.... Buttercup (Bud’s wife) described their stay in Stockholm as “a grand experience - we were very happy there”. Much of this comes across in recordings which really do come close to Bud’s finest achievements of a 2decade earlier. .... from the linernotes by Chris Sheridan

This volume concludes the celebrated series of Bud Powell recording from Gyllen Cirkeln (earlier releases SCH 36001, SCH 36002, SCH 36009 & SCH 36014). There is Bud’s rare vocal on This Is No Laughin’ Matter. “The sum of Bud’s recordings at the Golden Circle is, then a study of a musician in travail, yet one who, despite the flaws, is able to project a strongly emotional body of music to the listeners...” (Chris Sheridan, from the linernotes)

This is the second volume from the legendary birthday concerts at Copenhagen’s famous jazzhouse Montmartre, proving again as Down Beat described, “Getz’s extraordinary powers as a leader” by coming up with outstanding supporting group of Brackeen, Pedersen and Hart, whose “precise teamwork...exemplifies esprit, vigor and taste”. “The unique occasions surrounding the sessions obviously had an effet. There is a special joy, a celebration of the rite of improvised music. This makes (this album) a landmark in the career of one of today’s most brilliant masters. Listen!” (Down Beat)

This is the second release from the night at Montmartre Jazzhus (earlier release is “Daybreak” SCCD 31142) by the best Chet Baker Trio of this period. “...he sounds masterful, and is ably accompanied by Raney’s soft-bop guitar and NHØP’s towering bass...” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz - new edition)

“Top-of-the-range standards jazz by a marvellously Esperantist quartet.” (The Penguin Guide to JAZZ) “Masterful!” (Diapason D’Or by Diapason Dec. 1988) “...If you like to confirm the fact that when the well-known melodies are performed by musicians of extraordinary talent, the music expands and develops infinitely, you will not be disappointed with this album...” (Koji Kubota, Swing Journal)

Pianist/composer Irving Sidney “Duke” Jordan (April 1, 1922 – August 8, 2006) was most noted for his association with Charlie Parker in the late 40s and for his compositional talent as the author of “Jordu” and “No Problem”, among others. Late 1970s and throughout 80s Duke Jordan and SteepleChase’s collaboration produced several of outstanding albums. This recording from 1978 made in New York featured the trumpeter / flugelhornist Art Farmer who was like Jordan an expatriate at the time residing in Vienna, Austria. Farmer who was a co-founder of famed Jazztet was known for his lyrical and smooth sound on his horn. Duke Jordan the quintessential bob player has played in Charlie Parker’s best group in 1947 and he contributed numerous inspiring tunes to the jazz literature.

Kenny Drew recorded in a variety of settings for SteepleChase. Among his trio recordings, The Penguin Guide to JAZZ rates this recording as “the best one”. “ ...this is a trio not only of great virtuosity, but of greatly gifted melodic sense....” (Chris Sheridan)