Some Kind Of Sing-Songy Stuff

Ron McClure has recorded over twenty albums as a leader for SteepleChase since 1980. A four-decade partnership with producer Nils Winther is something few artists on any label can match. Now at 84 McClure shows no signs of slowing. His 2025 release SCCD 31980 Live at Club Danshaku NY (a recovered 1993 tape with Don Friedman and Vic Juris) drew attention as a remarkable "lost and found" document of the New York scene. Some Kind Of Sing-Songy Stuff is something new. A dual-tenor summit a rare setting for McClure to lead here is pairing SteepleChase stalwart Rich Perry (a collaborator since SCCD 31329, 1992) with the younger Anthony Ferrara, whom McClure introduced to the label after recognizing his talent at NYU. With Mike Eckroth (piano), Steve Johns (drums), and McClure's bass anchoring the session, the album features seven reimagined earlier compositions and three new pieces, including the title track inspired by Joe Zawinul and Weather Report. The generational span (Ferrara in his 20s through McClure at 84) is a testament to jazz's living continuity. A swinging album from a master who keeps finding new things to say. 'McClure is recognised for inventive improvising, creative compositions in a wide variety of settings and immaculate tone." (Ken Dryden - The New York City Jazz Record)