The first volume of the much acclaimed “Swiss Nights” series celebrated the first 50th release of SteepleChase label which after two years in business had firmly established itself to be one of the major independent jazz labels. “The Zürich Jazz Festival last year (1975) evidently found Dexter Gordon in a relaxed and mellow mood. He has made many good records ...but this set is one of the best...” (Jazz Journal) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

In February of 1976 two of the bass playing giants: Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (1946 – 2005) and Sam Jones (1924 – 1981) went into a studio in Holland to record an album as co-leaders not to make an experimental project or a “battle” session but to produce “a unqualified success on all levels – musicianship, recording, feeling, integrity and compatibility,” to quate Mike Hennessy of Jazz Journal International. Mr. Hennessy went on to say, “This is an intelligently conceived album. The tracks have been selected with great care – as have the tune treatments – to provide the maximum interest and variety.” 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Questions

The House That Love Built

On October 1, 1977 Cedar Walton quartet fronted by (then) young tenorman Bob Berg visited Copenhagen’s jazz epicentre Montmartre. According to many who were lucky to be there to catch the evening of music, “It turned out to be an unforgettable evening.” (Peter Nørgaard – Berlingske Tidende, Denmark). Unlike most of the live recorded albums that evening was recorded and released in whole as they are performed in three sets. With this the last set concluding the evening The Walton Quartet left the scene and the deeply satisfied audience. “This is a magnificent quartet….and excellent album to revive the flagging spirits of jaded old beboppers.” (Mike Hennessey – Jazz Journal) “Cedar Walton is not only playing fresh, interesting, swinging and original piano these days, but also contributing significantly in the area of composition.” (Mike Shera – Jazz Journal) 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

One of the bebop pioneers trumpeters Idrees Sulieman (1923-2002) (1923- 2002) studied at the Boston Conservatory. He performed and recorded with the luminaries of jazz such as Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Randy Weston, Teddy Charles, Gene Ammons a. o. in the 40s and 50s. He moved to Europe (mainly to Denmark) in the 60s. He lived there for the following 25 years. “With a highly individual way of inflecting his often surprising phrasing and a tone that is immediately recognizable, Sulieman’s trumpet and flugelhorn has a personal stamp to it.” (Jazz Forum)

The Original DEBUT Recordings 1964 & 1967The legendary recordings by the TCJQ for the Danish DEBUT label have been out of print for more than a couple of decades. This double CD-set including the two original LP releases is not only the historical document but also recaptures the excitement that Scandinavia faced in the early 60s by the new wave jazz, which is still strikingly fresh today.

Scandia Story

“Brooklyn pianist enjoys first rate bass and drums backup…He’s one of the giants of the bop era, but his stylings are contemporary and entertaining.” (Recommended album, Billboard) “…while Jordan’s elegantly simple playing is a delight, his compositions are equally intriguing. …the album has the best work I’ve ever heard from Pedersen and solos from Jordan that proceed with the serene clarity of a mountain spring.” (Larry Kart, Chicago Tribune)

“...a truly fine quartet recording.” (MM) “...This is extremely enjoyable, uncomplicate time playing ..” (Jazz Journal) Previously issued on SCCD 31033 & SCCD 31047

What's New In The Tradition

“Some might criticise that Dexter put out too many albums but this recording I cannot do without...” (Jyllandsposten) “...a thoroughly satisfying late-night-set.” (Michael Tucker, Jazz Journal International) Previously issued on SCCD 31224 & SCCD 31226

Guitar Legacy

SteepleChase audiophile LP Series starts the New Year 2023 with George Cables’ highly acclaimed 1997 trio recording Bluesology, his 7th album on the label. Then at age 53 he was already one of jazz’ luminaries performing and recording with Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, Art Pepper, Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson to mention a few. “…compelling and rewarding disc.” (Miles Jordan – JazzTimes) “…Bluesology is a distinguished Cables affair while also being just one damn good piano trio record…” (Chris Hovan – AAJ) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Four-time Grammy Award nominee Scott Colley was first introduced to SteepleChase in 1994 as a young (30 at that time) and up-and-coming bassist of the Harold Danko Quartet. This is Colly’s SteepleChase debut leader album released on CD in 1997, which received numerous accolades from critics the world over. “Devoid of any grandiose ambition or ego-driven solos, This Place succeeds as illustrating Colley’s remarkable talents as a bassist and composer.” (John Murph – JazzTimes) “This Place is a hardy and no-holds-barred type of affair that speaks volumes for Colley’s aesthetics…. This Place will surely reward earnest and mindful listening with its adroit musical conversation.” (Chris Hovan – AAJ) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Tenor saxophonist/composer/band leader/educator Jimmy Heath (1926-2020) co-led the famous Health Brothers in the late 70s with the elder brother Percy (on bass) and younger brother Tootie Heath (on drums). He also led big bands and his own groups. For this 1991 New York recording Jimmy Heath brought his long-time working group including younger brother Tootie Heath. “Heath the storyteller is the focus on this recording. He blows at top form…He filles his solos with bluesy strums, slaps and whines…needs little encouragement to blow his best. Solid.” (David Dupont-Cadence on You’ve Changed SCCD 31292) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Ernie Wilkins (1919 – 1999) made phenomenal contribution to the big band music in the last five decades by composing and arranging for such major big bands as those led by Earl Hines, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and Clark Terry. Wilkins moved to Copenhagen in 1979 and in 1980 launched his own Almost Big Band which consists of top musicians from Europe and USA. ...Under leadership of Ernie Wilkins music never becomes a mere parade of soloists. He builds up a piece and gives it a form of unity. ...Listeners will keep finding fresh surprises....” (Albrekt von Konow, Orkester Journalen)

Award-winning American saxophonist/composer Bob Rockwell grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and after touring the USA with various rock and r&b bands in the late 60s and early 70s Rockwell settled in New York to seek his place in jazz. He established himself quickly playing with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Tito Puente, Ben Sidran, Freddie Hubbard, Ray Drummond, Billy Hart, Tom Harrell, Richie Beirach, among others, demonstrating his immense skills and versatility. Since 1983 Rockwell calls Denmark his home where he leads his band and performs and records all over Europe. Rockwell recorded eight leader albums for SteepleChase. This his second release features the late pianist Butch Lacy (1947-2018), another American expatriate of his generation. "Rockwell is simply one of the heaviest players in his genre anywhere." (Thomas Conrad – JazzTimes) “Bob Rockwell is a warm-toned tenor player whose love of Coltrane becomes most apparent at higher intensity levels. For most of the time this is spirited but non-too-aggressive modern tenor playing.” (John Robert Brown – Jazz Journal on On The Natch)

Tenor saxophonist Brew Moore (1924 - 1973) made only a small number of recordings and this is one of the very few on CD. Moore was greatly influenced by Lester Young and was a lyrical swinging player. This recording is from the Danish Radio’s bi-weekly broadcasting in the mid 60s. “...it is straightforward and honest music...from the heart.” (T. Sjøgren)

The 180g VINYL release of this month Cherryco by Cornetist Kirk Knuffke stands out not only as a creative tribute album but also as the cornetist’s personal testimonial to the legendary Coleman-Cherry Quartet which was the epitome of 60’s avant-garde jazz. Despite generational differences Knuffke was in the inner circle of Ornette Coleman’s life in its later days. To quote from the article by Aidan Levy for JazzTimes – Lessons from Ornette - in 2019 Kirk remarks, “Just playing with him changed who I am and how I play. There was something about being so close to his sound that was really informative…” “Cherryco Is a tribute album in the truest sense. Kirk Knuffke walks a mile in Don Cherry’s shoes.” (Thomas Conrad – NYCJR) “… (Knuffke) puts the emphasis on ensemble interplay, forming an airy, malleable bond with his deft rhythm team while still uncorking one convincing and lyric solo after another. Cherryco feels like a love letter and it’s hard not to share in the ardor.” (Peter Margasak – DownBeat) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

In the summer of 1989 when this album was recorded in sweltering heat of NYC pianist/composer Jim McNeely at the age of 40 had already had an impressive track record of performing with prominent players such as Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, Dave Liebman, the Thad Jones/Mel Louis Orchestra, among others. McNeely, now a celebrated veteran himself, has earned ten nominations of the Grammy Awards and worked as conductor/composer/soloist-in-residence with a handful of radio orchestras of European major cities including Copenhagen, Frankfurt, etc., besides leading his own group. “This must be one of the finest piano trio albums I’ve heard, well, since the last by Jim McNeely… His musical sensitivity and sophistication make this album a constant joy.” (Any Hamilton – Wire UK on Winds Of Change)

“Prancin’ confirms what some listeners have known for many years – that Louis Smith is among the most engaging trumpet soloists in jazz. Thankfully, the opportunity to savour his mature, well rounded style is no longer being denied to us.” (Mark Gardner – Jazz Journal 1979) “Smith’s phrases, poised in their intricacy, pulse with a warmth that transcends idiom or school. Nothing sounds forced, yet he swings masterfully, building chorus upon chorus with a decisive confidence based on faultless technique and expert knowledge of this harmonically demanding style.” (Michael James – Melody Maker 1979

Here’s the sequel to SCS 1222 “Nuage” recorded a day after (May 25, 1986) at The Slukefter in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen. American drummer Ed Thigpen joined the group. Boulou Ferré (b. April 24, 1951 in Paris, France) is one of the greatest French contemporary virtuoso jazz guitarists of the manouche (gypsy jazz) tradition. He was awarded “Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French Cultural Ministry in 2012. Together with his younger brother Elios Ferré, also a jazz guitarist, Boulou recorded seven albums for SteepleChase. " ... the music sparkles from the word 'go' with Parker's Confirmation...Well recorded and musically very impressive, Try and hear it." (David Lands, Jazz Journal International)