George Colligan's debut album Activism returns in a newly pressed 180g LP edition (G1382), celebrating it's 1996 arrival as one of the most confident first statements of it's era. At just 25, Colligan emerged as one of New York's most in demand pianists, and this trio recording captures the full force of that promise. Joined by bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Ralph Peterson, he approaches works by Wayne Shorter, Duke Pearson, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk, Fats Waller, and Freddie Hubbard with the assurance of a seasoned bandleader. Critics immediately recognized the album's vitality-it's positive, vigorous, and resourceful spirit-and The Washington Post praised Colligan's commanding touch and fearless conception. Nearly three decades later, Activism stands as a remarkable debut from a musician whose artistic voice arrived fully formed. "... this album is all about a remarkable arrival of a musician whose conception epitomises Activism in the best sense - positive, vigorous, outgoing and resourceful... " (Mark Gardner)

When Producer Nils Winther heard for the first time Kevin Hays at Ron McClure's 1990 session for SCCD 31279 Never Forget, he knew immediately that he had found an exceptional talent. Hays cut his first leader album for the label three months after the McClure date, at the age of 22. His second leader album, Ugly Beauty (originally released in 1992), returns here in a stunning 24bit/96kHz remaster as G1297, reaffirming it's place as a landmark in the pianist's early career. Recorded with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Williams, the album marked Hays's first trio outing-an ensemble format that would become central to his artistic identity. The program blends jazz standards with Hays's original The Well, showcasing his lyrical touch, harmonic depth, and rhythmic drive. The session captures Hays's youthful brilliance while foreshadowing the maturity and originality that define his later work. More than three decades on, Ugly Beauty remains fresh, vital, and deeply engaging-a timeless document of three master musicians in inspired dialogue.

Just in Time is a long-overdue spotlight on one of jazz's most quietly influential pianists. Recorded in 1989 with Bob Cranshaw on bass and Kenny Washington on drums, this trio session captures Willis's lyrical touch, harmonic depth, and rhythmic sophistication in full bloom. Willis's career began with a voice solo in Aaron Copland's The Second Hurricane under Leonard Bernstein, but jazz soon claimed him. By 19, he was playing with Jackie McLean and Hugh Masekela, and later with Stan Getz, Cannonball Adderley, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. His style-rooted in Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly, and Herbie Hancock-melds cerebral modernism with soulful hard bop. The album features a mix of standards and originals, including the swinging title track, the introspective "Soul Search," and the Monk-inspired "T's Bag Blues." His Latin-tinged "Te Quiero Mi Hermano" and homage to Herbie Hancock on "One Finger Snap" reveal a pianist deeply attuned to rhythm and tradition. Critic Russ Musto writes, "Considering the pianist's continuous growth in forty years of playing, I'd say it's timing is prime. I'll take it now. And look to the future for more." Willis himself praises Cranshaw's ballad work and calls Washington "perhaps the finest young drummer to come along in a long time." G1251 is not just timely-it's timeless. A must-have for collectors and a revelation for new listeners. ".Larry Willis plays piano with style, soul and a constant stream of heart." (Jerome Wilson, Cadence)

Originally released in 1979 and reissued on CD in 1996 with bonus material, G1128 stands as a vibrant snapshot of two masterful trumpeters-John McNeil and Tom Harrell-at a pivotal moment in modern jazz. Now, for the first time, this landmark session returns in stunning 24bit/96kHz remastered fidelity on heavyweight 180g vinyl, preserving the warmth and swing of the original analog tapes. Backed by a stellar rhythm section featuring Kenny Barron (piano), Buster Williams (bass), and Billy Hart (drums), McNeil and Harrell engage in a spirited, lyrical dialogue that's as respectful of tradition as it is forward-looking. Their interplay is marked by mutual admiration rather than rivalry-Harrell's bright, unflappable tone contrasts beautifully with McNeil's introspective, saxophone-inspired phrasing. For audiophiles, collectors, and jazz devotees alike, this is not just a reissue-it's a rediscovery. "... it's never a duel of trumpets here but it's the duet of trumpets... When the two trumpeters share technique and inspiration, one cannot but enjoy the inevitable result... " (Alain Tercinet, JAZZ HOT).

The two-time winner of Grammy Awards, alto saxophonist Gary Bartz (b. Baltimore, Sept. 26, 1940) studied music at the Julliard School in New York. He then worked with many prominent players like Max Roach, Art Blakey, Blue Mitchell, McCoy Tyner in the 60s. His international fame came when he joined Miles Davis in the early 70s. He made his SteepleChase recording debut with Jackie McLean in 1973 ("Ode To Super" SCCD 31009). 15 years later he went into a studio in Copenhagen with the band he was touring with in Europe (except Butch Lacy replacing Joanne Brackeen on piano) to make this second album for SteepleChase. Bartz received the BNY Mellon Jazz 2015 Living Legacy Award. He is Professor of Jazz Saxophone at Oberlin College. "... one of the best of Bartz' recent releases, while it emphasizes leader's powerful playing, the well-balanced ensemble performances are quite enticing." (Sato - Swing Journal on SCS 1234)

... Witchdoctor's Son contains the most infectious, buoyant, gleeful music... The interaction between Pukwana and Tchicai's vastly differing phrase sensibilities is one of the joys of this recording... (Lange, Down Beat) "... from Dyani's most consistently inventive period... " (The Penguin Guide To JAZZ) The timeless brilliance of jazz with the remastered edition of Johnny Dyani's Witchdoctor's Son, originally recorded in 1978 brings together musicians from South Africa, Denmark, and Brazil, blending their unique styles with the rich heritage of American jazz. The presence of John Tchicai, a stalwart of the New York jazz scene, adds depth to this remarkable record. The music is deeply rooted in South African traditions, with themes composed by Johnny Dyani and Dudu Pukwana, and traditional tunes arranged by them. The spirit of Africa, especially the Xhosa world, is a constant presence throughout the album.

Chicago's grand tenor man Earle Lavon "Von" Freeman Sr. (October 3, 1923 - August 11, 2012) was a revered and most loved elder of the jazz scene in the Windy City. Von has been on producer Nils Winther's top priority list of the musicians he wanted to record. The dream came true in the late spring of 1992, when Von was 72. Von's powerful tenor is tastefully supported by his trusted rhythm section of Jodie Christian (piano), Eddie de Haas bass) and Wilbur Campbell (drums).. "This is an excellent introduction to the Chicago style of tenor playing and to four extremely creative musicians at their peaks." (Cadence)

SteepleChase proudly presents the 2025 audiophile reissue of Jaywalkin', the iconic 1976 album by legendary Danish jazz bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen. Known for his impeccable technique and rich, resonant tone, Pedersen's playing on this album is nothing short of masterful. Remastered from the original analog tapes for unparalleled sound clarity 180g heavyweight vinyl with exclusive new liner notes exploring the album's legacy and Pedersen's virtuosity by bassist and NHoP biographer Thomas Ovesen Featuring Philip Catherine on guitar, Ole Kock Hansen on electric piano, and Billy Higgins on drums, Jaywalkin' is a dynamic blend of swing, bossa nova, and intricate jazz improvisation. The title track "Jaywalkin'" stands as one of Pedersen's finest performances, showcasing his effortless command over rhythm and melody. A Must-Have for Jazz Collectors

June 15, 1976 Long tall Dexter plunges into a blowing spree in this unusual piano-less trio format. "... It contains some of his freest solos, notably On Green Dolphin Street... " (The Penguin Guide to Jazz) C. Andrew Hovan the author of the new liner notes for the album writes: "Lullaby for a Monster", recorded just before his triumphant homecoming, stands as a powerful reminder of an era when jazz giants roamed in abundance. A favorite among musicians, this album deserves wider recognition within Gordon's impressive discography." "... intense and vibrant music throughout... " (DIAPASON, France) "... in this stripped down setting Dexter Gordon is truly on fire... " (Soulpope - The Jazz Beat) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

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 Anais 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

While Allegra Levy's second album "Cities Between Us" (SCCD 31827) cemented her strong talent as a singer/songwriter, here on this her third album Allegra the singer steps up to the front interpreting time-tested as well as newer moon-themed songs. "Levy is a gifted lyricist and she writes often light thoughts and observations but from a personal point of view. Vocal fans should seek this out as Levy fills a spot that is fresh and rewarding in the pantheon of vocalists. A carefully produced CD full of rewards." (Robert D. Rusch - Papatamas on SCCD 31827 Cities Between Us). "Levy is a fresh new voice, with songs steeped in the tradition and primed to join the canon." (Jim Motavalli - New York City Jazz Record on SCCD 31827 Cities Between Us) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

In Monk's Mood 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Groovin' With Big G 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Notes On Ornette 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Lover Man 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Progression

Dark Beauty 180g Audiophile Vinyl

You've Changed

This Place

Blues For Harvey 180g Audiophile Vinyl

All Of Me 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Snapshots

Chess Moves

John Hart's collaboration with SteepleChase started in 2016 with sideman role on the late alto sax Andy Fusco's Turmoil (SCCD 31843). The guitarist/composer/educator Hart since has kept releasing a barrage of highly acclaimed leader albums. On this his fifth outing he has assembled an impeccable quartet featuring Rich Perry on tenor and Brian Charette on B-3. "He has just released Resonance (2023) on SteepleChase, his fifth date for the legendary Danish label headed by Nils Winther. Labelmate, tenor saxophonist Rich Perry joins him along with organist Brian Charette and longtime collaborator Steve Johns handling the percussion duties. The breadth and eclecticism of Resonance's playlist is plainly evident from Hart's illustrious recording pedigree. We hear a refreshing mix of five originals and four standards." (Frank Griffith - UK JAZZ NEWS) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Falling In Love