The Printups (Marcus and Riza got married in 2011) have been recording together with ensembles on a couple releases (SCCD 31681 “Ballads – All Night” and SCCD 31711 “A Time For Love”). The new album here is their first duo endeavour and probably the first ever jazz recording of this combination of two instruments for the entire album. English journalist Mark Gardner once noted, “The beautiful sounds of trumpet and harp have a purity that sets them apart.” “Printup’s cohesive and resourceful trio with harpist Riza Hequibal and bassist Kengo Nakamura recasts and rekindles a string of romantic ballads with a lean mixture of lyricism and swing.” (Mike Joyce – JazzTimes on SCCD 31711 “A Time For Love”) “Printup’s album gives a solid accounting of himself and a forum for a band of promise.” (Kirk Silsbee – DownBeat on SCCD 31804 “Young Bloods”)

Vic Juris, American guitarist/composer, passed away Dec. 31, 2019 after a relatively short battle against cancer at age 66. Vic was an exclusive SteepleChase recording artist for many years, and this album (his 18th for SteepleChase) was recorded April 2019 and was scheduled for release this month. We at SteepleChase had obviously no idea that this was going to be Vic’s last leader album. We miss him deeply yet are proud to be a part of his remarkable career by being his label/producer of the 18 leader albums in the past three decades. “This is my third rave review in succession for guitarist Vic Juris’s SteepleChase releases in superlative displays of the art of jazz guitar.…This is another really delightful release from this stellar musician. “(Andy Hamilton – Jazz Journal on SCCD 31869 Two Guitars) “He’s been something of a musician’s musician throughout his career, sustaining a steady output of recordings and performances and supplementing with teaching gigs while hewing to reliably to a signature sound. Diagnosis or no, his intent is to continue that course and the contents of this disc illustrate him doing just that.” (Derek Taylor - Dusted Magazine on SCCD 31869 Two Guitars)

For his first album as lead artist, the double bassist Clement Landais invites us on a journey to an imaginary place, taking us to a world that is poetic, dream like and tangible in it's beauty. A moving and atmospheric music, projecting enchanting imagery in chiaroscuro, where sky and sea collide and where each piece of music diffuses sound waves that rebound.

- These include the two rare songs from Louis Armstrong's 1953 comedic Decca single and the original version of Kay Starr's Waiting For The Man With The Bag, which became famous through the Brian Setzer Orchestra! - Glenn Miller's big-band version of Jingle Bells as well as Mario Lanza's goose-bumps causing interpretation of Silent Night and the breathtaking Christmas classics of the Mills Brothers and Johnny Mercer, rousing danceable rhythms until the Christmas tree wiggles!- Also included is a rare R&B title by Thelma Cooper, who is often confused with Dolly Cooper!- A compilation that will not only delight the fans of Swing - it is so much more enjoyable to prepare a Christmas cake with this music playing, and dance lovers will always get their money's worth!After the two previous very successful releases with Christmas songs - 'Christmas On The Countryside' (BCD17508) and 'Big City Christmas' (BCD17509) - now follows the third part with extremely danceable grooves from the genres of Jazz, Swing and Rhythm & Blues, compiled by the Bear Family team. Our releases for the Christmas season obviously hit the nerve of our friends. The sets deliver intelligently compiled albums that offer themselves as an alternative to Xmas kitsch. The entertaining mix of some well-known songs and several new discoveries provides even die-hard Christmas haters and music collectors with enough material to celebrate an alternative Christmas full of pleasure. The 24-page accompanying booklet contains the essential information on the individual recordings. All titles have been carefully remastered. No more baking cookies - get up on the dance floor

For the past four plus decades Mark Soskin has been playing a vital role in the world jazz scene as pianist/composer as well as educator (currently on the faculty of the Manhattan School Of Music). Soskin began his professional career first in West Coast but his true breakthrough came with his 14-year tenure with Sonny Rollins. Soskin joined SteepleChase in 2018 and this his third album finds him with the original quartet members from the “17 (Seventeen)” album recorded 20 years ago. “Pianist Mark Soskin has always had some wonderfully bright tones in his work – notes that ring out beautifully, almost with the ease of an electric piano, even when acoustic – and that tradition definitely continues here, as Mark works through a set of well-chosen tracks with a nicely tight trio!” (Dusty Groove -on SCCD 31858 Upper West Side Stories).

A sublime and transcendent memorial to one of Zorn's earliest mentors-Ennio Morricone. Featuring the soulful guitar of Bill Frisell set within the magical sonorities of vibraphone, harp and bells the music takes on an epic orchestral sweep with the added presence of special guest keyboard wizard John Medeski on organ and piano. Filled with beautiful harmonies, a driving rhythmic pulse and stunning lyri-cism, this is some of the most lush and spiritual music Zorn has ever written. Truly music of the Angels-intimate chamber music to heal an aching heart performed by one of the world's most ethereal ensembles.

After releasing a tribute album to his late father, renowned multi reed player Gerry Niewood - SCCD 31871 Home With You, At Last – Adam Niewood, who is also New York’s leading multi-instrumentalist/composer went into studio this time to bring his focus on the tenor saxophone and own compositions in trio setting, jazz’s most fundamental format. “There is a lot to enjoy on this album, from the original compositions to their thoughtful execution, and not least the quartet’s phenomenal musicianship. (Elliot Marlow Stevens – Jazz Journal on SCCD 31871)

The SLD Trio is an exciting and adventurous group of young musicians from Buenos Aires. The Argentinian capital is not a city that is exactly known for an extensive free-jazz and improvised music scene; however, there is a dedicated core of artists and musicians in the city, and the members of this piano trio, pianist Paul Schocron, bassist German Lamonega, and drummer Pablo Diaz, are at the heart of it. Individually, they have studied at institutions like the Classical Composition at Rosario University, and the Contemporary Music School (part of the Berklee International Network, which is run by the popular music school in Boston), as well as the University of Fine Arts in La Plata. They have been working together for years, along with other important Buenos Aires musicians like Enrique Norris. All the while, their musical rapport has grown closer and closer, and most recently the trio has been greatly expanding their network of collaborators and welcoming new influences. This is a lovely and exciting album from a trio that is just as willing to give as to receive, and ready to synthesize the familiar with the unknown. On Tensegridad, these three strong, empathetic musicians are flexing their creative muscles, working hard together to share their excitement in making music, and giving back the community that they have received as much from.

Zurich based drummer Arthur Hnatek presents his first trio record, 'Static'. Joined by his equally fearless bandmates Fabien Iannone on bass and Francesco Geminiani on tenor sax, this is music created by a classic jazz line-up and steeped in improvisational facility, yet simultaneously utterly unlike anything in the standard jazz tradition. Hnatek is one of a new breed of players who see their music as a continuum stretching between genres, always thinking in terms of links rather than boundaries, possibilities rather than limits. His time spent playing drums with similarly adventurous and unclassifiable artists Tigran Hamasyan and Shai Maestro opened his ears to the possibilities of rhythmic variation: his immersion in electronic music production and the motorik tradition of Jaki Liebzeit alerted him the possibilities of repetition. 1. Monotonous 2. 27 3. Brew 4. MIDI Sans Fronti�res 5. Nine B 6. In Three 7. Static 8. Cinque 9. The End

“trioTrio”? - Yes, unfamiliar ensemble name and it needs introduction. nNew York’s elite instrumentalists of the younger generation, Jacob Sacks (piano), Dave Ambrosio (bass) and Vinnie Sperrazza (drums) are the components of this cooperative trio. They have been playing together since around 2000. Here this their first album features two of their most respected soloists, Dave Scott (tp) and Rich Perry (ts) both of who have been playing with trioTrio also since around 2000 at the private sessions Dave Scott hosts. “Nice treatment” is the favoured phrase Dave Scott uses when the music come together. To quote Sperrazza who is the author of the liner notes, Dave and Rich are the “under-sung giants of jazz”.

2023 release. Perfect for cruising down the road with the windows down and the wind whipping through your hair, this collection of classic Green Hill jazz recordings led by piano great Beegie Adair is a unique jazz tribute to road trips, nostalgic travels and the spirit of Route 66.

Taj Mahal can rightfully be called a living legend for his contributions to popular music. With a voice as instantly recognizable as Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, or Dr John, Taj Mahal has throughout his career pushed the envelope of American music forward by incorporating sounds from the Caribbean, Africa, traditional blues and jazz. With Savoy, Taj takes a new direction in his musical journey, exploring classics from the American songbook with his good friend and acclaimed record producer John Simon, whose resume includes producing classic albums by The Band, Janis Joplin, Leonard Cohen, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Simon & Garfunkel, Gordon Lightfoot, Mama Cass Elliot, David Sanborn, and Michael Franks. Savoy is the realization of a musical collaboration they had been planning for decades.

Classical Music

This album finds the violinist bringing passion and character to a diverse menu of jazz sounds: traditional, Latin and R&B/quiet storm (also notable, the project joins Carter with producer legend Arif Mardin on several cuts). On her 2nd release, the classically-trained player offers a more personal effort - one that reflects her broad range and foundation as a music-obsessed child of the '70s.

Classical Music

Fapy Lafertin is a leading light in jazz, a legendary figure and guardian of the flame. He is also a great guitarist. Here he fronts his New Quartet represents the cream of the young guard of "string jazz" in Belgium, with Alexandre Tripodi and Renaud Dardenne (the "Violons de Bruxelles") and C�dric Raymond, known for his work with Tcha Limberger, Toots Thielemans etc. The album ranges between gypsy jazz - one of the most attractive, animated expressions of swing in continental Europe - and the choro and fado genres of Brazil and Portugal, whose Atlantic melodies are full of romanticism and sensitivity. The guitarist and his companions, all of them tuneful stylists, here invite us to fly through the air on a voyage that defies gravity.

The four members of this quintet studied jazz together at the renowned William Patterson University in New Jersey. The exceptional affinity among them is evident on this Craig’s fifth album for SteepleChase. The album’s intriguing leitmotif of chromatic scale of 12 notes and/or the 12-bar blues conceived by the leader Craig Brann is flawlessly executed by the like-minded fivesome here. “Good bros playing great tunes, Lineage is a luminous clinic on the importance of what a solid friendship among musicians can do for the strength of any project.” — (Ron Hart – DownBeat ****four stars on “lineage” SCCD 31847)

Chris Byars, the award winning alto saxophonist, composer, arranger, jazz historian and a 100% native New Yorker set out to “curate the state of jazz to create a sort of time capsule” (Chris Byars) for this new album. What Byars successfully presents here is the genuine creative aspiration that prevails in world’s most diverse and competitive artistic environment. “Chris Byars has done a remarkable job reviving these neglected compositions of Frank Strozier while also putting his own stamp on them with his inventive arrangements.” (Ken Dryden – New York City Jazz on SCCD 31824 The Music Of Frank Strozier)

Two extraordinary talents from the two totally independent discipline of art forms are meeting here to create a genuinely unique musical experience for us. Kirk Knuffke one of the most prominent of jazz cornetist and New York’s up and coming operatic baritone singer Steven Herring present here, to quote the liner-note author Neil Tesser, “an album that juxtaposes conservatory and nightclub, improvisation and spoken word, the sacred and the secular, into one of the most unusual and inventive projects of Knuffke’s career” Knuffke’s previous release “Cherryco” SCCD 31832 was awarded National Public Radio (USA)’s Jazz Album of the Year 2017.

Billie's Columbia years are considered her finest, as demonstrated on this collection of her best-known performances. Body and Soul; the Way You Look Tonight; Easy Living and My Man all showcase the singer's unique bluesy style.

"Kristin Korb is a jewel of jewels. The bassist and vocalist commands both of her instruments with panache, engaging them simultaneously with an ease comparable to breathing." (Tyran Grillo, All About Jazz) There are few bassists who can sing and there are even fewer who can do it well. Kristin Korb is one of those artists who make you forget that she is playing the bass when you hear her crystalline voice. Inspired by the days when music was romantic and made you want to dance, Kristin and her trio embody that spirit and carry their audiences along for the ride. Love eventually brought the American bassist and vocalist to Denmark in 2011. On her new release, Kristen Korb explores the Holiday season, performing traditional classics as well as twentieth century new classics

New York’s stalwart ensemble Vic Juris Trio (with Jay Anderson and Adam Nussbaum) has been regularly performing Vic Juris’ compositions, which are recording ready for this session. Vic’s trademark versatility and inventiveness come to the fore with the use of electric and acoustic guitars. “Juris’ inventive lines and rich harmonic gifts are apparent from the beginning, as is the familiarity of the trio with one another…. The trio … is truly interactive in their stunning interpretation. It’s hard to describe a jazz artist in his 60s as a “talent deserving of wider recognition”, but with CDs like this, Vic Juris has made an ample case.” (Ken Dryden - NYCJ on SCCD31841 “Eye Contact”)

Issued by Kudu in '71, this crucial soul-jazz LP spent decades out of print. Backed by a rhythm section featuring Billy Cobham, Ron Carter and Airto, Lonnie's organ and clavinet and Grover Washington Jr..'s sax do battle on Mama Wailer; Hola Muneca; I Feel the Earth Move, and the amazing epic Stand !

30 years ago I published an album for the Gallery Fr�meaux & Associ�s, and it included six great lithographies that Daniel Humair created under the title Scratch Bop and Paper". The brush-strokes of the narrative abstracts in Daniel's paintings always reminded me of the fundamental traits in his sticks hitting a drum skin, and in the flat tints of his painted works I could almost see the sometimes long harmonies that came from his cymbals. Daniel can detach himself from the instrument that provides a supporting frame to become a humble conductor who arranges the most creative configurations, carrying musicians who are "blowers" into a state of trance. Our Humair, a master of the drums, illustrates Charles Cros' famous words, "A record means three minutes of silence to be decorated." Because Daniel is quite uninhibited in decorating this "Drum Thing" where his partners, the wonderful soloists Vincent L� Quang and Yoann Loustalot (the trio's guests) can contribute to the rhythm setting provided by St�phane Kerecki, another masterful player, and one of the greatest jazz drummers in the world." (Patrick Fremeaux)

The SWR NEWJazz Meeting project aims to help artists develop exciting projects that are difficult to realize under existing conditions. It was founded in 1966 and served in the course of it's more than fifty-year history as a driving force for new trends in jazz. The young Lukas Kranzelbinder, curator of the 2018 edition has already established himself as one of the most active and versatile bassists of the young Austrian music scene. For this project he brought together six artists including the novelist Fiston Mwanza Mujila in a band called "On boit lumumba - We drink lumumba!". The name of the band points to Patrice Lumumba (first Congolese Prime Minister and African freedom fighter at the beginning of the 1960s) and to the popular cocoa, milk and rum drink with the same name. There is of course an absurdity in this connection, which in turn relates to the topics Fiston deals with in his writings.