Enrico Pieranunzi has been a popular guest in Copenhagen for over 30 years, where he has played with elite Danish musicians like Mads Vinding, Alex Riel and Jesper Lundgaard. Pieranunzi is an exceptional pianist, whether he’s playing solo, duo or trio. Melodically, harmonically, and not least of all rhythmically, he is “out of this world”. This is likely due to a unique combination of influences, from his deep roots in classical and Italian music to his collaboration with iconic film composer Ennio Morricone and jazz giants like Chet Baker and Art Farmer. The rest – and most importantly – is due to Enrico himself. On this recording, from December 1996 at the legendary and now closed Copenhagen Jazzhouse, he is joined by two masters in their own right; Marc Johnson on bass and Paul Motian on drums. This trio plays with virtuosity and force that shines through on every note and beat. The album opens with the tempo filled track Abacus, written by Motian. A track that has a playfulness and displays the three musicians’ genuine interaction and functions as a conversation between the piano and bass. Both the technique as well as feel is top-level as the musical resources are in free flow. The Night Gone By, written by Pieranunzie, starts with more of a ballad feel before a bass solo transcends the track into a higher tempo midway lead by the piano, before coming back to its initial softer feel at the end. Album closer Pannonica, a Thelonius Monk penned classic, has more of a swing feel to it, has more of a swing feel to it and closes the album in style.

Helle Henning and Nikolaj Hess have once again been in New York together to record music, this time joined in the studio by the bassist and drummer from Norah Jones' legendary "Come Away with Me" album & tour - Tony Scherr and Kenny Wollesen. The recordings made in New York are now available on an album with 10 original songs in English. The album presents Helle Hennings deliciously sultry, dark vocals and reveals her capacity for composing beautiful themes and writing clear lyrics using intimate and personal prose. Helle and Nikolaj have for the past ten years been drawn to fusing American jazz with Nordic folk-music. They love Tony and Kenny's unmistakable sound and unique musical connection, which with Nikolaj Hess' intricate piano playing and Helle's Hennings intimate vocal tying it all together, a translucent atmosphere is created throughout the album, settling in the landscape between jazz, folk and pop.

Classical Music

Classical Music

EU-only digitally remastered and expanded edition including bonus material. Polish-American pianist Arthur Rubinstein received international acclaim for his performances of the music written by a variety of composers and many regard him as the greatest Chopin interpreter of his time. He was described by the New York Times as one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century and his career lasted for eight decades. Presented on this release is a complete original LP containing recordings made by Rubinstein between 1956 and 1962 of works by Edvard Grieg and Sergei Rachmaninoff, with orchestras conducted by Alfred Wallenstein and Fritz Reiner. To the legendary performances present on the original album, we have added a recording of Frederic Chopin's Andante spianato and Grande Polonaise, on which Rubinstein is also conducted by Wallenstein.

Renowned drummer and Artistic Director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Adonis Rose, releases his new ballads album 'For All We Know,' featuring his trio and vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa, on Storyville Records. Gabrielle Cavassa (winner of the Sarah Vaughan competition in 2021) represents a new generation of wonderful and very talented vocalists who know the tradition. Behind her, she has the Adonis Rose Trio, two young and very talented musicians, pianist Ryan Hanseler who has also contributed with two original songs to the album, and one of the most exciting new bassists right now, Lex Warshawsky.

“Life has a way of taking us places we never thought we would return to,” AR reflects, tracing the journey that led him to this captivating project. With over three decades of musical prowess and a career steeped in collaborations with jazz legends, his artistic evolution has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days, sharing the stage with trumpeter Terence Blanchard to his tenure with Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Roberts and more, Rose has cultivated a legacy of excellence.

Amidst his journey, an unfulfilled desire lingered – a yearning to create a standards record. AR found himself contemplating his musical legacy, recognizing that he had yet to craft a record primarily dedicated to the enduring classics.

“I’ve always wanted to do a standards record, but never made it a priority,” AR admits. “As the years went by, I found myself thinking about my body of work as a musician and artist. Realizing that I’ve never done a tribute album or a recording primarily playing standards.”

This recording is an embodiment of this sentiment – a soulful homage to the timeless classics that have shaped jazz history. This project marks a poignant departure from the norm, as AR and his trio take on a selection of standards with fresh arrangements and invigorating spirit. In the landscape of modern jazz, dedicated standards recordings are a rarity. Recognizing this void, AR embraces the challenge with 'For All We Know,' the first of several standards projects he envisions crafting in the foreseeable future. He ventures into this territory with a passion to pay homage to the classics.

'For All We Know' was initially intended to feature the iconic Ellis Marsalis, AR’s friend and mentor. Tragically, the project shifted course when Marsalis succumbed to COVID-19. This album now stands as a poignant dedication to the musical legend’s memory. Hanseler’s piano artistry, Warshawsky’s dynamic basslines, and Cavassa’s emotionally charged vocals meld seamlessly with AR’s drumming, creating a tapestry of sound that resonates with audiences across the globe.

AR recalls the genesis of the album, stating, “their love and generosity are felt with each note played…” The recording process was a joyous endeavor, with the trio recording in a relaxed and laid-back environment. A touch of New Orleans magic was added when vocalist Cyrille Aimée joined the sessions. The album radiates with the camaraderie and musicianship of the trio: Ryan Hanseler, Lex Warshawsky, and Gabrielle Cavassa. Their synergy is palpable, as they effortlessly breathe new life into each arrangement. The sessions captured the trio’s collaborative spirit, resulting in an intimate and engaging collection of tracks. Adonis Rose and his trio have delivered an album that not only pays homage to the rich legacy of jazz standards but also infuses them with new energy and passion

This release marks new live music from some of Denmark's most prominent and longest standing jazz musicians. The Danish Jazz Quartets have recorded six tunes that have long proven their worth as vehicles for improvisation, be it in jam-sessions or more organized contexts. Here, they sound as fresh as ever, played by four musicians who obviously enjoy playing - and sharing. Three quarters of the quartet have been visible all over the Danish jazz scene for many years. The fourth man, Leif Juul Jorgensen, is just returning to the professional jazz scene again, and it's about time! All friends from when they first began playing in the 1950's and 1960's, the four took up playing some gigs around Denmark in 2012. During an intermission, drummer Alex Riel said "I think we should make this quartet a premanent one. The chemistry among us is just great." - and so they did. In 2014, their first collaboration "Just Jazz" was released on Storyville Records. The was the trio accompanies frontman Leif is not only a matter of their lifelong versatility and ability to adapt - rather, it reflects their sincerity and love for the music. The band all carry their history with them, being thoroughly familiar with just about all aspects of jazz.

Storyville Records presents: Volume 24 in the Duke Ellington Treasury Shows series, now approaching the end of this collectors’ special broadcast series. In April 1945, to promote the sale of war bonds, the US Treasury Department contacted Duke Ellington to do a series of 55 min public broadcasts. These sessions would give Ellington a wide choice of material to perform including his older work; new instrumentals and pop tunes and his extended works as well. This extended release contains a series of different radio NBC broadcasts from the famous Blue Note club in Chicago, Illinois from the summer of 1953. The album also incudes a bonus recording from April 1944, a MBS broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant in New York City. The broadcasts are featured complete with radio speaks and encouragements to buy bonds read by The Duke himself, plus bonus material and liner notes.

Two Not One documents a late 1975 series of Denmark performances by saxophonists Warne Marsh and Lee Konitz. Performing with a crack European rhythm section, this 4-CD set features over five hours of music, arranged in chronological order. “Both men were and are masters of the art of never repeating themselves and a set of this scope really brings the point home.” - All About Jazz

Sahib Shihab's career started in the late 1930's where he would play for the likes of Luther Henderson and Roy Eldridge while studying at the Boston Conservatory. During the 1940's Shihab played with many of the greats from this period, including Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, Miles Davis and many more. Especially his work with Monk proved to be important as it marked the switch from alto to baritone saxophone. The present release was recorded alongside Kenny Drew, Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, and Jimmy Hopps in Copenhagen in 1971, and features a programme of works mostly by Shihab. "Most of the compositions are by the leader, starting with the exotic blend of hard bop and African rhythm, featuring Shihab's dancing soprano sax and Pedersen's bass solo. Drew switches to organ and Pedersen makes a relatively rare appearance on electric bass on the funky "Sentiments". The leader switches to baritone sax for Drew's exuberant ballad "Extase". (Ken Dryden)

The Danish jazz singer Clara Vuust is releasing her third studio album "Before You Walk Away" - a jazz album that combines a Nordic, lyrical vocal tradition with the Mediterranean warmth in the musical arrangements by composer and arranger Francesco Calì. The album reflects Vuust's love for the beautiful melodies in "The great American Songbook", but at the same time it carries a European tone that with the distinctive sound of the accordion brings to mind Italian summer nights and French chanson. The European tone is set by British trumpet player Gerard Presencer and Italian pianist and accordionist Francesco Calì, and through the almost chamber music like arrangements runs a somewhat melancholic vein that together with Clara Vuust's warm and alluring voice create a romantic and thoughtful atmosphere. The songs on "Before You Walk Away" are inspired by Vuust's fondness for the American Jazz standard repertoire, but also by her love for Italian evergreens and French Jazz by the composer Michel Legrand among others. Her voice and interpretations draw on inspiration from great singers such as Irene Kral, the Swedish singer Monica Zetterlund and Barbra Streisand. The title of the album "Before You Walk Away" is a line from the song "I Wish You Love". About the choice of title Clara says: "All the songs on this album are in some way or another based on the theme of saying goodbye and parting with the ones you love. The title "Before You Walk Away" is a reflection upon that moment where we go our separate ways - the bittersweet sorrow, but also the love, that lies in the departure..."

Through the last years Danish bassist Thomas Fonnesbaek has evolved to one of the best and in demand bass playeres in the world playing and recording with other top artistssuch as Enrico Pieranunzi, Justin Kauflin, Lars Jansson, Sinne Eeg, Monty Alexander, Arron Parks and many others. Fonnesbaek has synesthesia (the ability to "see" music as colors in his mind). Combined with equillibristic skills on his instrument this make him a remarkable musician. There are no weaknesses in Thomas Fonnesbæk's playing. A strong melodic, harmonic and rhythmic sense makes him a complete musician. As a composer he is influenced by both the Scandinavian melancholy and the American jazz tradition. Thomas Fonnesbæk and Justin Kauflin are ready to follow up on the critically acclaimed album Synethesia from 2017. This time they are joined by Billy Williams on drums, making this a trio record. The result is 'Sharing,' and it is nothing short of extraordinary.

The three renowned Danish jazz artists, bassist Lennart Ginman, drummer Thomas Blachman and pianist Carsten Dahl, collectively known under the moniker GinmanBlachmanDahl, are set to release their new album on Storyville Records on April 5th. Bearing the title, “What’s to Come!”, this record is a testament to the power of spontaneity, unpredictability, and collaboration in the realm of jazz.

The combination of these three masterful musicians has resulted in yet another album that simply oozes swing, timing, dexterity, and imagination. They are simply put - some of the most visionary and innovative Danish jazz musicians and composers, and their music reflects their never-ending quest to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Unlike a conventional studio recording, this album was born out of raw spontaneity and creative synergy within the trio – every note, every chord, every rhythm was created in the spur of the moment. The result is a sonic journey into the heart and essence of improvisation.

What’s to Come! invites listeners into the intimate dialogue between three masterful musicians. With a nod to the luminaries who have shaped the genre—Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Bill Evans—the trio infuses their compositions with a sense of homage and reverence, yet never shy away from boldly charting their own course. From the introspective melodies that stir the soul to the explosive bursts of energy that ignite the senses, this recording captures the full spectrum of human experience in all its complexity and nuance.

As the final notes fade into the ether, one cannot help but feel the palpable sense of anticipation lingering in the air—a promise of What’s to Come!, and an invitation to join them on their ongoing odyssey of sound and expression.

American drummer Brian Melvin and Danish guitarist Søren Lee spearhead a brand new trio alongside Danish organist Mads Søndergaard. The trio release their brand new tribute album to the legendary John Coltrane, Tranesformation, on Storyville Records on October 20, 2023. Tranesformation pays homage to the revered John Coltrane, a trailblazing figure in the world of jazz. Drawing from Coltrane’s legacy and weaving their own interpretations, Brian Melvin, Søren Lee and Mads Søndergaard invite audiences to join them on an exciting musical voyage.

This recording, consisting of 15 tracks, is a dynamic collaboration that promises to reignite the essence of Coltrane’s music, fusing it with their unique artistic perspectives. United by their immense passion for jazz and their impressive individual careers, Brian Melvin, Søren Lee and Mads Søndergaard have forged a bond that now forms the heart of the exceptional trio. Having captivated audiences across the world, each musician brings their distinct expertise and creative spirit to this project, creating a blend of talents that promises to deliver a fresh, exciting sound to the jazz community. Brian Melvin’s impressive background includes collaborations with luminary bassist Jaco Pastorius, renowned saxophonist Joe Hendersen and guitar virtuoso John Scofield. His accolades are not only musical, but also historical, as his album Standards Zone soared to the #1 spot on the charts for 13 consecutive weeks, earning a well deserved place in the Jazz Hall of Fame in the US.

Søren Lee, recognized for his impeccable guitar work and deep musical sensibilities, has left an indelible mark on the jazz scene. Having shared the stage with legends like bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Jim Hall, Lee’s contributions to the international jazz repertoire have garnered critical acclaim. His trio recordings have been described as ‘outstanding’ by none other than the iconic Jim Hall, while pianist and organist Larry Golding hails Lee as ‘a deeply soulful player’. Mads Søndergaard, Denmark’s premier organist, is celebrated for his extraordinary musical prowess and collaborations with top-tier jazz musicians across Europe. With a reputation that precedes him, Søndergaard’s presence adds a new dimension to the trio’s sound, promising an unmatched listening experience.

Fresh off their performances in New York, Denmark and Estonia, the trio’s fans can expect a riveting series of performances in Europe and beyond throughout 2023/24. With their shared vision and collective dedication to the art form, Brian Melvin, Søren Lee and Mads Søndergaard are poised to make an indelible mark on the jazz landscape with Tranesformation!

The Sisters of Jazz release their self-titled debut album on legendary Storyville Records on September 15, 2023. Sisters of Jazz is a dynamic all-female ensemble consisting of bandleader and renowned vocalist Anna Pauline, Danish Music Award-nominee saxophonist Pernille Bévort, accomplished trombonist Lis Wessberg, virtuosic pianist Catrine Ullerup Frølund, versatile bassist Ida Hvid and Ben Webster Prize winner, drummer Benita Haastrup.

The project began in 2014, when jazz singer, composer and lyricist Anna Pauline, as a bandleader, was commissioned to put together a band consisting solely of female musicians for a concert during International Women’s Day. The concert, which was a great success, led to the formation of the current Sisters of Jazz. This debut album consists of 13 tracks, one of them sung in Danish and another in Swedish. On this recording, they embark on a musical journey that celebrates and pays tribute to the contributions of oft-forgotten female jazz composers and musicians like Nancy Hamilton, Ann Ronell, Marian McPartland and Mary Lou Williams – just to name a few!

Many of these female musicians are incredibly important stylists in jazz, who in turn paved the way for others and have been mentors to several of the jazz icons considered role models of jazz, :Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Coltrane and many others. Sisters of Jazz brings together six remarkable women, who share an unwavering passion for jazz music. Individually, they have won accolades and garnered attention for their exceptional talents, but it is their collective energy that truly sets them apart. Their unique blend of musical prowess and unwavering dedication to highlighting the hidden ladies of jazz, who may not have received the proper limelight during their lifetime, is quite frankly inspiring.

Beyond paying homage to the underappreciated female jazz legends, Sisters of Jazz aim to contribute to the evolution of jazz music in the modern era. With their collective musicianship and individual voices, Pauline, Bévort, Wessberg, Frølund, Hvid and Haastrup are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be women in jazz. Their performance on this album is characterized by fearless exploration, pushing the boundaries of convention, and embracing the freedom of expression that jazz offers. Through their interpretations of the works of the composers covered on this project, the ensemble showcases their profound respect for jazz history while bringing a fresh perspective to their compositions.

Sisters of Jazz’s commitment to celebrating the female jazz composers and their inspiring approach to jazz has garnered the attention of critics and audiences alike. By paying their respect to the past and shaping the future for women in jazz, Sisters of Jazz aim to leave an indelible mark on the jazz landscape!