Indian Summer

Frank-ly Speaking

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)

Boston Concert, Vol. 1

No Blues

Questions

Two Loves

Live

Catalan pianist Vincente Tete Montoliu (b. March 28, 1933 in Barcelona) “swings like no other pianist in Europe”, once remarked Ben Webster. Jazz Journal confirmed Ben’s opinion in reviewing this album, “...he could blow most contemporary pianists into the ground technically...”. And Radio Free Jazz of USA (the predecessor of JazzTimes) concluded, “...This is the best piano record in many years and one that will certainly rank with the best of any era.”

Blue Parlan

Music For Perla

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)

“El Grand Señior from Catalonia” was the way Dexter Gordon used to introduce Tete Montoliu to the audience at Club Montmartre in the 60s. Vincente Montoliu Massana, better known as Tete Montoliu (1933-1997) was born blind and learned to play piano at age 7 by Braille method. He studied music at the Conservatori Superior de Música de Barcelona (1946-1953). His remarkable international career took off in 1956 when Lionel Hampton invited him for his big band and since then Tete played all over the world with host of jazz luminaries. “Listen to the superb interaction between a man and his piano in the utmost sublimity... Montoliu shares the same pulse, sincerity, talent with his illustrious predecessors Art Tatum and Earl Hines...” (Pierre Steve, The Lion on SCS 1216) “Like the previously released album from the same session – “That’s All” (SCS1199) this Spanish pianist shows his grandiose and virtuoso side…” (Erik Wiedemann – Information on SCS 1216)

I Wanna Talk About You

My Standard

“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)

Alone

This is the first release of SteepleChase 36000 series which distinguishes itself from the 31000 series as it concentrates on releasing the old recordings we acquired to document the great moments of jazz history. The recording sources are varied: radio shows, live concerts, private recordings, etc. Although most of the releases from this series can be described as historical recordings, we made it a point to obtain legal clearance from the artists or their estates for each and every release and to improve the sound quality when technically possible. This poignant recording (private - by the club owner) from Stockholms’s famous Gyllene Cirkeln (Golden Circle) jazz club finds Bud in an increasingly rare period of clarity and stability. “...A unique voice...irreplicable..” (Compact)

El Gran Senor From Catalonia

“...extremely charming main stream jazz..” (Swing Journal) “...quite dynamic and impressive modern jazz approach...it is too interesting a sample of Drew’s work to be allowed to escape unnoticed.” (M.J. Melody Maker, Dec. 4, 1976) “A valuable addition to the already extremely impressive series of albums Kenny Drew has recorded for SteepleChase over the last few years.” (M.S. Jazz Journal April 1976) Previously issued on SCCD 31016 & SCCD 31034

.... Buttercup (Bud’s wife) described their stay in Stockholm as “a grand experience - we were very happy there”. Much of this comes across in recordings which really do come close to Bud’s finest achievements of a 2decade earlier. .... from the linernotes by Chris Sheridan

“Strongly recommended, buy!” (Compact) “...This is the best piano record in many years and one that will certainly rank with the best of any era.” Previously issued on SCCD 31017 & SCCD 31029

“ ...if you appreciate Bley’s quintessential lyricism and Lundgaard’s singing lines, this one and the other (Live Again SCCD 31230) are noteworthy albums...” (A.G., Compact, September 1989) “...The Rapport between Bley and Lundgaard is perfect...” (Birger Jørgensen, Aarhuus Stiftstidende) Previously issued on SCCD 31223 & SCCD 31230

“Admirable!” (Jazz Magazine) “..Miles Davis is not a notable enthusiast of singers, but one exception was Shirley Horn, a Washington-based improviser (on piano as well)...” (Nat Hentoff, Modern Recording & Music) Previously issued on SCCD 31257 & SCCD 31164

This volume concludes the celebrated series of Bud Powell recording from Gyllen Cirkeln (earlier releases SCH 36001, SCH 36002, SCH 36009 & SCH 36014). There is Bud’s rare vocal on This Is No Laughin’ Matter. “The sum of Bud’s recordings at the Golden Circle is, then a study of a musician in travail, yet one who, despite the flaws, is able to project a strongly emotional body of music to the listeners...” (Chris Sheridan, from the linernotes)

The Garden Of The Blues

Rejoicing