in striving to play to his full capability at all times….”

1. Joshua (Victor Feldman)
2. Beautiful Love (Victor Young)
3. Tell me a bedtime story (Herbie Hancock)
4. Three in one (Thad Jones)
5. ESP (Wayne Shorter)
6. Bossa (Chick Corea)
7. Fee fi fo fum (Wayne Shorter)
8. Litha (Chick Corea)

UPC/EAN: 716043147526

Ivan Klansky – Smetana: Complete Piano Works, Volume 6 (KON 32306)

1. Countrywoman Polka, 1879 (Bedrich Smetana)
2. Little Galopp, 1832 (Bedrich Smetana)
3. Galopp di Bravoura, 1840 (Bedrich Smetana)
4. Variations on the Czech song "Sil jsem proso" (Bedrich Smetana)
5. Etude in C Major, 1846 (Bedrich Smetana)
6. Etude in A minor, 1846 (Bedrich Smetana)
7. Morceau caractéristigue in C flat Major 1847 (Bedrich Smetana)
8. Caprice in G minor, 1848 (Bedrich Smetana)
9. Two Marches, 1848: March der Prager Studenten-Legion (Bedrich Smetana)
10. Two Marches, 1848: Nationalgarde-March (Bedrich Smetana)
11. Ball-Vision, 1858 (Bedrich Smetana)
12. Concert Etude in C major, 1858 (Bedrich Smetana)
13. Bettina's Polka, 1st version, 1859 (Bedrich Smetana)
14. Bettina's Polka, 2nd version, 1882 (Bedrich Smetana)
15. Macbeth, 1860 (Bedrich Smetana)
16. Concert Etude "On the Sea-shore", 1861 (Bedrich Smetana)

UPC/EAN: 716043230624

St Petersburg Chamber Orchestra, Edward Serov, Ariadna Tugay – Suk, Elgar, Bartok, Hannikainen (KON 32304)

1. Serenade for String Orchestra Op. 6: Adagio con moto (Josef Suk)
2. Serenade for String Orchestra Op. 6: Allegro ma non troppo e grazioso (Josef Suk)
3. Serenade for String Orchestra Op. 6: Adagio (Josef Suk)
4. Serenade for String Orchestra Op. 6: Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo presto (Josef Suk)
5. Serenade for String Orchestra Op. 20: Allegro piavole (Edward Elgar)
6. Serenade for String Orchestra Op. 20: Larghetto (Edward Elgar)
7. Serenade for String Orchestra Op. 20: Allegretto (Edward Elgar)
8. Romanian Folk Dances (Béla Bartók)
9. Concerto for Harp and Orchestra Op. 7: Allegro moderato (Väinö Hannikainen)
10. Concerto for Harp and Orchestra Op. 7: Andante cantabile (Väinö Hannikainen)
11. Concerto for Harp and Orchestra Op. 7: Allegro. Andantio (Väinö Hannikainen)
12. Concerto for Harp and Orchestra Op. 7: Moderato. Allegro ma non troppo (Väinö Hannikainen)

UPC/EAN: 716043230426