Classical Music

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.

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

Classical Music