“...extremely charming main stream jazz..” (Swing Journal) “...quite dynamic and impressive modern jazz approach...it is too interesting a sample of Drew’s work to be allowed to escape unnoticed.” (M.J. Melody Maker, Dec. 4, 1976) “A valuable addition to the already extremely impressive series of albums Kenny Drew has recorded for SteepleChase over the last few years.” (M.S. Jazz Journal April 1976) Previously issued on SCCD 31016 & SCCD 31034

.... Buttercup (Bud’s wife) described their stay in Stockholm as “a grand experience - we were very happy there”. Much of this comes across in recordings which really do come close to Bud’s finest achievements of a 2decade earlier. .... from the linernotes by Chris Sheridan

“Admirable!” (Jazz Magazine) “..Miles Davis is not a notable enthusiast of singers, but one exception was Shirley Horn, a Washington-based improviser (on piano as well)...” (Nat Hentoff, Modern Recording & Music) Previously issued on SCCD 31257 & SCCD 31164

This volume concludes the celebrated series of Bud Powell recording from Gyllen Cirkeln (earlier releases SCH 36001, SCH 36002, SCH 36009 & SCH 36014). There is Bud’s rare vocal on This Is No Laughin’ Matter. “The sum of Bud’s recordings at the Golden Circle is, then a study of a musician in travail, yet one who, despite the flaws, is able to project a strongly emotional body of music to the listeners...” (Chris Sheridan, from the linernotes)

This is the second volume from the legendary birthday concerts at Copenhagen’s famous jazzhouse Montmartre, proving again as Down Beat described, “Getz’s extraordinary powers as a leader” by coming up with outstanding supporting group of Brackeen, Pedersen and Hart, whose “precise teamwork...exemplifies esprit, vigor and taste”. “The unique occasions surrounding the sessions obviously had an effet. There is a special joy, a celebration of the rite of improvised music. This makes (this album) a landmark in the career of one of today’s most brilliant masters. Listen!” (Down Beat)

This is the second release from the night at Montmartre Jazzhus (earlier release is “Daybreak” SCCD 31142) by the best Chet Baker Trio of this period. “...he sounds masterful, and is ably accompanied by Raney’s soft-bop guitar and NHØP’s towering bass...” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz - new edition)

“Top-of-the-range standards jazz by a marvellously Esperantist quartet.” (The Penguin Guide to JAZZ) “Masterful!” (Diapason D’Or by Diapason Dec. 1988) “...If you like to confirm the fact that when the well-known melodies are performed by musicians of extraordinary talent, the music expands and develops infinitely, you will not be disappointed with this album...” (Koji Kubota, Swing Journal)

Here is a classic example of SteepleChase’s “re-discovery” endeavour. This is Miss Shirley Horn’s first recording on SteepleChase after a long absence from the recording studio. Lazy Afternoon turned out to be a tremendous success critically and commercially and together with her three subsequent releases on the label (All Night Long - SCCD 31157, Viloets For Your Furs - SCCD 31164, Garden Of The Blues - SCCD 31203) had firmly established her as a major artist. “One of the greatest jazz singers and singer-pianists in years...”(Jazz Journal International)

Kenny Drew recorded in a variety of settings for SteepleChase. Among his trio recordings, The Penguin Guide to JAZZ rates this recording as “the best one”. “ ...this is a trio not only of great virtuosity, but of greatly gifted melodic sense....” (Chris Sheridan)

Legendary South African bassist Johnny “Mbizo” Dyani (1947 – 1986) left a significant musical/political legacy in spite of his short life of 39 years. While still a teenager Johnny exiled himself from South Africa where an interracial band The Blue Notes was banned under apartheid rule. Regrettably he could not live to see the end of apartheid but remained an active component of anti-apartheid movement throughout his life. Johnny Dyani left a number of superb recordings on SteepleChase during the 70s and this is his most ambitious project with colourful instrumentation including steel drums. 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Sheila Jordan who turned 90 on November 18, 2018 recorded this celebrated album Sheila 40 years ago in Oslo, Norway in a duo setting with Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen. Sheila has propelled Jordan’s career into most deserved recognition. On “Sheila” SCS 1083 the world’s press wrote: “Sheila Jordan is one of the foremost of contemporary jazz vocalists.” (Bill Henderson – Black Music & Jazz Review) “Jordan makes these tunes all her own, with personal, almost prayer-like readings on tales of personal devotion…Listening to this record may make you wonder where this honest, sensitive yet powerful vocalist has been all these years…” (Bouchard – Downbeat *****) “This album is a welcome addition to Jordan’s sparse discography, and it further establishes her as a vocalist of considerable accomplishment” (Benjamin Franklin V – Coda) “Detroit singer courageously performs a dozen standards with only Andersen’s acoustic bass behind her. But Jordan pulls it off…Her talent is unquestionable.” (Billboard – Recommended LP) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

The indisputable tenor giant Ben Webster spent his last years in Copenhagen. His appearances at the famed Jazzhus Montmartre in those days greeted by faithful and appreciative audience were the historical moments filled with unique quality of beauty ignited by the last spark of a truly great man. Canadian Coda magazine wrote reviewing this recording in 1975: “ Webster, as always, plays with passion throughout the album. But one title goes well beyond that. Old Folks is an exquisitely deep performance, the kind that even a great artist gets to play only once in his lifetime.” SteepleChase had the privilege of taping most of Webster’s performances during the last year of his life. And this recording (originally released on LP in 1974) is taken from those masters. 180g Audiophile Vinyl