“ ...if you appreciate Bley’s quintessential lyricism and Lundgaard’s singing lines, this one and the other (Live Again SCCD 31230) are noteworthy albums...” (A.G., Compact, September 1989) “...The Rapport between Bley and Lundgaard is perfect...” (Birger Jørgensen, Aarhuus Stiftstidende) Previously issued on SCCD 31223 & SCCD 31230

“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

“Buck Hill is one of the most notable ‘regional’ jazzmen in America…” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz) “…the saxophonist is continuously improving…his contribution is ever convincingly superb..” (Jazz Magazine) Previously issued on SCCD 31160 & SCCD 31173

“…magnificent recording reveals grand moments of Bonner…” (Yves Sportis, Jazz Hot) “Bonner is an impressive modernist…a fine solo performer and an adventurous group leader…” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz) Previously issued on SCCD 31176 & SCCD 31182

“… ‘Trio’ maintains a high level of ingenuity throughout: it demonstrates again NHØP’s facility and invention and confirms his position as one of the top ranking bassist.” (Bill Henderson, Black Music & Jazz Review) “…an internally well-balanced ensemble, the constant interplay of their music being its main attraction…” (Max H., Jazz Journal) Previously issued on SCCD 31083 & SCCD 31093

In The Heath Zone

Nightfall

Bud's Beautiful

It's You

Legendary D.C. native saxophonist Roger “Buck” Hill (1927–2017) was also known as “wailing mailman” for his more than half a century long work at the Washington D.C. US Postal Service. Despite his enormous talent as a musician Buck stayed in his hometown all his life except for occasional tours to Europe. This LP was recorded live at the Northsea Jazz Festival in Holland during one of those European tours. He otherwise performed after work at local live spots, sometimes with visiting artists such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, among others. “On the surface the two Buck Hill albums recorded in 1981 at North Sea with Reuben Brown, Wilbur Little, and Hart are nothing special: veterans going through their paces. But if you really know how to listen to straight-ahead jazz, these discs show a specifically Washington D.C. way of handling the common practice repertoire.” (Ethan Iverson – Do The M@th)

Listen

After 5 years’ absence from SteepleChase since his 2004 output While My Guitar Gently Weeps (SCCD 31553) guitarist Vic Juris is back here with a strong trio album, his trademark unpredictability intact to surprise us again. His earlier release Remembering Eric Dolphy (SCCD 31453) prompted JazzTimes’ Duck Baker to write, “Vic Juris is a versatile and impressively accomplished guitarist. His playing exudes warmth, intelligence and respect for the tradition“.

One of the earlier entries of Andy LaVerne’s discography on this label was a highly acclaimed duo recording with vibraphonist Dave Samuels “Fountainhead” (SCCD 31261). Nine years later the two artists got together again in the studio with an addition of bass by Jay Anderson this time. The unique trio format of piano, vibes and bass offers a refreshing trip to a less travelled universe.

Red Snapper

To Start Again

This recording with the title song “Take Good Care Of My Heart” by Jermine Jackson was nominated for Down Beat’s “Jazz Album Of The Year” 1985. It was also nominated for a Grammy Polish Violinist/bandleader Michal Urbaniak (b. January 22, 1943 in Warsaw) studied violin (from age 6), soprano saxophone and later tenor saxophone. While working as a classical violinist after graduating from the Conservatory in Warsaw, Michal played tenor sax in jazz groups in Poland. He moved to New York in the 70s and has made numbers of highly successful albums with his own group.

Doug Raney (Aug. 29, 1956 – May 1, 2016) moved to Copenhagen, Denmark from New York when he was 21 after a European tour with his famous guitarist father Jimmy Raney. Doug spent the rest of his rather short life in Copenhagen. He collaboration with SteepleChase started shortly after his move to Denmark in 1977 with the debut album “Introducing Doug Raney” (SCCD 31082/SCS 1082). Since then he released 17 highly acclaimed leader album during the 80s and 90s. This album recorded in 1984 finds Raney in a comfortable company of his regular Danish rhythm section. “Blue And White is probably the best of (Raney’s early releases in the 80’s – ed) them, dominated by titanic performances of Jimmy Heath’s ‘Gingerbread Boy’ and Coltrane’s ‘Straight Street’…” (Richard Cook & Brian Morton – The Penguin Guide to Jazz) “Players of Doug Raney’s depth and talent don’t come along very often, making their absence, when their end does come, something almost tactile….” (Larry Grinnel)

I Waited For You

You Go To My Head

For Us

After Midnight

For You, For Me For Evermore

One For Bird

Embarkation

Blue And Brown