Welcome to the mesmerizing world of Sidney Bechet's 'Bechet and Blues'. This extraordinary album invites you to embark on a musical journey through the legendary performances of one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, displaying the palpable energy and spontaneity of Bechet and his band as they create an infectious synergy that resonates deep within the listener's soul. Sidney has always been known for effortlessly bringing unfiltered emotion and raw virtuosity to every performance, but his time in Paris throughout the 1950s is a noteworthy and standout chapter of that story. Collected here are a number of blues favorites amongst some lesser known gems that allow you to transport yourself along the banks of the Seine and straight into the lively atmosphere of a Parisian jazz club, witnessing a true legend of jazz in his prime.

Louis Armstrong enjoyed many distinct phases of recognition and success during an extraordinary career spanning some 70 years. An iconic figure, his influence on the world of jazz, popular music and showbusiness is inestimable. Many of his finest and best-loved performances are included on this comprehensive 4CD set drawn from his prolific output during the 1950s and early 60s. This was the era when Louis was playing and singing with a zest and good humour that made him a true ambassador for jazz.

The Hidden World of Ella & Louis is a captivating 2XLP vinyl collection that pays tribute to one of the most iconic pairings in jazz history. This carefully curated set brings together the timeless vocal chemistry of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, both as a duo and in their solo splendor. LP 1 showcases the warmth, wit, and effortless elegance that defined their legendary collaborations on songs like "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "Cheek to Cheek," and "Dream a Little Dream of Me." These tracks serve as a reminder of how two contrasting voices could create perfect harmony, delivering interpretations of the Great American Songbook that continue to resonate decades later. On LP 2, we dive into the unmatched individual artistry of each performer. Ella Fitzgerald dazzles with her trademark purity and phrasing on beloved standards such as "How High the Moon," "Someone to Watch Over Me," and "Night and Day," revealing her masterful control and emotional depth. Louis Armstrong's charismatic solo performances on classics like "Mack the Knife," "La Vie en Rose," and "I Get a Kick Out of You" are equally unforgettable, his voice and trumpet exude soul, humor, and a distinctive gravitas that helped shape the sound of 20th-century music. More than just a compilation, The Hidden World of Ella & Louis is an essential collector's item for jazz aficionados and vinyl lovers alike. Housed in deluxe packaging and remastered for optimal sound quality, this double LP offers a unique listening experience that honors the legacy of two giants. Whether you're rediscovering their brilliance or experiencing it for the first time, this album invites you into a timeless musical world where swing meets sophistication, and every note tells a story.

Experience Louis Armstrong at the height of his powers with this definitive 1959 Copenhagen concert, captured just months before his life changing heart attack. Drawn from newly restored Danish radio tapes, SCCD 36513 showcases Armstrong’s All Stars in explosive form—fiery “Tiger Rag,” soulful “Basin Street Blues,” a powerful “Black and Blue/Do You Know What It Means” medley, and joyous favorites like “Mack the Knife” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Featuring Velma Middleton, Trummy Young, Peanuts Hucko, Billy Kyle, Mort Herbert, and Danny Barcelona, this release reveals Armstrong’s unmatched stamina and emotional depth. Liner notes are by Ricky Riccardi, the Grammy winning Director of Research Collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum and one of the world’s leading Armstrong scholars. A major archival addition to the Armstrong discography, presented with SteepleChase’s renowned audio restoration.

This 1956 concert by Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars is a historical gem, which is finally getting it's vinyl debut with this double LP release. Recorded on March 26, 1956, at the Civic Auditorium in Grand Rapids, MI, it affords jazz fans a chance to hear what the barnstorming Armstrong's shows were like in heartland America. Armstrong's affable presence is pervasive, but not always center stage, as each member of the All-Stars gets his turn in the course of the revue. The release was remastered for vinyl from analog tape and pressed at Pallas Group in Germany on purple vinyl.

Louis Armstrong made a greater impact on American popular music than any other single artist before or since. "What A Wonderful World" became his biggest commercial success, first in the UK and decades later in the rest of the world. Armstrong traveled to England to celebrate this unexpected hit and gave his last great performance, which found him looking back at his entire musical career. That performance, recorded at BBC studios in 1968, was miraculously captured in high fidelity audio and video, and we are proud to release this collection for the first time.

Louis Armstrong made a greater impact on American popular music than any other single artist before or since. "What A Wonderful World" became his biggest commercial success, first in the UK and decades later in the rest of the world. Armstrong traveled to England to celebrate this unexpected hit and gave his last great performance, which found him looking back at his entire musical career. That performance, recorded at BBC studios in 1968, was miraculously captured in high fidelity audio and video, and we are proud to release this collection for the first time.

Boulou Ferré (b. April 24, 1951 in Paris, France), one of the greatest French contemporary virtuoso jazz guitarists of the manouche (gypsy jazz) tradition was made “Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French Cultural Ministry in 2012. Together with his younger brother Elios Ferré, also a jazz guitarist, Boulou recorded seven albums for SteepleChase. This is the duo album from 1980 recorded in Copenhagen. “... In this duo acoustic guitar session, the brothers Ferré grab and hold attention ... they maintain a lively, imaginative interplay ... greatly extend the library for acoustic guitar. This is a worthy follow-up of their earlier album SCCD 31120 Pour Django.” (Ottawa Citizen, May 1, 1981) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Legendary South African bassist Johnny “Mbizo” Dyani (1947 – 1986) left a significant musical/political legacy in spite of his short life of 39 years. While still a teenager Johnny exiled himself from South Africa where an interracial band The Blue Notes was banned under apartheid rule. Regrettably he could not live to see the end of apartheid but remained an active component of anti-apartheid movement throughout his life. Johnny Dyani left a number of superb recordings on SteepleChase during the 70s and this is his most ambitious project with colourful instrumentation including steel drums. 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Part of Dot Time's Legends Series, Louis Armstrong Live in France features the audio from a quintessential European performance by the great Louis Armstrong which was recovered from the archives of the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Louis Armstrong Live in France features the audio from a 1948 performance recorded from Louis Armstrong and His All Stars' run at the Nice Opera House in Paris. This historical concert marked Armstrong's performance at the first ever Nice International Jazz Festival.

Translucent Blue. An absolute treasure, with outstanding sound that brings the great instrumental and vocal prowess of the greatest jazz man ever front and center. Louis has long been recognized as the most influential trumpeter ever, but his vocal talents have often been overlooked.