Chicago Trio - New York Tenor

The Chicago Trio has mapped out a geography of interplay so responsive to each member’s musical temperament as to make that old saw about a trio playing as one inappropriate: they play as three, and do so in a such a democratically organized freefall of rhythmic surge, melodic grace, and harmonic nuance, that the ear engaged in following their musical high-wire act assumes a three dimensional auditory sensitivity. …What can happen when a deep-listening trio as driving and cohesive as this hooks up with an explosively inventive melodist and harmonic cosmopolite like George Garzone has resulted in the kind of music that makes writing liner notes seem like so much more than just stringing letters, and words, together.  

(from the CD liner notes by Warren Blumberg) 

Jerry Steinhilber Drums,
George Garzone Tenor and Soprano Saxophones,
Jim Trompeter Piano, Larry Kohut Bass.
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ONE WAY

To my right is Jimmy Garrison and to his right is McCoy Tyner.  John Coltrane is standing directly in front of me playing some of the wildest shit I have ever heard.  He turns to McCoy and nods, now it’s just me and Trane, DUO!  We play chorus after chorus together, bashing, climbing, slamming, crashing, and building, more and more tension, higher and higher until it seems things can’t get any hotter.  I awake, eyes wide open, my heart pounding.  I sit up.  I look to my left, my wife is fast asleep, the clock’s deep red numbers show 3:20 am.  With a big smile on my face I lay back, take a long deep breath, close my eyes and hope I can make it back for the second set. 
“Only in their dreams can men be free.  Twas always thus and always thus will be.”

(From the CD liner notes by Jerry Steinhilber)

Jerry Steinhilber- Drums
Brian Sjoerdinga- Tenor & Soprano
Kelly Sill- Bass
Jim Trompeter- Pano

Yatra

IAlto saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa recorded this fine debut in 1994, while still a graduate student in Chicago. (He has since moved to New York.) The influence of Steve Coleman and the M-Base movement is clear, though not always explicit. Mahanthappa is also coming from bebop and has dealt extensively with the harmonic ambiguity of Ornette Coleman's music, as is most evident on "Who's Got Rhythm?" and "Good Hair," the latter an edgy blues. These influences coalesce with musicality and wit on the final track, "Which Coleman?" Mahanthappa's Indian heritage informs his work as well, not only in terms of composition and improvisation but also in terms of tone: His alto horn often evokes the yearning, legato quality of an Indian wind instrument (particularly on "Hope"). Two tracks feature Mahanthappa in a trio setting, with bassist Larry Kohut and drummer Jerry Steinhilber. Pianist Jim Trompeter joins on "Yatra" and "Jerry's Basement." The three remaining tracks feature Ryan Shultz on bass trumpet, a truly unusual instrument that adds greatly to the session's interest.

COOL YULE

Spider Saloff’s Cool Yule is a collection of Holiday classics and a few rare gems presented in a fresh modern style that will please audiences of all ages.  Saloff also includes some her own holiday stories about the songs and her own memories. It is a lively and festive and hip twist on Christmas and holiday celebration! Her recording “Cool Yule” was not only a finalist for the Independent record awards, but received endorsements from composers, Steve Allen and Hugh Martin.

“It’s one of the best Christmas albums that I’ve ever
heard-forget Christmas, it’s one of the best ALBUMS I’ve ever heard.”
-Hugh Martin…Composer/Lyricist, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Vocals: Spider Saloff

Piano: Jeremy Kahn
Bass: Steve Rodby
Drums and percussion: Jerry Steinhilber
Sax: Randy Ashton
Arrangements by: Jeremy Kahn and Spider Saloff