A special release from SteepleChase's cradle period consists of the two "duo" (Kenny Drew on piano and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass) recordings originally marketed as SCS 1002 and SCS 1010 on LP. Re-mastered in a high resolution (24bits 96khz). No extra material added. "Drew and Pedersen have made this an artistic triumph...it finds both men in excellent form..." (on SCS 1002 DUO B.McRoy, Jazz Journal, UK Sept. 1973) "This is an album of great musical value which will give pleasure for a long, long time. (Chris Sheridan, Into Jazz, UK May 1974)

A skilled drummer with a strong command of polyrhythms and complex meters, Olivier Le Goas is also an accomplished composer with a gift for pleasing harmonies and memorable melodies. The veteran French bandleader showcased his abundant gifts on 2016's acclaimed Reciprocity, which was hailed in a 4-1/2 star Downbeat review as "an appealing sound that has one foot in chamber-like formalism while also exploring heightened realms of improvisation." Le Goas' follow-up, his sixth as a leader, stakes out similarly agreeable and dynamic musical territory: the kind that was favorably compared to the Pat Metheny Unity Group on his last outing. Returning from Reciprocity is rising star American guitarist Nir Felder, whose warm tone and fluid lines are a key component here alongside John Escreet's cascading piano work, Larry Grenadier's resounding bass lines and Le Goas' irrepressible presence behind the kit. Together they navigate the twisting terrain of the drummer-bandleader's fully-realized compositions with sensitivity and aplomb, with a couple of knowing winks to Metheny along the way. Indeed, the album title itself contains a nod to the guitar great's 1982 Grammy Award winning album, OffRamp, while the brightly flowing and cleverly-titled composition "Light Size Dreams" is a sly reference to the title track of Metheny's groundbreaking1976 debut on ECM Records, Bright Size Life. Le Goas readily acknowledges the Metheny influence on those two appealing pieces. "Yes, the album title is directly inspired by that wonderful Pat Metheny album, Off Ramp, and 'Light Size Dreams' definitely has echoes of 'Bright Size Life.' But the fourth movement and coda from 'Light Size Dreams' were also inspired by 'And Then I Know' from the Pat Metheny Group album, We Live Here."

Classical Music

Diana Krall - Stepping Out (Justin Time Essentials Collection) Stepping Out launched the career of one of our generation's greatest Jazz artists. "Peaking at #3 on Billboard's Jazz Chart, Diana Krall's 1993 debut shows that she had the goods right from the get-go. Krall sings with honesty, subtlety, and persuasion while playing the piano with head-shaking authority, both as accompanist - she offers amazing asides in between vocal phrases - and as an absolutely A-one improviser." (Zan Stewart). The Justin Time Essentials Collection introduces the album (now certified Gold) to a new generation of fans, but this time with an added bonus track from the original sessions - Diana's incredible arrangement of "Summertime".

Classical Music

Simon Westman Trio has been playing together since 2010, they have performed at jazz clubs in Gothenburg and are praised for their sound and their interaction. The members of the trio are individually strong voices on the Swedish jazz scene. Simon has played and collaborated with Bohuslän Big Band, Yasuhito Mori Scandinavian Connection, Lasse Lindgren Big Band, Svante Thuresson, Magnus Lindgren, Lina Nyberg and Samuel Ljungblahd, among others. The trio initially called themselves MMS Trio, the music they played was a mix of American jazz standards, European "ECM jazz" and Nordic show. But in May 2019, Simon began composing original music for the trio, after getting his thumbs out (thanks to his friend and colleague Alexander Lövmark) and booking time for recording in Nilento Studio. The debut album "Stay a While" was recorded in January 2020.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

'Between the Sheets' is the second studio album of smooth jazz group Fourplay and was released in August 1993. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart and No. 15 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. 'Between the Sheets' sold over 500,000 copies in the United States and thus certified gold by the RIAA. 'Between the Sheets', the popular single, written by the Isley Brothers, features Fourplay members Bob James (piano), Lee Ritenour (guitar), Nathan East (lead vocals and bass) and Harvey Mason (drums) with guests, soul singer Chaka Khan on lead vocals, backed-up by Philip Bailey and Phil Perry. Sultry and smooth, oozing with class. Amoroso is a sprightly tune that features sparkling solos from James and Ritenour while East and Mason (composer) keep a lively groove simmering underneath. This continues to be a defining album for smooth Jazz genre and Fourplay.

We're In This Love Together - Celebrating Al Jarreau was originally a kickstarter campaign project created by Chris Walker, Jarrea-u's protege and friend who spent twenty- years traveling the globe with the jazz- maestro. First released in 2019, it is now re-released by evosound. This musical tribute album, co-produced by Chris Walker & Larry Williams, features a stellar line-up of artists who came together to honor the seven-time Grammy winner from the jazz, R&B and gospel worlds; including Arturo Sandoval, Bob James, Dave Koz, David Foster, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Larry Williams, Marcus Miller, Nathan East, Regina Belle, Rick Braun and Will Downing. We're In This Love Together - Celebrating Al Jarreau is performed with admirable attention to detail and respect for the wondrous vocal craft and musicianship of Al Jarreau from open to close. Lifelong fans of Jarreau's work will take comfort and joy in the expertly delivered homage. Despite Chris adding his own flavor, the integrity of the music remains intact, creating a fresh take of some of Al's work. We're In This Love Together - Celebrating Al Jarreau is a Hi-Res Audiophile recording available on MQA-CD, hybrid SACD, 180g Vinyl LP and Hi-Res digital. MQA is an award-winning technology that delivers the sound of the studio. MQA-CD plays on all CD players. When a conventional CD player is connected to an MQA-enabled device, the CD will reveal the original master quality.

Back in 1996, pianist Bob James and saxophonist Kirk Whalum - two of the biggest names in contemporary jazz - combined their talents on the acclaimed Warner Bros. Album, Joined At The Hip, which is now remastered and reissued as a SACD release by evosound. Backed by a slick band comprised of guitarist Jeff Golub, bassist Chris Walker, and drummer, Billy Kilson, the pair served up some fine original material - including Whalum's evocative tone poem, 'Soweto' - and jazzed-up revamps of two big '70s hits: Maria Muldaur's 'Midnight At The Oasis' and Donny Hathaway's 'The Ghetto.' Though it was nominated for a Grammy and peaked at No. 10 in Bill board's jazz charts, Joined At The Hip has often been overlooked and remains an important musical touchstone in both artists' careers. The album's 16-page booklet includes new liner notes featuring reminiscences from James, Whalum, and the session's original sound engineer, Ken Freeman. The original high resolution audio mixes were used for the DSD remastering. This hybrid SACD plays back on both SACD and regular CD players. Bonus tracks (only playable on SACD player) 10. Out of the Cold (Original Full Version) & 11. Deja Blue (Original Full Version).

Some extremely rare, early 1950's West Coast jazz has been unearthed from the vaults of Vita Records, a boutique label that operated during the 1950s and boasted a unique and diverse catalog of R&B, Doo-Wop, Rockabilly, West Coast jazz and space-age bachelor pad exotica. Featured here is a stellar band of jazz cats led by trumpeter Dan Terry which was recorded June 19, 1952 at Radio Recorders Studios in Hollywood, CA and originally released on 10" vinyl singles during the first phase of Vita Records operations. The first single in this series, "Terry Cloth" b/w "My Heart Is Free Again" features a session arranged by the great Marty Paich and showcases the talents of many of the West Coast's greatest players including the drummer Shelly Manne, the trumpeters Pete Condoli and Ollie Mitchell, saxophonists Bob Lawson, Bob Enevoldsen and Herb Steed - and many others. These tracks have been newly remastered for this exclusive release.

Some extremely rare, early 1950's West Coast jazz has been unearthed from the vaults of Vita Records, a boutique label that operated during the 1950s and boasted a unique and diverse catalog of R&B, Doo-Wop, Rockabilly, West Coast jazz and space-age bachelor pad exotica. Featured here is a stellar band of jazz cats led by trumpeter Dan Terry which was recorded June 19, 1952 at Radio Recorders Studios in Hollywood, CA and originally released on 10" vinyl singles during first phase of Vita Records operations. The second single in this series, "Wail-Tail" b/w "Autumn In New York" features a session arranged by the great Marty Paich and showcases the talents of many of the West Coast's greatest players including the drummer Shelly Manne, the trumpeters Pete Condoli and Ollie Mitchell, saxophonists Bob Lawson, Bob Enevoldsen and Herb Steed - and many others. These tracks have been newly remastered for this exclusive release.

The Endless Way marks the new stage of the bassist Giuseppe Millaci. His trio had the opportunity to travel the world in it's first year of existence. This album reflects the travel experiences, and the trio has shed light for this opus on a series of concerts in Central America that has proved to be a key moment in the evolution of their music. Each track on the album was dedicated to particular events and ambiances.

Born in Chiba, Japan, Yasushi Karasawa learned piano from his mother as a young child, and soon began the explorative process in music. His first influences were Yellow Magic Orchestra and the great Ryuichi Skamoto, leading him to save the pocket money for a Yamaha CS-15 analog Synth and a double cassette deck for recording. As is the case, musical exploration leads one around the world to Jazz from the US, and in his case it was a borrowed record from Bill Evans that sparked his in Jai piano. Studying at High School and then University, enamored with Evans and naturally Herbie Hancock, the stage was set. He performed at the Tokyo Jazz Clubs and he played in a pop band, but soon he turned to the studio and his own music with the project dubbed N'Sawa Saraca.

The American jazz singer and actress who made her Broadway debut as a teenager and became known as the voice of Chiquita Bananas, Monica Lewis performed with Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, among others. She performed on the inaugural episode of Ed Sullivan's television variety show in 1948 and continued to perform jazz and pop hits for decades. Lewis made something of a comeback in the early 1980s and released the classic album "Never Let Me Go" in 1982. The album features many of the best West Coast jazz players including Tom Scott, Lee Ritenour, Dennis Budimir, Victor Feldman, Abraham Laboriel, Chuck Domanico, Harvey Mason, Paulinho da Costa and many others. The classic album is presented here, with all tracks newly remastered for this exclusive release.

American jazz trumpeter, producer, and musical entrepreneur, Jack Millman is not a household name, yet he was a behind-the-scenes mover and shaker of the West Coast jazz scene and a highly adept instrumentalist in his own right. On this rare 1977 LP release "Swing Scene II," Millman (who often went by the alias Johnny Kitchen) assembled an all-star cast of West Coast studio musicians who perform a mixture of easy listening instrumentals with a West Coast jazz flavor, along with more classic vocal style jazz offerings as heard on the standards "September In The Rain," "I'm Old Fashioned' and "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most." This rare vintage West Coast jazz album has been newly remastered for this exclusive release.

With a successful career that spanned six decades, Della Reese was one of America's most popular jazz singers, acted in films and on TV, even hosted her own TV talk show in the 1960s. Della was equally adept at pop, jazz, gospel and rhythm and blues styles. She scored her first hit in 1959 with the single "Don't You Know?," and achieved sustained success throughout her career. Presented here is her classic 1983 full length album "Sure Like Lovin' You," which features a solid band led by the iconic jazz trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison and also features a guest appearance by vocalist Bill Champlain, the lead singer from the great American rock band Chicago. All selections have been newly remastered for this exclusive release.

One of the newest addition to the SteepleChase recording artist list guitarist/composer Craig Brann’s latest release “Mark My Words” features two of his prominent colleagues and friends, Mark Turner and Gregory Tardy on saxophones. Craig Brann unveils in this album with all originals his unique compositional talent. “Craig Brann is a soulful and imaginative player and writer with a unique depth to his music. His arrangements and re-imaginings of classic songs are particularly thoughtful and fresh and his every note has meaning and purpose.” (Peter Bernstein)

From the banks of the Marne to the Mississippi Delta, the fiery and provocative music concocted by Dominique Cravic and Didier Roussin (working under the band name Les Primitives du Futur) was inspired by the years when pop music in Paris - the music played in dancehall's called Bals-Musettes - was intermixed with the music of many cultures. The sound is traditional, with tints of jazz and beguine, rocked by gypsy and Italian accents. This release combines Cocktail d'Amour, the group's first album (which established the band's international reputation) with Blues story & the New Blue 4, which features exclusive tracks taken from Dominique Cravic's personal tapes.

This album aims to compile the most emblematic works of the end of the twentieth century while seeking to give more recent music a leading role because, fortunately, some of today's creators are of the same quality as the most firmly-established figures of the previous period. This is not work about the flutter-tonguing "traditional contemporary saxophone", display of the shallowest virtuosity, an accumulation of slaps or "strident multiphonics" used as effects, and which have been made an example of our feeblest "clich�s". Quite the contrary, the intention has been to select a programme where various styles coexist while seeking to keep in common the use the individual composers make of the saxophone, of course using E.T.s, although never as techniques themselves but rather with the aim of offering a message, part of the differentiated language of each. This is the main feature of the current panorama, the quest for a sonic language original to each composer, using the saxophone as the medium, never as the beginning or end of the composition.

Trumpeter Miles Davis was without doubt one of the most important and influential jazz musicians of the post-war era, not only as a pioneer of the bebop movement but through being at the forefront of many stylistic and musical innovations over the years. His landmark debut album for Capitol The Birth Of The Cool, recorded during 1949 and 1950, became regarded as seminal in the history of cool jazz, exploring unusual harmonies and textures. This excellent-value 49-track 2-CD set comprises his studio recordings in small ensembles, in which he is the only trumpeter, from his studio debut in 1945 through to the end of 1948, just weeks before the first of the Birth Of The Cool sessions in January 1949. As a bonus, it concludes with a 'live' recording with Charlie Parker's All Stars in December 1948. It features performances with Charlie Parker's Reeboppers, the Charlie Parker Septet, Charlie Parker All Stars, Coleman Hawkins All Stars, Miles Davis All Stars, Charlie Parker Quintet & Charlie Parker Sextet from eleven different recording sessions during these years. Charlie Parker was his primary collaborator on these sessions, but among the musicians featured in the various line-ups were Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Kai Winding, Coleman Hawkins, Lucky Thompson, Hank Jones, John Lewis, Max Roach, J.J. Johnson, Al Haig, Curly Russell and others. It's a fascinating insight into the development of his music during these key formative years.

(Friedman's) music often stems from personal, social interaction, and this kind of music finds it's way into people's hearts... - Ha'aretz. Saxophonist and composer Amit Friedman is a guiding light in the Israeli jazz scene. His inspiringly lyrical compositions are arranged with his group of master musicians in mind and are rooted solidly in the jazz tradition, along with rich influences of the Middle East interwoven throughout. In the liner notes to "Unconditional Love," Amit recounts the story of his late father taking him, as a young teen, to New York and a night at the Blue Note. Implied is a great sense of gratitude for all of those influencing his life, and with the album's dedication to his father, offers the inspiration behind this collection of performances. Between the fiery "Home At Last," the subtle Bossa, "Alma," with vocals and lyrics by Brazilian vocalist Joca Perpignan, "Rill-Rool," the sweeping duo with pianist Tom Oren, the hard-swinging "Blues for Jackito," or the one cover, the melodic "Junk" by Paul McCartney, Friedman displays a deep connection to 'the moment,' his audience, and those who inspire him. "... Friedman's "Sunrise" is one of those rare albums that I want to blast from the rooftops, convinced that if the whole damn world could just hear it, the planet would be a much happier place." - DAVE SUMNER, BIRD IS THE WORM

Harmonica and jazz? It would be hard to come up with more than a few names that have brilliantly combined these concepts together. The Belgian Toots Thielemans, a living legend on the chromatic harmonica would be leading the way, together with Stevie Wonder, with whom the instrument has gained access into the world of soul and pop. Then all of a sudden, Konstantin Renfeld appears; very young and a genuine talent on the diatonic harmonica, which he plays fully chromatically. He sets standards here which are otherwise only met by the US virtuoso Howard Levy. Even as a child, Konstantin Reinfeld was irresistibly attracted to music. His enthusiasm for the freedom of jazz grew equally alongside his autodidactic study of the instrument. Learning the increasingly demanding playing techniques which that kind of music requires was a unique incentive for Reinfeld, and brought him an increasing sense of self-fulfillment. ''After the release of my debut album, the common musical understanding within the band has grown stronger because of our live performances at festivals and concerts. A consequence of this was an effort by everyone in the band to carry this energy which we had developed on the stage into the studio.'' (Konstantin Reinfeld)