On 'Are You Real?', which is the pianist and composer Stanley Cowell's thirteenth release on SteepleChase, he demonstrates that he's a supreme interpreter of jazz standards. <p>During the last five decades Stanley Cowell has not only been active on the jazz scene but also devoted himself in the musical education of younger generation. Now his well-earned retirement from teaching at Rutgers enables him to spend more time in performing and recording.</p> <p>In a glittering career Cowell has recorded for labels such as Strata-East - the cult jazz label he started with Charles Tolliver, ECM, Galaxy, and as a sideman on Blue Note, Atlantic, Muse, Impulse! and many others. He has recorded with an array of jazz stars, including Bobby Hutcherson, Stan Getz, Johnny Griffin, Art Pepper, Max Roach, Charles Tolliver and Clifford Jordan.</p> <p>"It's a great pleasure to hear Stanley Cowell's 'It's Time': a finely crafted collection of mostly originals that is at once sophisticated, both aggressive and pensive, and simply fascinating to listen to." - Greg Simmons, All About Jazz (on 'It's Time')</p> <p>Personnel: Stanley Cowell (piano), Jay Anderson (bass), Billy Drummond (drums)</p>