Cuttin' Loose

Back In New York

I'll Close My Eyes

Dave Stryker’s indeed “striking up” the band on this his latest SteepleChase release in a most impressive and imaginative way as Mark Gardner puts it, “That’s how jazz works at it best, and this is top drawer stuff.”.

C. Andrew Hovan of AllAboutJazz once observed, “What has marked all of Stryker's previous SteepleChase sides has been his penchant to not repeat formats or ideas. Each session sports a different group of musicians and the material covers new ground.” Mr. Hovan’s observation proves true here on Stryker’s latest recording of mesmerizing organ quintet with repertoire raging from Michael Jackson to Clifford Brown together with his originals. “(Stryker) combines tradition and modernity in equal balance, arranges with skill and imagination, teases optimum performances from associates with good-natured relish, and plays the blues with deep felt conviction.” (Mark Gardner – from the liner notes)

Vinyl LP pressing. 2024 release. Vintage George Benson vocals float over an orchestral reimagining of beloved American Standards & Soul Classics in this incredible collaboration with renowned composer and conductor, Robert Farnon. The brand new 10-track collection, once thought to be lost to history, was recently discovered in Benson's personal vaults and remastered to their original glory. With this new release, Benson also marks a musical return to the Warner Family - where he recorded such classic hits as "On Broadway" and "Breezin".

The Essential is a testament to Melody Gardot's enduring artistry. This collection spans 14 years of her career and includes 25 tracks that showcase the breadth of her musical abilities. Featuring selections from her six studio albums, remixes, live recordings and previously unreleased tracks, the album captures the essence of Gardot's talent. Highlights include her multilingual performances, emotive renditions of classics like Elton John's "Love Song," and live recordings that convey the raw honesty of her concerts. Each track offers a glimpse into the diverse emotional landscapes Gardot can traverse, making The Essential a rich and compelling portrait of an artist whose music speaks for itself.

Doug Raney was 22 years old when this highly acclaimed debut leader album was recorded in Copenhagen with veteran Duke Jordan on piano, Danish Hugo Rasmussen (bass) and the one and only Billy Hart on drums. During his relatively short life (1956 – 2016) Doug followed his legendary guitarist father Jimmy Raney’s footsteps but established himself as a definitely unique artist on his own at the early stage of his life. He called Denmark his home and resided in Copenhagen until his untimely death at the age of 59. “That talent, in some cases, can be transmitted intact from father to son is a proposition that Introducing Doug Raney seems to prove...a lovely album...” (Larry Kart, Chicago Tribune) “...What a dashing, gallant debut! ...Young Raney is blessed with extraordinary talent. Highly recommended.” (Yoshio Maki, Swing Journal) “...Doug Raney possède une très belle technique, une musicalité suprême, un goût exquis, une extraorinaire intuition harmonique....” (Maurice Cullaz, Jazz Hot) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

« Je me souviens de l'epoque où Sacha Distel etait guitariste de jazz. » Georges PEREC, Je me souviens, Hachette, Paris, 1978. Alexandre "Sacha" Distel, neveu du celebre chef d'orchestre Ray Ventura, emerge comme une figure cle du jazz dans les annees 1950. Influence par son oncle et les musiciens qu'il cotoie, il apprend la guitare avec Henri Salvador. Considere comme l'un des meilleurs guitaristes francais des 1956, il collabore avec des geants du jazz tels que Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz et Lionel Hampton avant de connaitre le succes dans la chanson. Alexandre "Sacha" Distel, the nephew of famous French bandleader Ray Ventura, emerged as a key figure on the jazz scene in the early fifties. Under the influence of his uncle and the musicians alongside him, he learned to play the guitar with Henri Salvador and by 1956 he was considered one of the best guitarists in France. Before going on to become a successful singer, Sacha played with such jazz giants as Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz and Lionel Hampton.

This is the 11th album guitarist Doug Raney recorded for SteepleChase. Doug was born August 29, 1956 in New York. His father was the guitar legend Jimmy Raney. Doug died May 1, 2016 in Copenhagen, Denmark of heart failure at age 59. The superb rapport between the fluid swing of Doug Raney’s guitar, which is often likened to the phrasing of saxophone players and the sharp and percussive piano of Ben Besiakov made this recording “eminently interesting.” (Jazz Magazine) “A very significant, excellent album!” (Jazz Hot)

This LP was originally released in the summer of 1989 with Doug Raney at age 33. He released during his rather short life (1956 – 2016) 17 leader albums for SteepleChase including this 13th piano-less horn-featured recording which won accolades from critics all over the world. “...Doug Raney is an elegant player even when he’s attacking, as he does here on most of the content .... Certainly recommended if you enjoy your jazz slightly in advance of bebop, but with all of that basic feel still there.” (Martin Richards on SCS 1249, Jazz Journal International) “...no doubt, another in the string of successful Raney releases.” (Paul B. Matthews on SCS 1249, Cadence)

Four Classic Albums (2 CD) by Wes Montgomery

FOUR CLASSIC ALBUMS

Coryell is the classic 1969 studio album that is known as the best Sounding Larry Coryell release. Rolling Stone - "Play this loud and your life might change forever". Out of print on vinyl until now. This deluxe package includes an OBI strip, Single album jacket, Printed inner sleeve, Original record labels and special Crystal Clear Rose Color Vinyl.

Classic 1974 from The Godfather of Fusion. This is the 1st studio album from The Eleventh House which was a jazz fusion group of the 1970s, led by the guitarist Larry Coryell. The album is Known as Coryell's "Finest Achievement". This deluxe package will include an OBI strip, gatefold album jacket, printed inner sleeve, original record labels and specialty color vinyl. Clear, Blue/Purple/Clear Swirl Color Vinyl

This album was recorded live on June 18, 1971, during the Jazz Festival at Montreux. This is one of the best Jazz Fusion live album... With Larry Coryell (guitar), Chuck Rainey (bass) & the famous Pretty Purdie (drums). A MUST HAVE ALBUM... in Marbled Pink & White vinyl LP.

UNSPOKEN

With over 25 Top 10 Smooth Jazz radio hits to his credit, including an incredible 15 #1 smash hits, Chuck Loeb is truly an icon and pioneer of the Smooth Jazz genre. As the newest member, lead guitarist, and producer of the super group Fourplay, as well as leader of his own all star touring ensemble, Chuck performs in front of hundreds of thousands of fans every year and his popularity continues to grow. Silhouette features guest appearances by such notables as Fouplay band mate Nathan East, Will Lee (of David Letterman fame), legendary drummer Steve Gadd (Steely Dan), Eric Marienthal, Andy Snitzer (Rolling Stones), and others. In addition, the album features vocals from Carmen Cuesta (Mrs. Loeb) whose sensuous delivery has resulted in her own growing fan base.

Triple threat guitarist, producer and composer Chuck Leob is the quintessential Smooth Jazz artist. Leob's CDs are quite possibly the most played on Smooth Jazz radio. His 5th album on Shanachi is entitled All There Is. Featuring special guest Krik Whalum First single "As Is"

'The Absence' is the third record from grammy-nominated Melody Gardot. Produced by Heitor Pereira, renowned for his work as a film composer ('Despicable Me', 'It's Complicated', 'From Prada to Nada') and world-class session guitarist (Sting, Seal, Caetano Veloso), the Brazilian-born, US-based artist shared Melody's enthusiasm for driving off the beaten path of western pop, jazz, blues and soul. And he was as adventurous as melody when it came to inventive sonic ideas. From the deserts of Morocco to the streets of Lisboa, from the tango bars of Buenos Aires to the beaches of Brazil, 'The Absence' captures the essence of each of these exotic locales, while at the same time remaining quintessentially Melody Gardot.

Few can claim the title of living legend. Kenny Burrell is just such a person. In fact he's more he's living history, past, present and future. His credentials are voluminous and accomplishments staggering, and he hasn't stopped. Today, he is active recording and performing, a respected educator, and an elder statesman of the music. His legacy is pervasive. His soulful sound and approach have influenced virtually everyone claiming a jazz pedigree but extends to many outside the genre, a la Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Steve Howe, Andy Summers, and Freddie King. Here Burrell is backed by some of his favorite West Cost colleagues in a varied program of standards and few originals by the leader himself, including one brand new composition. Also on hand is the exuberant voice of Barbara Morrison who brings her tremendous talent and personality to three tracks.

Album highlights jazz guitarist's uncanny ability to revisit jazz standards & imbue them with new life & ideas; this session was recorded at the famed Van Gelder Studios & features Ronnie Matthews, Mark Sherman, Yoron Israel & others.

Kenny Burrell has appeared on so many essential Jazz recordings that Jazz history and his biography seem irretrievably intertwined. Billie Holiday's valedictory rumination Lady Sings the Blues, Jimmy Smith's epochal funk throwdown Back at the Chicken Shack, Tony Bennett's Carnegie Hall debut - Kenny Burrell played guitar for them all. Even Jimi Hendrix once remarked, "Kenny Burrell - that's the sound I'm looking for." Here is Burrell captured live at the West Coast Jazz mecca, Catalina's, in an easy-going program of some of his most-requested tunes along with a few of his personal favorites thrown in. Jazz tunes by Benny Golson, Freddie Hubbard, the Duke and others, standards and even Kenny's classic original 'Chitlins Con Carne' are here, all given the ever-tasteful Burrell treatment.

Coryell made his HighNote debut with this All-Star line-up and pays tribute to the Jazz giants who influenced him and helped him develop his unique Jazz guitar style which has made him the touchstone against which all other Jazz guitarists are measured. With the great John Hicks on piano, saxman Willie Williams, drummer Yoron Israel laying down the foundation and the imaginative bass-ics of Santi Debriano, Larry pours some new wine into the old bottles with innovative takes on classic tunes by Monk, Trane, Miles and, of course, Larry Coryell.

Kenny Burrell has appeared on so many essential jazz K recordings that jazz history and his biography seem irretrievably intertwined. He has recorded 97 albums under his own name and several hundred with other artists including Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Tony Bennett, Billy Holiday, Sonny Rollins, Jimmy Smith, Art Blakey, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong. On Unlimited 1 Burrell is captured live at the West-Coast jazz mecca, Catalina's, with a well-oiled big band, The Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra Unlimited, which is made up of some of the West Coast's greatest jazz men and studio players. Burrell leads the group, solos and sings through a set list of original tunes, standards and, of course, what would a Kenny Burrell record be without some some Duke Ellington?

Larry Coryell, along with colleague John McLaughlin, nearly single-handedly redefined the technique and sound of jazz guitar. A true eclectic, armed with a brilliant technique, Larry is comfortable in nearly every style, covering almost every base from the most decibel-heavy, distortion-laden electric work to the most delicate, soothing, intricate lines on acoustic guitar. On this best-of anthology, Coryell's crackling up-tempo bursts and rough-hewn energy give this music a vividness and infectious enthusiasm that should appeal to a wide spectrum of the guitarist's jazz and fusion fans.

PRIME: LIVE AT THE DOWNTOWN ROOM

POWER TRIO: LIVE IN CHICAGO

Vinyl LP pressing. 2023 release. The Layers is a stunning companion piece to guitarist Julian Lage's acclaimed 2022 album View With A Room. The collection features six original pieces featuring the trio of bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King with the addition of guitar icon Bill Frisell. Intimate and gorgeous, The Layers is a welcome additional offering from this meeting of two of modern jazz's most distinctive voices with one of the music's most skilled and inventive rhythm sections.

2024 release. Vintage George Benson vocals float over an orchestral reimagining of beloved American Standards & Soul Classics in this incredible collaboration with renowned composer and conductor, Robert Farnon. The brand new 10-track collection, once thought to be lost to history, was recently discovered in Benson's personal vaults and remastered to their original glory. With this new release, Benson also marks a musical return to the Warner Family - where he recorded such classic hits as "On Broadway" and "Breezin".