Doug Raney (Aug. 29, 1956 – May 1, 2016) moved to Copenhagen, Denmark from New York when he was 21 after a European tour with his famous guitarist father Jimmy Raney. Doug spent the rest of his rather short life in Copenhagen. He collaboration with SteepleChase started shortly after his move to Denmark in 1977 with the debut album “Introducing Doug Raney” (SCCD 31082/SCS 1082). Since then he released 17 highly acclaimed leader album during the 80s and 90s. This album recorded in 1984 finds Raney in a comfortable company of his regular Danish rhythm section. “Blue And White is probably the best of (Raney’s early releases in the 80’s – ed) them, dominated by titanic performances of Jimmy Heath’s ‘Gingerbread Boy’ and Coltrane’s ‘Straight Street’…” (Richard Cook & Brian Morton – The Penguin Guide to Jazz) “Players of Doug Raney’s depth and talent don’t come along very often, making their absence, when their end does come, something almost tactile….” (Larry Grinnel)

Doug Raney (Aug. 29, 1956 – May 1, 2016) a son of famed American guitarist Jimmy Raney made his album debut “Introducing Doug Raney” SCCD 31081 at the age of 18. He lived most of his adult life in Denmark but performed and recorded all over the world both as a leader and a sideman. “… Raney’s measured approach satisfies everywhere, whether heated up on Trane’s Lazy Bird or cool reflective in Theme For Ernie. Raney, an honorable name.” (Frank-John Hadley, Downbeat ****) “Backed by a driving rhythm section of Danish jazzmen, Raney burns through this set of six original and standard tunes.” (Guitar Player magazine)

This LP was originally released in the summer of 1989 with Doug Raney at age 33. He released during his rather short life (1956 – 2016) 17 leader albums for SteepleChase including this 13th piano-less horn-featured recording which won accolades from critics all over the world. “...Doug Raney is an elegant player even when he’s attacking, as he does here on most of the content .... Certainly recommended if you enjoy your jazz slightly in advance of bebop, but with all of that basic feel still there.” (Martin Richards on SCS 1249, Jazz Journal International) “...no doubt, another in the string of successful Raney releases.” (Paul B. Matthews on SCS 1249, Cadence)

Recorded in 1988 and still considered one of the most beautiful mass settings ever written, Michael Joncas's No Greater Love offers cathedral-style music that invites congregational participation. Multiple arrangements allow for flexibility in format and variety of instrumentation. Perfectly suited for Lenten liturgies, No Greater Love uses the Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation II, which has as its theme the mystery of reconciliation. The setting includes the beloved song "No Greater Love," which has become a popular "classic" and is used regularly at Catholic Masses year after year.

As one of the most respected liturgical composers of our time, Michael Joncas has earned his reputation by writing music for the Church that proclaims the Scriptures in song, fits the ritual moment, and speaks to the heart. This new collection will no doubt reaffirm his fine reputation and reestablish once again his valuable contribution to the art of pastoral music making. The rich, lyrical Joncas style is evident in the title song, "As the Deer," a beautiful setting of Psalm 42 usable as a responsorial or processional, scored for harp, winds, and strings. "Exultate Justi," "Cantate Domino," and "Wisdom Is Calling" are grand processionals, scored for brass and organ. There's also a lovely setting of the Francis Patrick Sullivan text "A Shepherd" for solo voice, and Joncas's ever-popular "Spirit of God within Me," with text by Timothy Dudley-Smith, is recorded with a full complement of instruments. Joncas's scholarly research and personal love of the Liturgy of the Hours has led him to compose a new setting of evening prayer entitled "St. Francis Evening Prayer." Composed in a classical style, this new and accessible setting should be explored by any community considering the Liturgy of the Hours.

Here, you'll find psalms and songs for the sacraments and rites of the Church which beautifully capture the spirit of the Christian journey. Two titles, "I Will Praise the Lord" and "Guiding Me," were composed for GIA's Hymnal for Catholic Students and are perfect for children as well as adults. "A Nuptial Blessing" is the answer for weddings, "Take and Eat" is perfect for communion, and "You Have Searched Me" is simply exquisite. The remaining titles make this an indispensable resource spanning a wide range of uses.

Part of Metier's ongoing series of recordings of the music of Michael Finnissy, one of Britain's most accomplished and acclaimed contemporary composers. "This is rather special. If variety is the spice of life, then this disc is hot. And so are the Kreutzer Quartet, whose commitment and spirit make this demanding music sound clear, fluent and gritty. A must for anyone interested in new music, or in the evolution of the string quartet as a genre." - Fabrice Fitch (Gramophone)