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)

Boston Concert, Vol. 1

Cornetist and composer Nat Adderley (b. Nov. 25, 1931 in Tampa, FL) recorded this first album with his new band just one year after the untimely death of his brother Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, three years his senior. The Adderley brothers had worked side by side in the highly successful, one of the funkiest jazz bands in USA for more than 15 years. “ The septet here, whose members are mostly young, New York -based musicians, is more interesting by far than the celebrated Cannonball Adderley Quintet ever was. ..” (Stereo Review) “...This is some of the best straight-ahead jazz to have come out in the last few months....” (Musician Magazine)

No Blues

Small Room

Two Loves

Live

After Hours

If You Could See Me Now

Stable Mable

NHØP is undoubtedly the most widely recorded and most highly regarded jazz bassist today. This is his second leader album recorded in New York while he was touring with Oscar Peterson. NHØP selected the very best of sidemen from the New York scene to make this “supremely musical album which will afford a lot of listening pleasure to a lot of people.” (Mike Hennessay)

The Apartment

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

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.”

Music For Perla

When Destiny Calls

Scope

Visions

Blue Parlan

Peace

Perception

Three years after the sensational spiritual recording by this duo “Goin’ Home” (SCCD 31079) producer Nils Winther had Archie and Horace in the studio again. The theme this time was traditional blues. Once again the Shepp-Parlan duo made one of the best selling SteepleChase releases. England’s Gramophone magazine called the duo “a powerful and ultimately inspirational collaboration”. This recording was awarded the Deutscher Schallplattenpreis for Modern Jazz Und Jazz-Rock of 1982 by the prestigious Deutsche Phono Akademie.

The Glass Room