Jazz Playful
333 products
Quiet Yesterday
Storyville Records
CD
$17.99
Nov 24, 2023
Danish bassist Mads Vinding, Italian pianist Dado Moroni and Italian / Swedish drummer Niclas Campagnol join forces to deliver an exceptional, previously unreleased live performance in the form of the brand new album Quiet Yesterday on Storyville Records on November 17, 2023. In 2018, these three musical virtuosos united to record a live performance at the iconic Jazzhus Montmartre in Copenhagen. This release features five standards and an original composition by Moroni titled Quiet Yesterday. Their remarkable interplay showcases the power of jazz as a universal language and the profound connection that can be forged between artists who, despite not having worked together previously, communicate effortlessly on stage. On this recording, Vinding, Moroni and Campagnol display a level of synergy that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Their seamless collaboration evokes the impression of a well-seasoned trio, one that has honed their craft over several years. What makes this trio's performance truly extraordinary is the fact that Moroni had never recorded with either Vinding or Campagnol prior to this, yet their musical chemistry is palpable, making the music sound effortless and natural. Throughout the recording, Vinding, Moroni and Campagnol communicate with an uncanny closeness, crafting music that is subtle, emotionally resonant, spontaneous and endlessly swinging. Each member of the trio has a distinguished track record of elevating the music of others across a multitude of settings throughout their careers. Their shared commitment to pushing boundaries, avoiding clichés, and exploring new creative horizons is evident in their music. What's most remarkable is that, despite spanning three different generations, their collective chemistry feels timeless and boundless. Bassist Mads Vinding, born in 1948, is a prominent figure on the jazz scene. Over the years he has collaborated with an impressive roster of jazz greats, including Duke Jordan, Dexter Gordon, Enrico Pieranunzi, Toots Thielemans and many more. Pianist Dado Moroni, born in 1962, is one of Europe's most loved pianists. He has played as sideman with just about everyone from Clark Terry to Freddie Hubbard, but today he is considered a modern European giant that among many projects plays duo with Kenny Barron and trio with Eddie Gomez and Joe LaBarbera. Drummer Niclas Campagnol, born in 1973, comes from a long musical lineage. His versatility and musicality makes him a sought after musician that has worked with Thomas Fonnesbæk, Didier Lockwood and Antonio Farao. Quiet Yesterday is a testament to the e nduring power of jazz and the boundless creativity that can emerge when three exceptional musicians come together to create music that transcends generations. But as always it is the singing bass a stunning virtuosity of Mads Vinding that shines through. This is jazz of the highest order!
In Concert
SteepleChase
CD
$22.99
Jun 09, 2024
November 20, 1961 Dizzy Gillespie brought on stage of Falkoner Centret, Copenhagen the quintet version of “Gillespiana Suite”, composed originally for his 16-piece orchestra by young Argentine composer/pianist Lalo Schifrin.
The suite was recorded in the previous year to become a huge success.
This composition paved the way for Schifrin to become one of the most popular screen music composers. The program finishes with Gillespie’s own Kush which stayed in his repertoire for the next 15 years
In Concert
SteepleChase
CD
$22.99
Aug 15, 2023
William “Count” Basie (1904 – 1984) had a long successful career over a span of six plus decades leaving an enormous legacy in the history of jazz. The existence of this live recording from Copenhagen in 1962 has never been public, not even in the most extensive bio-discography by the late journalist/author Chris Sheridan. The concert here was a part of Basie’ New Testament Orchestra’s frequent European tours in the late 50’s and early 60s, an era that’s called The Atomic Period.
In Concert
SteepleChase
CD
$22.99
Jan 15, 2023
Falkoner Centret shortly after a modernist architectural make-over hosted a burgeoning young quintet headed by Cannonball Adderley in the spring of 1961. Though it was before they made their big splash on the soul-jazz front with hit tunes like Unit 7, Jive Samba, Cannonball’s successful 18-month tenure with Miles Davis put extra allure to the band. Previously unissued recording features English-born pianist Victor Feldman whose compositions make up the majority of repertory on this disc.
Live at Club Danshaku Ny
SteepleChase
CD
$22.99
Mar 14, 2025
NY’s venerable veteran bassist Ron McClure’s new release is a case of “Lost and Found”. The recording was made 32 years ago at Manhattan’s upper Eastside nightclub Danshaku (Baron in Japanese). McClure was hired to play a gig and formed a trio with pianist Don Friedman (1925-2016) and guitarist Vic Juris (1953-2019). The gig was privately recorded but the tape was lost. Long story short, the missing tape was found last year in a NY apartment and its sound has been restored meticulously for us to experience a fabulous night of NY jazz scene three decades ago.
“McClure is recognized for inventive improvising, creative compositions in a wide variety of settings and immaculate tone.” (Ken Dryden – NYCJR on 31935 Night Quest)
Porgy
Jazz In Motion
CD
$16.99
Jul 18, 2025
At the heart of this project lies "I Loves You, Porgy," a timeless composition from George Gershwin's 1935 folk opera Porgy and Bess. The melody, built on just five simple notes, is unforgettable-a testament to Gershwin's genius. Inspired by it's charm, we decided to center our album around this piece. While "I Loves You, Porgy" has been a staple for countless jazz musicians, our approach was not merely to improvise on it. Instead, we aimed to create "variants"-transformative interpretations that grew from this iconic piece. It's a unique exploration inspired by Geroge Gershwin.
Boss Baritones
SteepleChase
CD
$22.99
Jul 06, 2024
The origin of this album goes back to Texas in the early 90s where young baritone student Frank Basile at North Texas Univ. met for the first time his hero baritonist Gary Smulyan. Their friendship culminates here in a studio date in NJ in late 2023.
“I was really just so happy to be there playing with him” declares Smulyan the mentor. “His passionate sound and fresh ideas make Alternative Contrafacts a set well worth picking up, particularly by straightahead jazz collectors.” (S. Yanow – NYCJR)
Spot On
SteepleChase
CD
$22.99
Feb 15, 2024
When the bassist Mike Richmond utters the magic line “Spot on!” at the ending of the recording of track 5 of this album, the album title was decided.
You can actually hear it on the disc.
This is Andy LaVerne’s 36th outing as leader on this label. Our collaboration goes back to 1977 when he was touring Europe with Stan Getz. Since then he has been presenting uniquely creative albums. This new release starts with a homage to McCoy and ends with one to Chick both of whom passed away last year.
By Sea, By Air, By Land
Altissimo
CD
$18.99
May 03, 2024
Delve into the heart of naval tradition and innovation as you explore original compositions meticulously crafted by the talented members of the U.S. Navy Band Commodores Jazz Ensemble. Just as the Navy's ships and aircraft require the unified efforts of its diverse crew to operate seamlessly, each track on this CD reflects the harmonious synergy of individual artistry and collective devotion to musical excellence.
Live in Paris 1956-1961
Frémeaux
CD
$32.99
Feb 20, 2026
This live album brings together two legendary Parisian concerts, recorded in 1956 and 1961, that capture all the explosive energy and contagious enthusiasm of a "Lion" at the peak of his glory. These dynamite performances are a testament to the boundless generosity of one of the most formidable entertainers in jazz history, an artist capable of transforming a simple concert into a true show. The listener is carried away by Hampton's infectious enthusiasm and the powerful swing of his big band. It's dance jazz at it's zenith. - Patrick Frémeaux The Live in Paris collection by Michel Brillié allows listeners to hear previously unreleased recordings (made at concerts, private-, or radio-sessions) by the great 20th century stars in jazz, rock & roll and song. These "live" takes, and the artists' rapport with their audiences, give these performances an additional soul and sensibility in counterpoint to the rigorous demands of studio recordings. Particular care was taken when restoring the sound of these tapes in order to meet CD standards while preserving the original colours of the period. - Patrick Frémeaux & Gilles Pétard
Dameron: Tadd’s All, Folks
SteepleChase
Vinyl
$45.99
Mar 14, 2025
This album is all about Tadd Dameron (1917 - 65), one of the most important American jazz composer/musicians. The master baritone saxophonist and perennial pole winner Gary Smulyan conceived the brilliant idea of recording Dameron compositions with lyrics. The vocal part is phenomenally rendered by the young talent Anaïs Reno. Three songs including the lovely This Night Of Stars have hitherto never been recorded.
“While Smulyan solos brilliantly throughout, Reno is the real treat here.” (Bill Milkowski – DownBeat on SCCD 31936).
“Smulyan here brings to light Dameron’s heretofore unknown Library of Congress trove of standard-quality off-Broadway gems.” (Fred Bouchard – NYCJR on SCCD 31936) 180g Audiophile Vinyl
All Of Me
SteepleChase
Vinyl
$45.99
Sep 15, 2023
Magnificently iconic tenor player to come out of the post-Swing Era Eddie Lockjaw Davis (1922-1986) cut two albums for SteepleChase during his late years. This album was recorded in 1983 in Copenhagen, which earned superlative reviews all over the world.
“Tenorman Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis had already been a potent force in jazz for 35 years when he recorded this set but as it turned out his SteepleChase date (his next-to-last session) was one of the strongest of his career. Accompanied by a trio led by pianist Kenny Drew, Lockjaw really tears into these standards which are highlighted by "I Only Have Eyes for You," "There Is No Greater Love" (the alternate version was released for the first time on its CD reissue), "Four" and the title cut. Davis was at the peak of his powers during this recording, making this SteepleChase outing one of his very best.” (Scott Yanow – AllMusic)
“Nothing valedictory about this date. No signs of decline. It’s hard to believe it was Jaw’s last album as a leader. Just the thing if you didn’t miss your water until your well went dry.” (Cadence) 180g Audiophile Vinyl
Jazz 1955-1962
Frémeaux
CD
$32.99
Feb 14, 2025
« Je me souviens de l'epoque où Sacha Distel etait guitariste de jazz. » Georges PEREC, Je me souviens, Hachette, Paris, 1978. Alexandre "Sacha" Distel, neveu du celebre chef d'orchestre Ray Ventura, emerge comme une figure cle du jazz dans les annees 1950. Influence par son oncle et les musiciens qu'il cotoie, il apprend la guitare avec Henri Salvador. Considere comme l'un des meilleurs guitaristes francais des 1956, il collabore avec des geants du jazz tels que Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz et Lionel Hampton avant de connaitre le succes dans la chanson. Alexandre "Sacha" Distel, the nephew of famous French bandleader Ray Ventura, emerged as a key figure on the jazz scene in the early fifties. Under the influence of his uncle and the musicians alongside him, he learned to play the guitar with Henri Salvador and by 1956 he was considered one of the best guitarists in France. Before going on to become a successful singer, Sacha played with such jazz giants as Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz and Lionel Hampton.
Mystery Tour
Frémeaux
CD
$20.99
Nov 21, 2025
Les Beatles (mais pas que) en jazz. Le duo Sara Longo / Alvise Seggi nous invite dans un voyage onirique et intime qui fait voile au gre des melodies du tandem Lennon/ McCarney. Surprenant et envoûtant. Augustin BONDOUX The Beatles in jazz. Lending sails to the melodies of Lennon and McCartney, the duo of Sara Longo and Alvise Seggi takes us on an intimate, dreamlike tour. The result? A voyage of spellbinding surprises. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (FEAT. MATTEO GALLUS) - ELEANOR RIGBY (FEAT. DUDU KOUATe & MICHELE BONIVENTO) - CAN't BUY ME LOVE (FEAT. NICOLA ANGELUCCI) - TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS - ALL THAT MATTERS IS TODAY - FOR NO ONE - COME TOGETHER (FEAT. NICOLA ANGELUCCI) - LET IT BE - NORWEGIAN WOOD (FEAT. FILIPPO VIGNATO) - AND I LOVE HER - ENDLESS LAWNS - QUE JE T'AIME - ALFONSINA y EL MAR. SARA LONGO VOICE - ALVISE SEGGI DOUBLEBASS AND CELLO + SPECIAL GUESTS: MATTEO GALLUS VIOLIN - FILIPPO VIGNATO TROMBONE - MICHELE BONIVENTO HAMMOND ORGAN - DUDU KOUATe PERCUSSIONS - NICOLA ANGELUCCI DRUMS.
For All We Know
Double Moon Records
CD
$14.99
Jun 13, 2025
For All We Know is the pure document of a magical concert evening in the LOFT in Cologne: without cuts and without any subsequent embellishment. A piano trio that plays standards, including ubiquitous ones such as "Stella By Starlight" and "Body and Soul": a case of decent, basic jazz? By no means! "We're really creating weird stuff," pianist Thomas Ruckert said. Weird, because it is completely detached from the usual conventions of standard interpretation.
Awaking – Jazz Thing Next Generation, Vol. 109
Double Moon Records
CD
$14.99
Oct 03, 2025
The title "Awaking" carries a double significance. On the one hand, it refers to the musical awakening that marks my artistic journey; on the other, it reflects the collective awakening that marked the end of the Corona pandemic. I hope that "Awaking" reflects not just the sound of my music, but my appreciation of all the people who have shared this creative path with me.
Stratus
Double Moon Records
CD
$14.99
Oct 31, 2025
Stratus is the stunning new quartet album from violinist Zach Brock and pianist Phil Markowitz, joined by Finnish jazz standouts Jaska Lukkarinen and Ville Herrala. Recorded in the peaceful setting of Sipoo, Finland, the album blends lyrical improvisation, intricate composition, and intuitive interplay into a cohesive, deeply expressive whole. From lush ballads to dynamic rhythmic journeys, Stratus showcases the quartet's chamber-like sensitivity and jazz-rooted spontaneity. Brock and Markowitz, building on their earlier collaboration Perpetuity, offer a seamless musical conversation elevated by a rhythm section that listens and leads in equal measure. A rich, genre-blurring project, Stratus is both intimate and expansive an exploration of sound grounded in trust, nuance, and shared vision.