Duke Jordan (1922-2006) famous for his intense lyricism embarked on the world jazz scene as a member of the classic Charlie Parker Quintet in the late 40s with his trademark introduction to “Embraceable You”. Jordan unlike many other American jazz musicians in Bebop era found his artistic and personal living space in Europe since the early 70s. His extensive recording output on SteepleChase including this album from 1985 recorded in Denmark makes up the huge part of his discography. “A most agreeable set that is both eminently listenable and very enterprising .… Jordan was always a fleetly swinging but subtle pianist whose all-round musicianship has never got the recognition it merits. This fine trio deserves to sell well and spared his name further afield.” (Richard Palmer, Jazz Journal International)

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. “Always a great jazz composer as well as a unique pianist, Duke is forever developing and growing … A fully integrated trio disc that nevertheless has the leader’s personality and style stamped firmly on every track.” (Derek Ansell – Jazz Journal International) “Every piece here was written by Jordan, and everyone is as worthy of jazz standard status …” Larry Kart – Chicago Tribune) “He’s one of the giants of the bop era, but his keyboard stylings are contemporary and entertaining.” (Billboard Recommended LP)

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)

The indisputable tenor giant Ben Webster spent his last years in Copenhagen. His appearances at the famed Jazzhus Montmartre in those days greeted by faithful and appreciative audience were the historical moments filled with unique quality of beauty ignited by the last spark of a truly great man. Canadian Coda magazine wrote reviewing this recording in 1975: “ Webster, as always, plays with passion throughout the album. But one title goes well beyond that. Old Folks is an exquisitely deep performance, the kind that even a great artist gets to play only once in his lifetime.” SteepleChase had the privilege of taping most of Webster’s performances during the last year of his life. And this recording (originally released on LP in 1974) is taken from those masters. 180g Audiophile Vinyl