Kenny Drew (August 28, 1928 / New York – August 4, 1993 / Copenhagen) spent the last three decades of his life in Copenhagen as a stalwart of vibrant European jazz scene. He left quite a number of outstanding recordings both as leader and sideman on SteepleChase. Here on his first trio recording for the label, Kenny Drew is backed by – to quote Melody Maker – Danish bass wizard Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and intelligent purveyor of rhythm Albert “Tootie” Heath. Dark Beauty whose album cover is graced by a portrait photo of his daughter Sabrina is one of the most popular albums of his recording career. “...extremely charming main stream jazz..” (Swing Journal) “...brilliant!” (Jazz Magazine) “Kenny has a relaxed, attractive style, free from embellishments or dramatic devices, but capable of generating happy swing…” (C.W. Meloday Maker on SCS 1016) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Charlie Parker’s favourite pianist and the composer of the famous “Jordu” Duke Jordan (b. April 1, 1922 in New York) ended his five-year seclusion from the jazz scene when he was invited to play and record in Denmark in 1973. This first recording by Jordan for SteepleChase turned out to be an enormous success which brought Jordan back in the spotlight. “...I am convinced that this is Duke Jordan’s finest record...” (jazz Journal International) “...a totally captivating listening experience...” (Billboard) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

“...outstanding among [Chet’s] later recordings....This is a record to give a listener fresh heart...one feels there cannot be much wrong with jazz while it is producing records like this.” (Max Harrison, International Jazz Journal) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

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)

The Brothers

Nonagenarian saxophonist Lee Konitz has been a featured soloist for many decades and has become a legend for his intriguing contributions to many well-known jazz dates with a wide variety of ensembles. Woodwind player, composer and arranger Ohad Talmor has been an important part of Konitz's musical sphere for the past three decades, providing the elder statesman numerous opportunities to contribute his celebrated alto sound. // Konitz and Talmor have reunited a version of the Lee Konitz Nonet to release a new recording, Old Songs New, where the unique ensemble of winds, strings and percussion comes together to anchor Konitz's flights of fancy.

When this recording came out as LP on the market in 1979 after Baker’s lengthy pause from the scene, Jazz Time’s reviewer started his article by saying “Whoof! The killer is back....” And indeed this cool killer was back on the scene to stay, though for a while until his tragic death in Holland, and made a number of wonderful recordings for SteepleChase. The first of the four releases with the same “drumless” group is a studio recording (three others are live from Montmartre) and “this subtle woodhued record shows that Baker at his best can still knock you dead...” (Jazz Time). 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Bird's Grass

Ruby My Dear

Alto saxophonist Lee Konitz is one of the very few who have escaped the dominating influence of Charlie Parker and created his own style and became the central figure in the “cool” jazz. While it was a very courageous, lonely and hard work to do, recording unaccompanied solo alto performance of almost one hour suited Konitz’ particular style of even and smooth blowing using the full range of the instrument. The result was “a very unique Lee Konitz’ world with limitless imagination which enchants the listeners .... not a single second boring” (Swing Journal). “The Konitz sound, richer and much more expressive than in his earlyer years, also goes through intriguing changes during the course of these performances...”(The Boston Phoenix)

“...the pleasure its players derive is highly infectious. Long may it continue...” (Melody Maker) “...A splendid session....” (Billboard)

The Great Session

“Brooklyn pianist enjoys first rate bass and drums backup…He’s one of the giants of the bop era, but his stylings are contemporary and entertaining.” (Recommended album, Billboard) “…while Jordan’s elegantly simple playing is a delight, his compositions are equally intriguing. …the album has the best work I’ve ever heard from Pedersen and solos from Jordan that proceed with the serene clarity of a mountain spring.” (Larry Kart, Chicago Tribune)

Dig-It

Osaka Concert, Vol. 1

Just Friends

Live In Japan, Vol. 1

Live In Japan, Vol. 2

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)

“...Lee has in pianist Hal Galper (former Chet Baker sideman) a sympathetic helpmate. They work together effortlessly and with a unity that suggests an ample measure of mutual respect....sober, beautifully constructed performances....” (M.G. Jazz Journal International August 1977)

Two Loves

If You Could See Me Now

One of the bebop pioneers trumpeters Idrees Sulieman (1923-2002) (1923- 2002) studied at the Boston Conservatory. He performed and recorded with the luminaries of jazz such as Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Randy Weston, Teddy Charles, Gene Ammons a. o. in the 40s and 50s. He moved to Europe (mainly to Denmark) in the 60s. He lived there for the following 25 years. “With a highly individual way of inflecting his often surprising phrasing and a tone that is immediately recognizable, Sulieman’s trumpet and flugelhorn has a personal stamp to it.” (Jazz Forum)

“Prancin’ confirms what some listeners have known for many years – that Louis Smith is among the most engaging trumpet soloists in jazz. Thankfully, the opportunity to savour his mature, well rounded style is no longer being denied to us.” (Mark Gardner – Jazz Journal 1979) “Smith’s phrases, poised in their intricacy, pulse with a warmth that transcends idiom or school. Nothing sounds forced, yet he swings masterfully, building chorus upon chorus with a decisive confidence based on faultless technique and expert knowledge of this harmonically demanding style.” (Michael James – Melody Maker 1979

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 Jimmy and Doug’s highly successful debut recording together, “...impeccable selection of tunes, sidemen, performances . ...A faultless album ...” (Takashi Kubota, Swing Journal January 1980) “Highly listenable for guitar enthusiasts, and those who prefer the lighter sounds in jazz.” (Nevil Shrimshire, Jazz Journal International, January 1980)

Of this unique recording of a father-and-son team, Chicago Tribune of June 8, 1980 summed up quite eloquently, “Duets is an unassuming title for one of the loveliest recordings of this or any other year - a SteepleChase album on which guitarist Jimmy Raney joins his guitarist-son, Doug Raney, in a musical dialog so closely knit that often it is hard to tell which Raney is taking the lead...”

When Sunny Gets Blue

“Powell sounds content and secure here, yet his playing still has an acutely expressive edge and his total dedication to the art of music is as evident as usual...” (Max Harrison, Melody Maker February 23, 1980)

Here’s the second volume of the celebrated Bud Powell recording from Gyllen Cirkeln (Vol. 1 - SCCD 36001). There are three more volumes to come. All tracks have never been issued before. “...there is no other recording which allows you to enjoy Powell so thoroughly as this series. Precious releases.” (Eiichi Fujii, Swing Journal) “ ....Absolutely indispensable.” (Pierre Schavey, JAZZ)