With a group name presciently stripped from today's headlines, the term 'dead cat bounce' denotes a small, brief recovery in the price of a declining stock ("Even a dead cat will bounce if dropped from a great height"). To the six musicians in Dead Cat Bounce, it signifies one’s dedication to creative rebirth and renewal in jazz even as times, traditions and masters move on. The group has been together for 15 years and Chance Episodes is their fourth album. Dead Cat Bounce consists of Matt Steckler – saxes, flute, Jared Sims – saxes, clarinet, Terry Goss – saxes, Charlie Kohlhase – saxes, Dave Ambrosio – bass, Bill Carbone – drums and is led by Matt who also composes all of the group's material.

The compositions are very strong, with engrossing ensemble parts and great multi-horn writing that gives all the reedmen a chance to shine, each in their individual way. DCB are modern but not radical; they are as familiar with Charles Mingus and Duke Ellington as they are with the Art Ensemble of Chicago and Steve Coleman; while there are plenty of passages influenced by free music, overall, this is a swingin' group that mixes styles from the entire continuum of jazz. In that sense, they bear a bit of resemblance - if only for their wide range of influence - to another Cuneiform ensemble, The Microscopic Septet. A quick listen to their the sample track will quickly make apparent their appeal and let you know why they were signed by us!