Winther / Andersson / Watts | Steep Steps | 25 April, 2025
Following the success of their critically acclaimed 2024 debut – dubbed by The Times as one of the best jazz releases of 2024 – a nearly sold-out world tour from New York to Reykjavik to Girona, internationally celebrated instrumentalists Carl Winther, Richard Andersson and Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts proudly present their second album.
‘Steep Steps’ is set for release on April 25th, 2025 on Hobby Horse Records.
Once again journeying into the vibrant coming together of the American and Danish modern jazz idioms, the upcoming recording reinforces the trio’s thrilling sound driven by energy, masterful musicianship and conversation.
Recorded in one of Copenhagen’s most prestigious studios on the same August 2023 day as their debut release ‘WAW!’, the ensemble’s natural musical chemistry resulted in a joyful and productive session, yielding enough high-quality material for two albums. Praised last year by critics and audiences alike for their unparalleled passion and tenacity, the trio’s latest work is certainly no different.
Delving further into the cross-section of their respective musical lexicons – hard-hitting American swing and intricate European harmonic sensibilities – ‘Steep Steps’ sees the trio tackle a ballad by Tadd Dameron, A McCoy Tyner classic (Tain played and recorded with Tyner back in 2006), as well as three original pieces by pianist Carl Winther.
Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, celebrated as one of the most influential drummers of his generation, boasts a resumé filled with collaborations with jazz legends such as George Benson, McCoy Tyner, and Harry Connick Jr, as well as three Grammy wins for his work with the Branford Marsalis Quartet.
Carl Winther, widely esteemed as one of the most talented and innovative jazz pianists of his generation, has earned acclaim for his collaborations with internationally recognized artists like Jerry Bergonzi, Billy Hart, and Adam Nussbaum.Richard Andersson, described as “one of the most interesting characters of the Danish jazz scene” by Gaffa Magazine, has released several albums as a bandleader with Danish and international musicians such as Oskar Gudjonsson (IS), Rudi Mahall (DE), Kasper Tranberg (DK), Ra-Kalam Bob Moses (US), Tony Malaby (US) and Bill McHenry (US).
Line up
Carl Winther | Piano
Richard Andersson | Double Bass
Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts | Drums
Track Listing
You Know
Inner Glimpse
Soultrane
Steep Steps
Turning Chapter
PR Quotes
Downbeat (USA)
“passing fragments of sound in effortless precision and tonality“
Jazzwax (USA)
“Carl is a superb pianist, Richard’s bass is in the pocket and Tain is extraordinary”
Jazz.sk (SK)
“with the album
Steep Steps the gentlemen embark on sovereign positions, worthy of being included in the golden fund of new jazz standards”
Era Jazzu (PL)
“This trio defies simple categorization. They build their artistry not only through the bravura performance of their original compositions, but also through their interpretation of the classic canon of modern jazz with a profound respect for tradition.”
La Habitacion del Jazz (ES)
“The trio showcases their empathy and cohesion—a chemistry that creates musical confidence, resulting in great fluidity and delivering powerful and moving performances.”
Blue in Green (UK)
“the concoction of American swing and Danish panache is captured beautifully”
Jazz in Family (IT)
“Steep Steps is jazz that kicks you in the ass but then buys you a drink.”
Jazzwise (UK)
“Watts conducts and cajoles with energy to spare, bassist Richard Andersson is firm in the holding role, and Carl Winther rides the rhythm with strong lines and a McCoy Tyner-like touch”
Modern Drummer Magazine (USA)
“a force to be reckoned with”
Jazz in Japan (JP)
“Hoping for the continuation of their work together”
Jazztrail (USA)
“the trio exudes infallible musical instinct, responding to one another with admirable tenacity and unfiltered spontaneity.”
Audio Video Magazine (PL)
“Their sound is modern but rooted in tradition; it has swing and charm that is both natural and strongly American.”
JazzNyt (NO)
“If you’re into trio jazz, where something happens that can be felt by the listener, then you won’t go here in vain.”
JazzHalo (BE)
“The album is a listening pleasure, especially for those who enjoy straight-ahead jazz!”
Cuttings
