When Producer Nils Winther heard for the first time Kevin Hays at Ron McClure1990 session for SCCD 31279 “Never Forget”, he knew immediately he found an exceptional talent. Hays cut his first leader album for the label three months after the McClure date at the age of 22. His second leader album Ugly Beauty (originally released in 1992) returns here in a stunning 24bit/96kHz remaster as G1297, reaffirming its place as a landmark in the pianist’s early career. Recorded with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Williams, the album marked Hays’s first trio outing—an ensemble format that would become central to his artistic identity. The program blends jazz standards with Hays’s original The Well, showcasing his lyrical touch, harmonic depth, and rhythmic drive. The session captures Hays’s youthful brilliance while foreshadowing the maturity and originality that define his later work. More than three decades on, Ugly Beauty remains fresh, vital, and deeply engaging—a timeless document of three master musicians in inspired dialogue. “Hays’ development will be interesting to watch...” (Cadence) “...Voilà, à coup sûr, un pianiste dont on reparlera..” (Jazz In Time)

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)

George Colligan’s debut album Activism returns in a newly pressed 180g LP edition (G1382), celebrating its 1996 arrival as one of the most confident first statements of its era. At just 25, Colligan emerged as one of New York’s most in demand pianists, and this trio recording captures the full force of that promise. Joined by bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Ralph Peterson, he approaches works by Wayne Shorter, Duke Pearson, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk, Fats Waller, and Freddie Hubbard with the assurance of a seasoned bandleader. Critics immediately recognized the album’s vitality—its positive, vigorous, and resourceful spirit—and The Washington Post praised Colligan’s commanding touch and fearless conception. Nearly three decades later, Activism stands as a remarkable debut from a musician whose artistic voice arrived fully formed. “....this album is all about a remarkable arrival of a musician whose conception epitomises Activism in the best sense - positive, vigorous, outgoing and resourceful....” (Mark Gardner)

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)

When the album by this unlikely duet of Shepp and Parlan playing hymns and spirituals came out in 1978 for the first time, it was an instant success and has become a classic since then. It is a success of unique theme (by the producer Nils Winther) and of sheer strength of musical material and of performance executed with grace and sensitivity. “...an overwhelming and emotional listening experience.” (Atlanta Journal Weekend) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Charlie Parker’s favourite pianist and the composer of the famous “Jordu” Duke Jordan (b. April 1, 1922 in New York) ended his five-year seclusion from the jazz scene when he was invited to play and record in Denmark in 1973. This first recording by Jordan for SteepleChase turned out to be an enormous success which brought Jordan back in the spotlight. “...I am convinced that this is Duke Jordan’s finest record...” (jazz Journal International) “...a totally captivating listening experience...” (Billboard) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Three years after the sensational spiritual recording by this duo “Goin’ Home” (SCCD 31079) producer Nils Winther had Archie and Horace in the studio again. The theme this time was traditional blues. Once again the Shepp-Parlan duo made one of the best-selling SteepleChase releases. England’s Gramophone magazine called the duo “a powerful and ultimately inspirational collaboration”. This recording was awarded the Deutscher Schallplattenpreis for Modern Jazz Und Jazz-Rock of 1982 by the prestigious Deutsche Phono Akademie. 180g Audiophile Vinyl

“...outstanding among [Chet’s] later recordings....This is a record to give a listener fresh heart...one feels there cannot be much wrong with jazz while it is producing records like this.” (Max Harrison, International Jazz Journal) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Roger “Buck” Hill (1927-2017) was a full-time employee of a Washington D.C. post office when his much-acclaimed debut album was released from SteepleChase in 1978. Since then this legendary tenorman has invested more of his time in the musical activities and has regularly brought his band to the enthusiastic European audience. He otherwise performed after work at local live spots, sometimes with visiting artists such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, among others. “Buck Hill is one of the most notable ‘regional’ jazzmen in America … SteepleChase albums feature Hill with two different rhythm sections, … each winds up with the same result: honest, proficient blowing that has its individual clout…” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz)

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)

Recorded in NYC November 1988, this album is the first of the series of recordings SteepleChase undertook after a few years of pause from the New York recording scene. Saxophonist Gary Bartz returned to acoustic hard-bop around that time from fusion jazz having played in the 70’s Miles Davis group. “Gary Bartz convinces you his incisive alto would have fit with Monk himself - his ear-catching post-Bird cry, rhythmic snap and blues-sense would have put him in the pocket...he treats the material with the honour it deserves and the spirit it demands.” (Kevin Whitehead, Cadence)

This is the second transmission of the Danish Radio’s bi-weekly jazz programme two weeks after the first volume “If I Had You” SCCD 36016. “...Moore knew how to tell a story... he beguiled many of us back then and still does...” (Mark Gardner)

Duke Jordan (1922-2006) famous for his intense lyricism embarked on the world jazz scene as a member of the classic Charlie Parker Quintet in the late 40s with his trademark introduction to “Embraceable You”. Jordan unlike many other American jazz musicians in Bebop era found his artistic and personal living space in Europe since the early 70s. His extensive recording output on SteepleChase including this album from 1985 recorded in Denmark makes up the huge part of his discography. “A most agreeable set that is both eminently listenable and very enterprising .… Jordan was always a fleetly swinging but subtle pianist whose all-round musicianship has never got the recognition it merits. This fine trio deserves to sell well and spared his name further afield.” (Richard Palmer, Jazz Journal International)

This recording, the fifth release by trumpeter/composer/educator John McNeil on SteepleChase took place during the summer of 1983 in Denmark at jazz club Montmartre as a part of the graduation concert of the famed Jamey Aebersold Jazz School. John toured Europe as a member of the staff of the Jamey Aebersold Jazz School and led this exciting group consist of the fellow “all-star teachers”: Dave Liebman, Jim McNeely, Ron McClure and Ed Soph. McNeil made this concert as a field study of “how-to-make-a-live-recording” for the students in the audience. One of the most influential trumpet players today John McNeil released his first album “Embarkation” SCCD 31099 in 1978 on SteepleChase and gained wider recognition as a member of the Horace Silver Quintet in the late 1970s. McNeil in recent years has been in great demand as a writer, arranger and record producer.

Pianist Joe Bonner (1948 – 2014) was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina where Thelonious Monk was born about three decades earlier and left strong influence on the young pianist. An impressive modernist Joe Bonner performed in and around Denver, Colorado towards the end of his life and became a legendary figure. He spent considerable time in Denmark during the 80s. This album from Copenhagen in March 1987 is a studio recording with another American expatriate Bob Rockwell on tenor. "...The Lost Melody is a good group session, marked by strong charts ...." (The Penguin Guide to JAZZ) "... one cannot but admire the fluency and precision, the dexterous right hand...the diversity in his play is a mark of a great pianist..." (Jean-Paul Ricard, Diapason)

This is the first leader album of Joe Locke (b. March 18, 1959 in Palo Alto, California) on SteepleChase. “He has a solid background in the modern-mainstream tradition…An interesting album by a musician from whom I am sure we will hear more.” (Mike Shera – Jazz Journal International) “Joe Locke is a new star on jazz vibraphone scene, who deserves even wider recognition now. This album has a excellent ensemble feel to offer solid performance throughout. Locke’s vibraphone has fresh musicality.” (Sato – Swing Journal)

“Frozen Music” was recorded in New York City 32 years ago and like most of Andy LaVerne’s releases this album has not lost its original energy and charm. Tenor and soprano saxophonist Rick Margitza was then a young rising star under contract with Blue Note. Andy was already a prolific composer who penned all the tunes of this album. Bassist Marc Johnson who was a member of Bill Evans’s last trio gave graceful and subtle coloring to LaVerne’s compositions. “Frozen Music, Andy LaVerne’s third album for SteepleChase, is a solid, modern blowing session...he makes skilful use of suspensions, pedal points, and ostinatos, which along with the music’s floating harmonies, give the soloists a wealth of elbow room...” (Mark Stryker, Cadence) “un disque du plus haut niveau musical.” (Henri Marchal – Spectacles)

Dexter In Radioland vol. 7 The seventh and last volume of live transmission from the 60’s captures the exuberant atmosphere of the legendary ‘Dexter nights’ at Montmartre. “...The music here, recorded for Danish radio. all comes form 1964, when Dexter was at...the zenith of his career and probably the happiest time of his life...” (Steve Voce, Jazz FM)

This is the third and the last volume of the famed live recordings from Zurich Jazz Festival with an additional track with trumpeter Joe Newman as a guest player. “....this is another superb performance from Dexter Gordon who also takes the vocal on Jelly Jelly a 12 bar blues theme created by Billy Eckstine...if you enjoy fine Jazz Tenor playing or especially if you play Tenor Sax you must have this record.” (Jazz Journal) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Sam Jones (1924 - 1981) was fondly called “Home” by all musicians who appreciated his rock solid, unwavering bass line they could always count on. This Jones’ first band since arriving in New York two decades ago features Japan’s super trumpeter Terumasa Hino and New York’s raising star tenor Bob Berg. “SteepleChase is hard to beat when it comes to a consistently high level of jazz recordings and this latest album by Sam Jones is well up to standard....an excellent band. ...As for Sam Jones, he is in splendid form on all tracks, perhaps inspired by the feeling that he has managed to gather about him a cracking good band.” (Jazz Journal). 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Boulou Ferré (b. April 24, 1951 in Paris, France), one of the greatest French contemporary virtuoso jazz guitarists of the manouche (gypsy jazz) tradition was made “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. This is the duo album from 1980 recorded in Copenhagen. “... In this duo acoustic guitar session, the brothers Ferré grab and hold attention ... they maintain a lively, imaginative interplay ... greatly extend the library for acoustic guitar. This is a worthy follow-up of their earlier album SCCD 31120 Pour Django.” (Ottawa Citizen, May 1, 1981) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

It seems safe to say that Shirley Horn has now gained the popularity and recognition she deserves and that she joined the ranks of the star singers. And if you’ll excuse our boasting tone, SteepleChase takes a lot of pride in being the first record company to re-discover this great singer from the local scene of Washington D.C. to make her come-back to the major market possible. As Nat Hentoff wrote in Modern Recording & Music in 1981, “..Miles Davis is not a notable enthusiast of singers, but one exception was Shirley Horn, a Washington-based improviser (on piano as well)...”, Shirley Horn was a musicians’ musician little known to the wider public until her break-through in the late 80s. Her appearance at the famous Dutch festival at the Northsea where this recording was made was the first live encounter with the European jazz crowd whom Shirley conquered with no sweat. 180g Audiophile Vinyl

NHØP is undoubtedly the most widely recorded and most highly regarded jazz bassist today. This is his second leader album recorded in New York while he was touring with Oscar Peterson. NHØP selected the very best of sidemen from the New York scene to make this “supremely musical album which will afford a lot of listening pleasure to a lot of people.” (Mike Hennessay) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

Catalan pianist Vincente Tete Montoliu (b. March 28, 1933 in Barcelona) “swings like no other pianist in Europe”, once remarked Ben Webster. Jazz Journal confirmed Ben’s opinion in reviewing this album, “...he could blow most contemporary pianists into the ground technically...”. And Radio Free Jazz of USA (the predecessor of JazzTimes) concluded, “...This is the best piano record in many years and one that will certainly rank with the best of any era.” 180g Audiophile Vinyl

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