Yes, Brouqui is French and a phenomenal guitarist/composer and this is his SteepleChase debut album. But no, this is not of French Gypsy tradition. He is out of pure American modern jazz vein with a touch of French elegance. He commutes between Paris and NYC performing and recording.
“A warm jazz full of swing. His inspired and fast guitar interprets with assurance and sensitivity. We will savour the creative breath of his improvisations…. highly recommended.” (Claude Olberg - Jazz Magazine)
Veteran bassist Scott Lee, renowned for his innovative compositions and masterful performances, brings a fresh and dynamic energy to this his fourth release on SteepleChase. Lee’s vision of the bass as a melodic force, alongside pianist Vazquez and drummer Hirshfield, pushes the narrative in unexpected directions. Since moving to NY in the late 70s. Lee has worked with Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, Zoot Simms, Al Cohn, Freddie Hubbard, Red Rodney, Kenny Werner, Joe Lovano to mention a few. Bill Smith of JazzTimes comments on One Thought (SCCD 31687) ,” Leader and bassist Scott Lee offers simple yet thought-provoking music …. Those who feel that jazz is losing its creative edge should hear this album and other basically mainstream offerings of the last few years .”
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 Ørsted 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 NHØP 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
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 its 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)
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 Anaïs 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
Grammy-nominated pianist/composer Michael Eckroth makes his long-awaited SteepleChase debut as a leader with Contrafacto, joined by veteran bassist Ron McClure and dynamic drummer Steve Johns. Long recognized on the label as a versatile sideman, Eckroth steps forward with a program that highlights his refined touch, modern harmonic sense, and deep grounding in the jazz tradition. The trio explores originals and reimagined forms with clarity, swing, and understated fire, allowing Eckroth's melodic imagination to unfold in conversation with McClure's seasoned authority and Johns's responsive drive. Contrafacto introduces a mature, distinctive pianist whose writing and improvising balance structural elegance with spontaneity, marking a compelling new chapter in the SteepleChase piano trio lineage.
Spike Wilner makes a striking SteepleChase debut as a leader with Bird's Words, an album that distils the essence of Charlie Parker into something both reverent and freshly alive. Recorded in Paris with longtime colleagues Dmitry Baevsky, Yves Brouqui, Paul Gill, and Joe Strasser, the session embraces bebop's original discipline: concise, melodic soloing and a shared commitment to speaking Bird's language without modern embellishment. Wilner-steeped in the lineage of Walter Davis Jr., Jaki Byard, and Barry Harris-brings clarity and deep historical insight to every track. The band's tight interplay, crisp articulation, and unforced authority make Bird's Words a vibrant homage that reclaims the art of the concise, meaningful solo. A joyful celebration of Parker's enduring legacy.
SteepleChase originally released in 1984 this Shirley Horn's live tribute to songwriter Curtis Lewis (1918-1987), who was one of the first Black composers and lyricists to emerge on the Broadway scene in the early 1940s. Shirley Horn (1934-2005), long connected to Lewis's music, brings deeply personal readings of 'He's Gone Again,' 'Old Country,' and 'Roaming Lover,' before unfolding the dramatic, story-like suite The Garden of the Blues, quoting Lewis's own linking prose. Her trio-Charles Ables (bass) and Steve Williams (drums)-provides subtle, breathing support, leaving space for Horn's unhurried phrasing and emotional clarity. Newly remastered in 24-bit/96 kHz and pressed on 180g vinyl, this edition restores the concert's warmth, poise, and luminous detail. 'Shirley Horn has one of the most alluring voices in jazz - she let's the lyrics melt into a violet haze as she slowly unwraps the melody - and she's an exceptional pianista wonderful, moving combination of voice and song.' (Cash Box)
Guitarist/Composer Matt Panayides makes a compelling SteepleChase debut with Present Echoes, a vibrant quartet session featuring tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, bassist Steve LaSpina, and drummer Mark Ferber. Written in the wake of drummer Anthony Pinciotti's passing, the album presents a full program of originals shaped by reflection, momentum and deep musical heritage. Panayides' writing blends modern harmonic motion with spacious grooves, while the band's interplay highlights each member's individuality-Perry's open, lyrical sound, LaSpina's agile virtuosity, and Ferber's dynamic palette. From the expansive 'Midwestern Skies' to the powerful suite like 'Resist' and a heartfelt reading of Wayne Shorter's 'House of Jade,' Present Echoes introduces a jazz' lead guitar with mature, distinctive voice and a quartet unified by purpose, sensitivity, and forward looking energy. 'With a look back to classic Jazz guitar and a look forward to what awaits Jazz guitar, Matt Panayides provides the prism through which we may look in wonder.' (Travis Rogers, Jr. - The Jazz Owl)
Thad Jones (1923 - 1986) was best known as the leader / composer / arranger of one of the best big jazz bands of the 1960s and 70s. But Thad was also a superb instrumentalist in smaller settings. This was Thad's first quartet recording in 30 years (recorded in Copenhagen, October 1984). The newly remastered 24 bit/96 kHz 180g vinyl edition draws a vivid, intimate portrait of Jones the storyteller: reflective, free, and full of tunes. The session finds Jones in inspired form-'the way his notes fall,' as Mel Lewis once said, is fully on display-mixing relaxed authority, sly humor, and a deeply personal sense of swing. Joined by pianist Ole Kock Hansen, bassist Jesper Lundgaard, and drummer Ed Thigpen, Jones moves effortlessly from buoyant blues to spacious ballads, stretching himself with the same curiosity that marked his early Mingus collaborations '... Jones' harmonically advanced style and crisp sharp sound... very much intact on this relaxed quartet date... His improvisations are thoughtful... easily recommended.' (Down Beat)
Recipient of Village Voice Obie Award tenor saxophonist Vito Dieterle makes a striking SteepleChase debut with Nerve Case, presenting a warm, full bodied sound shaped by years on the New York scene and deep roots in Chicago's tenor tradition. For those of you who do not know much about Vito, here's some interesting excerpts from his website: After attending the prestigious New School Jazz program and freelancing around NYC, Vito began to perform weekly with his band every Sunday at Little Branch starting in early 2005 and soon went on to curate a 5-day a week live music program for the venue, which immediately went on to critical acclaim and exists to this day. He has now gone onto curate festivals and venues in New York and abroad. His working band of guitarist Kris Kaiser, bassist Griffin Fink, and drummer Aaron Seeber shares a rare chemistry that drives the album's mix of standards, jazz gems, and two originals. Dieterle's tone bold and clear leads the group's interplay to a conversational flow. From the Tristano tinged opener 'Split' to the soulful ballads and the bluesy title track, Nerve Case introduces a mature, distinctive voice and a ensemble sound built on shared musical purpose.
Pianists and guitarists don't always mix well,"" Eric Legnini says. There can even be a kind of competition in the air between these two instrument worlds, these two mini orchestras on their own, these two popular technical tools that everyone has tasted at one time or another. However, it is far from being his case, says the Belgian: on his side, relations are rather good - even if, he confesses in a loud laugh, that he is only a ""poor guitarist"" who can only play ""three poor Brazilian chords"". But it must be said that the native of Huy (near Liege) grew up with a father who was a fan of Django Reinhardt: ""there were always some that resonated in the house"", he recalls. And then, along the way, Eric Legnini met some of the best specimens of the genus. Whether with the pillar of the Plat Pays Philip Catherine or the legend Toots Thielemans, harmonica player of course, but also skillful six-stringed player. With Six Strings Under, the pianist accomplice of Joe Lovano, Claude Nougaro, Stefano Di Battista, Aka Moon, the Belmondo brothers or Ibrahim Maalouf certainly decides to make a kind of declaration of love for this instrument that has rocked him all his life. But not only that: in addition to a nod to the famous series Six Feet Under, of which he is a fan, this album marks a return to acoustic and instrumental formats, two areas that he had left for several years to focus on more electric and full of vocal guests: the trilogy The Vox - Sing Twice - Waxx Up with Hugh Coltman, Mamani Keïta, Yael Naïm or Krystle Warren.
This new release is a musical journey of two jazz musicians through the land of melody, harmony, rhythm and the fully acoustic sound of instruments. These pieces offer up a clash of classical instrumental texture with the freedom of jazz improvisation. All of the music heard here was written especially for this duo, who extend what is between the notes, filling the space with dialogue and creation of new sounds, textures, and colors. Preludes - by definition - are short instrumental pieces, often of an improvised character, which are an introduction to a larger musical work. And here the author of the album, Marcin Wadolowski, has invited one of the best bassists, Piotr Lemanczyk, to explore these short pieces with him. The result is an exciting sound journey.
Pianist Michel Reis, bassist Marc Demuth and drummer Paul Wiltgen furnish resounding proof that something new can be created from something old at any time. The trio from Luxembourg wants to make it possible for their listeners to experience and celebrate the effect of music and do not want to abuse it for the purpose of self-promotion in any way. Each one slips into the respective topic, grows together with it and becomes a part of it. They are the fertilizers for their own works that let them grow and flourish through careful dosing of their outstanding instrumental skills. In this way, magically beautiful melodies are created from seemingly banal note sequences that go without detours into your ears and stay there for a long time. No cheesy, slushy songs mind you, but instead refined constructs full of emotionality, empathy, virtuosity, depth and hymnic radiance. Indeed, piano trios can achieve such things today. They can tell stories that captivate and touch without words. They can attract attention and yet completely do without effects, tricks and muscle-flexing. Simply nullify definition and style boundaries and still give a reflection of what jazz should be 2016 and maybe once was in the hands of the Esbjorn Svensson Trio: a musical adventure free of prejudice and stereotypes, which bears the individual trademark of the respective protagonists.
Strangers is pianist Alexander Wienand's bold new statement - a celebration of curiosity, discovery, and the creative spark that emerges when artists step into the unknown together. The album's concept grew from a simple but powerful idea: that unfamiliarity can be one of the greatest sources of inspiration. Whether it's an untested rhythm, a new musical partner, or an idea outside of music entirely, these moments of uncertainty challenge musicians to respond - and it is within these reactions that true creativity is born. The title track Strangers embodies this philosophy. Two contrasting themes evolve through improvisation until they merge into a single, unified musical narrative - a metaphor for encounter, tension, and transformation.
In Good Company marks the powerful debut of Argentine alto saxophonist Tomás Martínez on SteepleChase in June 2026. At just 26 Martínez brings a rich tone, agile bebop phrasing, and a deep command of jazz tradition. The album features two standout groups: a New York quartet with Michael Weiss, David Wong, and Kenny Washington, recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studio, and a vibrant trio session from Buenos Aires with Paul Sikivie and Teo Pérez. Mixing classics, bebop lines and originals, Martínez honors mentors like Charlie Parker, Barry Harris, and Charles McPherson while asserting a voice entirely his own. A fresh, swinging new presence on the international jazz scene.
Martínez has performed at major venues across Argentina and Europe, and was named a Distinguished Personality and Cultural Ambassador of his hometown. He is also an active educator, teaching jazz saxophone at the college level and leading workshops and masterclasses.
Currently based between Buenos Aires and New York, he continues to perform, record, and teach.
Common Ground plays music that pushes into new areas, preserving the commitment to expand feel, harmony and pulse. Matthias Akeo Nowak's new album ORIMUSIC features compositions of all four band members, inventing sound narratives with high intensity and a sovereign, calm fire.
1989: the wall falls – freedom at last! What could be more obvious than a German/ German jazz band. The musicians claim it as the first German/ German jazz band, as contact among them already existed before the wall came down. Not the form, but the musicians and their being are the quintessence - the form adapts. Every note, a statement. It's about creativity and improvisation. 1992 is the time. 30 years after the fall of the wall, much has changed in Germany. The mood is completely different. It is no longer a time of change and exploration, and now uncertainty and radicalization dominate. The music sounds different, but remains just as brilliant. Polyphonic melodies and rhythms characterize the sound. Jazz becomes even more of a home. The metamorphosis succeeds! The music fits into the new era.
Last Concert in Europe at the Space Lucerne / Demierre, Leimgruber & Phillips
Jazzwerkstatt
CD
$21.99Feb 03, 2023
The trio has released a half dozen albums over the last 20 years, each with the freshness of a first encounter. There’s always a sense of discovery in their playing, as if it were their first time meeting. The trio seems somehow to exist perpetually at dawn. So the encounter in Lucerne in December, 2021, documented on this recording but it was, at any rate, the first time they played this particular concert: there’s wisdom in the conversation. None of the participants rush to dominate the discussion.
“The music on this CD is an artistic statement of Thomas Fonnesbæk’s bass playing and composing. Even though the members are the same as in Lars Jansson Trio this is Thomas’ work of art. Fonnesbæk’s music has a lot of strong grooves, exciting compositions, nice chords to “blow” on and some beautiful melodies.” –Lars Jansson
Where We Belong (feat. Lars Jansson & Paul Svanberg)
Prophone
CD
$20.99Nov 13, 2015
A live recording featuring the trio of Thomas Fonnesbæk (bass); Lars Jansson (piano); and Paul Svanberg (drums) which mixes standards with improvisations illustrating the give and take that occurs in ensembles of comprised of players that truly listen to one another.
Kjell Öhman was recognized at an early age as a musical prodigy, and had already his first jingle on the board at the age of nine. Since then things have just continued rolling on. He has played with of Sweden's jazz greats, from stars like Arne Domnérus and Putte Wickman to many internationally known jazz musicians.He certainly is a studio fox, having participated in over 8000 recordings! This trio - pianist Kjell Öhman, bassist Hans Backenroth and drummer Joakim Ekberg - has played together for the last decade or so as a both featured group and accompanists in various situations.
Because Avishai Cohen’s previous outing—a 2017 album titled 1970 (Sony)—was his most commercially successful release thus far, one wouldn’t blame him for revisiting a similar artistic wellspring. Instead, for his 17th leader date, the bassist went in another direction, recruiting an entirely different set of musicians for the deeply personal, nostalgia-fueled Arvoles. Half the program here consists of trio recordings with pianist Elchin Shirinov and drummer Noam David, and on the other half, the band expands to a quintet with trombonist Björn Samuelsson and flutist Anders Hagberg. - DownBeat Magazine Editors' Pick
