Ella Fitzgerald - "Let No Man Write My Epitaph (Verve Acoustic Sounds Series)" - Verve Label Group; Jazz; Considered one of Ella's greatest recordings, she's backed on this 1960 release by pianist Paul Smith. Let No Man Write My Epitaph was a 1960 Hollywood movie featuring Fitzgerald. The album hits at a rare depth of emotional understanding and once again establishes Fitzgerald as one of the supreme interpreters of the Great American Songbook. Verve's Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes and remastered 180-gram vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging.

Jazz critic Owen Cordle once described Dick Oatts as “an uncompromising jazz musician, one who possesses monster chops without trumpeting them.” Dick Oatts has, since his move to NYC in the late 70s, been one of the most sought-after soloists on alto sax on both the NY scene and the international stage. Dick Oatts’ sensitive and cerebral approach to music enhanced by his “monster chops” manifested here again on his 11th leader album on SteepleChase. “… maybe the best showcase we've ever heard for the alto sax work of Dick Oatts!” (Dusty Groove on Sweet Nowhere SCCD 31778)

Vinyl LP pressing. Released in 1969, Aretha's Gold is the chart-topping greatest hits compilation that features her biggest hits from her early Atlantic albums: 'Respect', 'Think', '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman', 'Chain of Fools', and more.

The Otis Redding Now Playing compilation contains 10 tracks from across the legendary soul singer's catalog, including "These Arms of Mine," "That's How Strong My Love Is," "I've Been Loving You Too Long," "Try a Little Tenderness" and "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay."

“…The late Whitney Balliett dubbed jazz as "the sound of surprise". Well, Jack Walrath surprises us here on every selection. He deals in the unexpected and delivers it to us with a flowing flourish - and no concessions.” (Mark Gardner- from the linernotes) “Jack Walrath not only displays tremendous trumpet playing, a rich and varied approach to composition and wonderful band, he also puts something into this fantastic CD that's missing from too much new jazz: a sense of fun and humor. That's not to say that it isn't sensitive and touching at times—"An Hour Blessed" is arguably as gorgeous as anything ever recorded…” (Francis Lo Kee – allaboutjazz-New York)

GREAT WOMEN OF SONG: ELLA FITZGERALD - Known internationally as "The First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald was also, importantly, the first lady of Verve Records - the label that was essentially created for her by her manager and label founder, Norman Granz. This collection brings together Ella's most cherished recordings in the company of American music's greatest performers and composers including Louis Armstrong, George & Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, among many others.

Debussy & Strauss is the first album to be released on the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's own record label, in partnership with LSO Live. For this debut recording, the MSO and conductor Jaime Martin are joined by outstanding Australian soprano Siobhan Stagg, the MSO's 2023 Artist in Residence. Together, they present two song cycles from opposite ends of life, exploring loves with vastly different essences. Debussy and Strauss inhabit such different musical worlds that it comes almost as a surprise to see them side by side and recognize they were members of the same generation. The fact that Debussy was more overtly modern in his work while Strauss was much longer lived-still writing halfway into the 20th century-reminds us that music history is a tangle of human lives and not a neat progression of movements and styles. Debussy's Ariettes oubliees (Forgotten Songs) is a 24-year-old's depiction of first love, the kind of thing that feels unbearably important at the time, but inevitably stumbles toward breakup and fades into the past. Strauss' Vier letzte Lieder (Four Last Songs) is an 84-year-old's last word on a nearly 55-year marriage that ended only in death.

The first of The Art Ensemble of Chicago's renowned trio of albums for BYG's Actuel series now returns in a deluxe edition. Housed in a CD gatefold digi-sleeve that echoes the vibe of the original LP, it includes a 16-page booklet and an inner printed wallet, along with a new and insightful essay by renowned author & music journalist John Masouri. This album is the Art Ensemble's most celebrated release, capturing the American avant-garde jazz collective at their most sensational, provocative, and startlingly original in a historic June 1969 session at Studio Saravah in Paris. Recorded in the aftermath of widespread anti-government protests and student riots, this album showcases what happens when four highly intuitive and accomplished musicians-driven by Black Nationalism and dreams of liberation, and armed with an array of diverse instruments-let their inspiration run free. The tracks on A Jackson in Your House challenge us to view music in a different light-not just as a source of entertainment, but as enlightenment, wonderment born of togetherness, courage, beauty, and surprise, all mixed with terrifying honesty.

In Kehlani's words: "A crash, in any form, is the peak height of the moment. It isn't the anxiety of the before, or the lament after. It is the ever so imperative present. A space with no reminisce, no remorse, and no after thought. CRASH IS HERE. At my most free, most fun, most loud, most fueled, so far."CRASH notably marks Kehlani's first full-length release in over two years, since the release of her chart topping album, blue water road in 2022. LP-CRASH (Apple Color)

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".

Deluxe vinyl LP pressing. 2019 release. Cuz I Love You is the third studio album and major label debut by rapper and singer Lizzo. The album is Lizzo's first release since her 2016 Coconut Oil EP. Lizzo stated at the album preview party at the Crazy Girls strip club in Hollywood on January 30 that she has been working on the album for three years. She also previewed a collaboration with Missy Elliott titled "Tempo". Along with the lead single "Juice", the album includes the empowering dance track "Like a Girl" and a song dedicated to an ex titled "Jerome".

Burning Hell was recorded in 1959 in Detroit but wasn't released until 1964 on Riverside Records. Even then, it was only available in Europe. The album features John Lee Hooker solo as he plays originals and classics. AllMusic states that, on this album, "Hooker shows himself to be an excellent interpreter who could have held his own with Delta bluesmen of any era."

Walrath calls this his first in 26 years on this label “Ballroom”, “…it’s swinging and you can dance to it..”… The way how jazz started. “Welcome back, Jack, to SteepleChase! It’s a terrific return, and listeners will want many more entries from this singular talent…” (Mark Gardner – from the liner notes)

Double vinyl LP pressing. Experience the ultimate holiday collection from the First Lady of Song! This expanded edition of Ella Fitzgerald's classic 1960 album, Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas, features a second LP with six tracks making their vinyl debut. For the first time, all of Ella's holiday recordings for Verve Records and Decca Records are together on one collection. Also included is an essay from journalist Will Friedwald and a sheet a collectable cut-out ornaments. As Ella herself once said, "the only thing better than singing is more singing," and the only thing better than the original Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas is the new, deluxe edition!

In October 2012, Mars premiered the first single, "Locked Out of Heaven," from his highly-anticipated sophomore album UNORTHODOX JUKEBOX. On October 20th, Mars made his comeback to national television when he joined the elite club of hosts and performers for SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE alongside the likes of Mick Jagger, Justin Timberlake and Elton John. Mars not only showcased his comedic talent to the millions watching, but also debuted the first live performance of "Locked Out of Heaven" and premiered a brand new song, "Young Girls," from the historic stage in New York City. UNORTHODOX JUKEBOX is due in stores December 11th. Mars and his songwriting/production team the Smeezingtons (Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine) partnered with heavyweight producers including Jeff Bhasker, Mark Ronson and Diplo to create the 10-track album.

Aretha Franklin Greatest Hits (Vinyl) - Beyond the timeless classic hits such as "Respect," "A Natural Woman," "Chain Of Fools," "Think," "Daydreaming" and "Freeway Of Love" among the dozens of chart-topping records that have established her as a cultural icon, Aretha Franklin's catalog of over forty albums in forms listeners of her unmatched, unparalleled artistry as an interpreter of song, bar none. Her elevation to 'royal' status is indeed not just a function of her hit making ability but of her unique inventiveness as a musician who fuses art and soul seamlessly. Indeed, it's often been said that Aretha could take 'happy birthday' and turn it into a veritable opus and while those who know her will testify to her culinary skills in the kitchen, it is her mastery as a musical chef that is evident on each and every one of those forty-plus albums, many of which have achieved gold and platinum status.

For this latest and the fifth album on SteepleChase Ronnie Cuber brought his working band to the studio to appraise the classic BeBop repertoire, “proving in the process the viability of material that has weathered more than 60 years and still sounds super hip and contemporary” (Mark Gardner). On Cuber’s previous release “RONNIE (SCCD 31680) Ken Drydon of AllAboutJazz wrote, “This is his fourth CD for Steeplechase and one of his best sessions.” and London’s Sunday Express commented, “it is the intelligence and subtlety of his playing that shines through …An astonishingly lyrical player on that most unforgiving of instruments…” “Ronnie Cuber is a baritone sax player strong enough to bring out the lyricism of the weighty instrument.” (Aaron Cohen – Downbeat)

The legendary baritone saxophonist Ronnie Cuber is, as Bill Milkowski of JazzTimes observes, “ still very much on top of his game at age 70”. One summer night of the famed Berlin JazzFest of 2008 finds Ronnie and his group in a relaxed and joyous mood backed by the responsive and enthusiastic audience. “An astonishingly lyrical player on that most unforgiving of instruments … It is the intelligence and subtlety of his playing that shines through…” (Sunday Express UK on Ronnie SCCD 31680) “…while Cuber’s ability to blow over the changes remains unquestioned, it’s his restrained approach and melodic penchant…… that come as a welcome surprise. We all knew Cuber could wail with unparalleled authority, we just didn’t know he could sing so pretty on his big horn.” (Bill Milkowski – JazzTimes on Boplicity SCCD 31734)

The Messengers expanded to a sextet with the addition of Curtis Fuller in 1961 and went into their most fruitful period. This Copenhagen live concert from 1962 could be arguably “the best edition of the Jazz Messengers ever” as liner-note author Neil Tesser suggests. Hubbart, Shorter and Fuller on the front line flexing their young muscles were all on their way to stardom. Recorded during their 1962’s European tour this album with all unissued recordings will be a valuable addition to Messengers’ legacy.

Ella Fitzgerald in Copenhagen April 1959 was said to be still shy at age 42 and still modest after the 25 years of downright success reign as “Queen of Jazz”. The third volume of “In Concert” series features Ella’s quintet. Roy Eldridge, Swing Era’s greatest trumpeter, opens the program with two tracks. The live recording of this concert in Copenhagen has been essentially unknown for half a century. We are happy to add this release to Ella Fitzgerald’s legacy of supreme vocal art of American jazz.

SteepleChase’ 50th anniversary “In Concert” series continues with Gerry Mulligan’s famed Concert Jazz Band from October 31, 1960 at its first concert in Europe. The Concert Jazz Band’s unique arrangements and its trademark sound of translucency are restored by the modern sound technology. The Concert Jazz Band’s live performance from their European tour have been released before except this from Copenhagen and Berlin. The Django Reinhardt piece Manoir de mes Rêves and Mulligan’s 18 Carrots for Rabbit get rare performance here.

SteepleChase is proud to announce the inaugural release of the “In Concert” series of previously unissued live recordings from Falkoner Centret in Copenhagen, where numerous prominent American bands and soloists performed for the very appreciative audiences in the late 50s. The Swing King Benny Goodman (1909-86) toured Europe in 1959 with his 10-piece band featuring vibraphonist Red Norvo and adding vocalist Anita O’Day on two tracks. This well-attended concert is from October 17, 1959. BENNY GOODMAN (cl), RED NORVO (vib), RUSS FREEMAN (p), JIMMY WYBLE (g), RED WOOTEN (b), JOHN MARKHAM (dr), JACK SHELDON (tp, voc*). FLIP PHILLIPS (ts), JERRY DODGION (as, fl), BILL HARRIS (tb), ANITA O’DAY (voc*)

Dexter Gordon’s European period (1962–1976) was mostly based in his beloved Denmark, where he led an active professional career and enjoyed a harmonious private life. Arriving in Europe after some turbulent times in the States he found new energy in performing and recording to build a large part of his discography at the top of his artistic strength. The recording output, however, during 1962 and 1964 was scarse and this album recorded in 1962 and 63 will be an adept document of the fresh start by the Towering Master of Tenor Sax. “The star billing, as always, goes to one of jazz’s master storytellers, Dexter Gordon; the performances contained here, which set the scene for the dramatic renaissance of his career, fill in one of the long missing chapters.” (from the liner notes by Neil Tesser - SCCD 36039 Soul Sister)

This album is all about Tadd Dameron (1917 - 1965), one of the most important American jazz composer/musicians. Multiple award-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 never been recorded before. “an exhibition of the finest baritone sax playing.” (M McKergow – LondonJazzNews on Alternative Contrafacts SCCD 31844)

Billy Harper (b. 1943) is one of the most prominent figures in today’s jazz scene. He rose to his stardom through his stints with Gil Evans’ Orchestra, Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and the Thad Jones- Mel Lewis Orchestra. Harper started leading his own group in the late 70s and has been touring all over the world with his group since. Of this New York studio recording Chinyére Nealé wrote in the linernotes, “Nils Winther of SteepleChase has wanted to record Billy for fifteen years. Finally, destiny has made this recording possible.” French magazine COMPACT described this CD as “a real treasure which will bring you pleasure till the last day of your life.” 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Johnny Mbizo Dyani (bassist/composer) was born in East London, South Africa November 30, 1945 to grow up to be one of the most internationally acknowledged musicians. Since his arrival in England in 1965 as a member of South African jazz group called The Blue Notes Dyani had chosen Scandinavia as his home base and had built an active career until a rare disease shortened his life all too soon. He died in Berlin, Germany in 1986. This album recorded in the summer of 1978 with the powerful front line-up of Don Cherry and Dudu Pukwana. The album was dedicated to the martyred South African activist against apartheid Steve Biko (1946-1977) with whom Dyani shared a cultural and linguistic heritage of Xhosa. “Dyani wrote all of the material for this record and it proves to be a vital factor in the success of the date. Both Cherry and Pukwana react favourably, while bringing their own personalities strongly to bear... this fine record can be recommended without reservation.” (Barry McRae, Jazz Journal International July 1979) “...there are possibly a handful of albums every year which are worth living with. This is one of them.” (Brian Case, Melody Maker June 1979) 180g Audiophile Vinyl