SCCD 31863 Russ Lossing “Changes” Among today’s modern jazz piano players Russ Lossing stands out as one of the unique breed of artists who travel intelligently and with clarity between jazz and new music. For this his first release on SteepleChase Lossing focuses on standards, of course, with his trademark, innovative improvisation. “Lossing is a […]
Tag Archives: Michael Formanek
Kirk Knuffke – Chorale (SCCD 31769)
SCCD 31769 Kirk Knuffke Quartet “Chorale” In the last few years Cornetist Kirk Knuffke has developed a formidable discography on SteepleChase label with three duo recordings with pianist Jesse Stacken, each of which is a tribute to jazz’s great composers, and one quartet collaboration with veteran saxophonist Ted Brown. Kirk Knuffke filled the new album […]
Harold Danko – Oatts & Perry III (SCCD 31761)
SCCD 31761 Harold Danko Quintet “Oatts & Perry III” “ This album is a true sleeper. the date is beautifully planned and recorded …”, commented Thomas Conrad of JazzTimes on the first “Oatts & Perry” (SCCD 31588) released in 2006. Following the equally highly acclaimed sequel “Oatts & Perry II” (SCCD 31689) of 2010 this […]
Harold Danko – Oatts & Perry II (SCCD 31689)
A sequel to the highly successful SCCD 31588 “Oatts & Perry I”, on which Thomas Conrad of JazzTimes commented, “… Harold Danko played with Oatts and Perry in the Thad Jones–Mel Lewis Orchestra and always wanted them in his own band. This album is a true sleeper, a blowing date on which the blowing is […]
Harold Danko – Escapades (SCCD 31674)
On Trilix SCCD 31551 allaboutjazz’ Donald Elfman wrote, “ When a piano trio—or any jazz group, for that matter—is at the top of its game, all of the qualities that make its individual members shine come to the fore … Harold Danko (piano), Michael Formanek (bass) and Jeff Hirshfield (drums) make a vitally engaging, intelligent […]
Harold Danko – Times Remembered (SCCD 31612)
Pianist Harodl Danko brings back his successful “Trilix”(SCCD ) trio to present another essential trio treats here. On “Trilix” album Donald Elfman of All About Jazz wrote, “When a piano trio—or any jazz group, for that matter—is at the top of its game, all of the qualities that make its individual members shine come to […]
Dave Ballou – Insistence (SCCD 31611)
On this his 8 th release, the leader Dave Ballou states, “Of the sessions I have made for SteepleChase this one is particularly significant. This recording represents a direction I have been headed in for years: informing one’s self with knowledge and experience, in both art and life, therefore increasing the potential to create a […]
Harold Danko – Oatts & Perry (SCCD 31588)
1. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise (Rombers/ Oscar Hammerstein)2. Like Sonny (John Coltrane)3. Evol Deklaw Ni (Thad Jones)4. Peace (Horace Silver)5. I Mean You (Thelonious Monk)6. Unit 7 (Sam Jones)7. Tidal Breeze (Harold Danko)8. Don't Get Sassy (Thad Jones) UPC/EAN: 716043158829
Harold Danko – Hinesight (SCCD 31568)
Harold Danko renders his most personal pianistic insight into the music of Earl Hines precisely 100 years after the great piano man’s birth. “… The CD should make everyone dig out their Hines sides and listen again to the pieces and personality that made such an indelible imprint on the jazz muse.” (Mark Gardner) Of […]
Dave Ballou – Dancing Foot (SCCD 31556)
The 6 th leader album by trumpeter Dave Ballou finds him in an unusual but fascinating two-bass quartet form. In addition to the two superb bassists John Hebert and Michael Formanek, percussionist Kevin Norton contributes his part on drums and vibes. Here’re excerpts of reviews on Ballou’s earlier releases: “ Ballou plays idea-rich, solidly structured […]