Danish harmonica virtuoso Mathias Heise launches his highly anticipated acoustic jazz album, titled Mouth Games on Storyville Records on October 6, 2023. The project, described by Heise as his ‘first acoustic jazz album’, is a result of years of meticulous groundwork. Mouth Games features a captivating interplay between Heise and a carefully selected group of highly talented musicians, including accomplished pianist Jacob Christoffersen, master guitarist Pelle von Bülow, acclaimed bassist Thomas Fonnesbæk and versatile drummer Jeppe Gram.

With nine carefully chosen tracks, including seven original compositions and two standards, Mouth Games presents a captivating narrative that explores classical structural conventions of jazz with flair, innovation, taste and virtuosity. Heise’s masterful harmonica playing effortlessly intertwines with the highly accomplished rhythm section. Their telepathic interplay results in memorable performances filled with muscular mature solos, deeply rooted in the language of modern jazz traditions. Heise states: “…I have always played a lot of jazz gigs, gathering tunes over a long time, finding musicians that I really connect with. I felt like now I have found the right musicians – heart to heart, we just speak to each other. In the studio there has to be a lot of interplay, spontaneous feeling and events that nobody can prepare in advance. To make this happen, I had to be on a certain level, prepared, focused. For the first time, I had the skills and maturity to make my first acoustic jazz album – not an easy task!”

Mouth Games serves as compelling evidence of Heise’s unwavering commitment to expanding the boundaries of jazz improvisation on the chromatic harmonica. This album represents a quantum leap in his musical evolution, displaying a deep immersion in the contemporary legacy of jazz rhythm, harmony and improvisation. Mathias Heise is internationally renowned for his groundbreaking approach to jazz improvisation on the chromatic harmonica, having won the 2013 Chromatic Harmonica World Championship, received the Danish Crown Prince Couple’s prestigious Stardust Award in 2016 and being awarded the Ben Webster Prize in 2017. With four critically acclaimed albums under his belt, including three albums with his fusion band Quadrillion and one in collaboration with the Danish Radio Big Band, Heise continues to push the boundaries of musical creativity and innovation.

Mouth Games gives rise to a new jazz harmonica solar system, comprising nine incomparably marvelous tracks whose significance goes beyond the sum of their parts. This profound modern jazz statement deserves the widest attention and recognition.

Pianist and conductor Niels Jorgen Steen – a Danish jazz institution – is now immortalized on Swinging In Paradise, a new album from Storyville Records featuring vocalist Bobo Moreno and the ever so swinging Monday Night Big Band. (Storyville)

Mulgrew Miller, one of the most important pianists of jazz’ modern era, proudly delivers his brand-new album Solo in Barcelona via Storyville Records. The occasion of a present-day release of a solo recording by this remarkable musician is a very rare and extraordinary occasion. This album, which was recorded on February 2, 2004 in Barcelona, is truly a rare gem for the admirers of a man and piano player, who was loved by so many fans and the entire jazz global community. With his unique take on arrangements from Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Cole Porter, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington, MM shows us why he is considered a modern legend.

On this solo album, MM's piano embarks on an extraordinary musical journey. With each note, he effortlessly paints a vivid tapestry of emotions, traversing a rich musical landscape that spans genres and styles characterized by versatility, proficient soloing and tasteful restraint. He plays like a modern-day exponent of Art Tatum with the deepest musical roots, but with the freshest, most forward-thinking, profoundly original voice that’s uniquely his own. Live in Barcelona shows how he is able to tell us a story and swing like very few others. A real master on the piano. The highlight is perhaps his ‘Excursions in Blue’, playing the blues like it should be done - in the moment! Solo in Barcelona is a beautiful documentation of Mulgrew Miller playing solo material that has not been recorded before.

MM was one of the most influential jazz pianists of his generation. Renowned for his technical mastery, improvisational genius and deep musicality, Mulgrew Miller worked with Miles Davis, Betty Carter, Woody Shaw, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and his own trio around the globe. Still missed by his big audience. Mulgrew Miller (1955-2013) was a world-renowned jazz pianist and composer. His illustrious career spanned over four decades, during which he performed with legendary jazz artists and received critical acclaim for his exceptional musicianship. His unique approach to the piano and his profound contributions to jazz have solidified his place as one of the greatest pianists in the history of the genre. With this exceptional solo album, MM invites listeners on a personal and intimate musical journey, as he displays his extraordinary command of the piano. His nuanced phrasing, exquisite dynamics and deep understanding of harmony create an enchanting and captivating listening experience.

Recognized as one of the most accomplished musicians of his generation, Carsten Dahl pays a mesmerizing tribute to the legendary Keith Jarrett on his new album The Solo Songs of Keith Jarrett, due for release on August 25 on Storyville Records. This remarkable recording showcases Dahl’s extraordinary talent, as he collaborates with a host of acclaimed musicians, including trumpet virtuoso Palle Mikkelborg, versatile saxophonist Fredrik Lundin, expressive bassist Nils Bo Davidsen, melodic drummer Stefan Pasborg and musicians from Ensemble Midtvest to craft a mesmerizing tribute to the iconic Keith Jarrett, one of the most influential jazz instrumentalists of his generation.

This recording is set to be an exceptional addition to any jazz enthusiast’s collection, offering a captivating blend of technical brilliance, emotional depth and artistic innovation. Dahl’s profound musicality and his ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level are showcased throughout this remarkable album. It is a Wahlvervandschaft, a connection between spiritual and musical brothers – documented with love and respect on The Solo Songs of Keith Jarrett!

Over the years, Danish Jazz singer, Cathrine Legardh and award-winning Icelandic alto saxophonist Sigurður Flosason have collaborated on musical compositions. This time, the outcome is a collection of 15 brand new Danish-language songs called Stilhed & Storm, with music composed by Flosason and words by Legardh. Legardh and Flosason have assembled a Ny Nordisk Kvintet (New Nordic Quintet) for this recording, which includes pianist Anna Gréta Sigurðardóttir, double bassist Jesper Thorn and drummer Espen Laub von Lillienskjold. Legardh is Danish, but has both Norwegian and Swedish blood running through her veins, and Flosason is Icelandic out-and-out, set the groundwork for an album with a distinctly Nordic – somewhat inspired by Nordic folk music. The album explores themes like life and death, losing a loved one, faith in a higher power, the circle of life, motherhood, raising children, the daily grind and the love of animals.

The Danish ensemble Flamenco Passion meets three soloists of international class, namely master guitarist Mikkel Nordsø, violinist Bjarke Falgren, and harmonica player Mathias Heise on the new album A Tribute to Paco de Lucia. The group Flamenco Passion are among the very best flamenco fusion groups in Scandinavia, led by guitarist Poul Jacek Knudsen alongside bassist Nicolai Land and percussionist Anders Pedersen.

The album is a tribute to the late flamenco guitar icon Paco de Lucia, who has inspired countless flamenco artists and great jazz musicians such as Chick Corea and George Benson. The repertoire presented is original Flamenco Passion themes, one composition by Paco de Lucia plus two tracks composed by Mikkel Nordsø. The album is a journey through moods and emotions, and the passion comes alive in the complex compositions with the recurrent themes and well performed improvisations.

Poul Jacek Knudsen has performed in many flamenco constellations, both as a soloist and accompanist to song and dance, and with different Spanish artists, such as Lucia Alvarez "La Piñona" (dance), Lakshmi Basile "La Chimi" (dance), one of his guitar maestros Antonio Jero and singer Juan Murube, who participates on the current album with palmas (handclaps) and jaleos (calls of cheer and encouragement). Mikkel Nordsø is a Danish guitar legend. In addition to playing in his own band Mikkel Nordsø Band, he has also played, performed and/or recorded with notabilities such as Palle Mikkelborg, Terri Lyne Carrington, George Duke, David Sanborn, Lisa Nilsson and many others. Violinist Bjarke Falgren is a musical mastermind on the violin. He is a fourfold Grammy Award winner and one of Denmark’s best and most recognized violin virtuosos. Falgren has released 11 albums, worked on TV and theatre projects, and worked with the likes of Mads Mathias, Mathias Heise, Jacob Fischer and many others. Mathias Heise is one of the world’s leading harmonica players, having won the Chromatic Harmonica World Championship in 2013. He is also the recipient of The Danish Crown Prince Couple’s prestigious Stardust Award and the Ben Webster prize, as the youngest recipient ever and has recently performed with harmonica player Antonio Serrano, who actually played in the latest group of Paco de Lucia. Immerse yourself in the rich history of flamenco, unfolding with each strum of the guitar from some of the very best in the business!

CONTENTS:

• Poul Jacek Knudsen: Candela
• Poul Jacek Knudsen: Navegando en el aire #2
• Mikkel Nordsø: Gambas al ajillo
• Lucia, P de: Palenque
• Poul Jacek Knudsen: Camelia
• Mikkel Nordsø: Sale el sol

Storyville Records proudly present the new album Danish Rain from two of the most exciting new artists in jazz, the supreme Scandinavian bassist Thomas Fonnesbæk and the young jazz superstar, pianist Justin Kauflin. This latest addition to the two gentlemen’s musical partnership builds on and expands the soundscape of their previous releases together. This recording consists of 9 tracks, 7 modern and older standards and 2 original compositions from the two players respectively. TF and JK have a shared history going back to 2015, where they were introduced to each other at a gig at the legendary Jazzhus Montmartre. Since then, the two have played, recorded and toured together, increasing their mutual understanding in the process. They both perceive music as colour, a form of synesthesia, where one sense stimulates another. It is an aptitude that permeates this record and boosts the level of interplay to new heights.

This recording is the embodiment of modern and melodic jazz, where musicians from opposite sides of the globe bring their own unique flavour to the table. Certain European aesthetics – evident in Fonnesbæk’s Danish Rain and John Lennon’s Imagine – merge perfectly with Kauflin’s potent American jazz and the beautiful grounds in between. The acrobatic Scandinavian Fonnesbæk displays a sense of swing and propulsion that mingles expertly with the precision and playfulness of the laid-back and elegant Kauflin. Their understated approach makes a powerful statement in itself. Danish bassist Thomas Fonnesbæk is a fascinating musician, who exudes technical brilliance and a superior sense of rhythm, as well as a melodic and harmonic sensitivity reminiscent of Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen that never overshadows his own unique style. Justin Kauflin is one of the greatest piano talents of recent times. Renowned trumpetist Clark Terry and Quincy Jones have both taken the young prodigy under their wings, playing a crucial part in his success. The maturity he displays and focus with which he plays is exceptional. It is a joy to listen to the interplay and the myriad of sounds and emotions created by these wizards of music – a global dance; leaving you wanting even more!

Jazz giant and tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon bids Copenhagen farewell on his new album Copenhagen Coda – Live at Montmartre 1983. This album marks DG’s final farewell to friends and fans in the Danish capital, with which he had had a twenty year love affair. He is quoted as having said: “I don’t think they [his fellow American musicians living in Europe] got the love I got in Copenhagen” The concert was part of a TV production by the national Danish Broadcasting Corporation, who have documented this golden era in Danish jazz history.

On this recording, DG is accompanied by the accomplished and versatile pianist Kirk Lightsey, wonderful bass player David Eubanks and the master drummer Eddie Gladden. DG proves that he hasn’t lost a step, as he projects enormous authority on stage, being a fountain of sound and ideas, melodically as well as rhythmically. He generates a stunning energy, taking off on a flight that is able to captivate the audience with his tenacious be-bop, somewhere between Lester Young and Coltrane, with a bold, dry sound.

DG arrived in Copenhagen in 1962, where he settled and became a regular on the jazz scene, most often at the legendary Jazzhus Montmartre. During the years 1964 to 1967, he played Montmartre 6 nights a week during the summer months. One of those evenings, where DG was accompanied by Tete Montoliu, NHØP and Alex Riel, was recorded and subsequently released as the album Montmartre 1964 on Storyville Records. His year-long stint in Copenhagen helped remold and vitalize DG after his lean years. In return, he also helped Montmartre build and maintain its reputation as one of Europe’s premier jazz venues in the 1960’s, attracting many American jazz players, including Ben Webster, Bud Powell, Kenny Drew and many, many more. All of them contributing substantially to the vitality of the Danish jazz scene, but more than anyone, DG is the musician synonymous with folk’s perception of Montmartre.

Copenhagen Coda is a celebration of and a tribute to Dexter Gordon’s legacy in Copenhagen. The audience in the Danish capital loved the sophisticated giant “Copenhagen Slim” immensely, and their love was reciprocated - Copenhagen Coda is a testament to this intense year-long love affair!

Storyville Records is proud to present one of master saxophonist Phil Woods’ most impressive projects, Bird With Strings … And More! The recording of this album took place in Tonhalle Zürich on June 13, 2005 with the help of pianist Ben Aronov, bassist Reggie Johnson, drummer Douglas Sides and the fantastic Zürich Chamber Orchestra. The beautiful and characteristic sound of jazz and pop supported by a string orchestra is a very special and rare experience. Bird With Strings … And More! uses the classic album Charlie Parker With Strings as a point of departure. Charlie Parker, also known as Bird, recorded the original Charlie Parker With Strings in 1949 with a rhythm section plus a very small string section.

On this recording, PW has written all new arrangements based on the original scores, and expanded the original arrangements to a much larger string section of 24/30 pieces and added a small woodwind section of oboe, flute and clarinet. Woods also proceeded to write a dozen extra arrangements with the same instrumentation. PW pays perfect tribute to Bird and his original project, but with his very own sound signature, sometimes warm and sometimes volcanic.

PW was not only an extraordinary alto saxophonist, but also an incredible composer and arranger. He is a modern jazz giant and one of the most important alto saxophonists in the history of jazz. Woods was known for a lyrical and beautiful sound making him one of the most popular musicians in mainstream jazz. This is emotional music for lovers, so savor the moment and relax in the company of one of the true masters!

Brazilian bossa nova queen Rosa Passos’ highly anticipated album Samba Sem Você is due for release on February 3rd, 2023 on Storyville Records. For years, the Brazilian vocalist and guitarist has had a devoted global following, including fans who proclaim she is Brazil’s answer to Ella Fitzgerald or the female João Gilberto. So, expectations were high, when she performed two sets at Copenhagen Jazzhouse on July 7th, 2001.

The tracks on Samba Sem Você come from the second set, while the songs of the first set were released as the album Dunas in 2021. RP is a prolific, distinct vocalist with a playful yet sophisticated style marked by perfect pitch, spacious elegance and natural flair. Her musicality is an inspiration to singers all over the world. She is intimate and powerful at the same time, and the tunes she plays, a mixture of her own compositions and bossa nova classics, support her means of expression in the best way possible.

On this recording, she has gathered some of the finest musicians in the business of bossa nova, including pianist Fábio Torres, bassist Paulo Paulelli and drummer Celso de Almeida. The three provide the pleasing musical backdrop for RP to spread her wings and seduce the audience with her charming smile, infectious warmth and delicate voice.

Passos began playing piano at age thirteen, but after listening to Dorival Caymmi and João Gilberto, she abandoned the instrument to become a singer. She recorded her debut album in 1978, and has since worked with the likes of Ron Carter and performed with master pianist Kenny Barron among many others. Her music speaks to everyone, you don’t need to know anything about bossa nova to appreciate her music as there is something universal about her vocals and approach that instantly makes the listener go along on the journey she sets out for. It’s always soul-soothing and beautiful, and if you press play and close your eyes you can almost feel the Brazilian soul and see the sandy beaches for your inner eye.

Storyville Records presents the legendary American saxophonist Buddy Tate in a meeting with the Danish quintet White Label on the new album Tate’s Delight – Groovin’ at the JASS Festival. The meeting took place at the Holstebro JASS Festival in September 1982. JASS stands for Jutland’s Active Musicians’ Society. For almost 20 years since the foundation in 1975, the society presented an annual jazz festival during the last week of September. The concerts took place at the Holstebro Hall and the nearby Restaurant Laksen. Tate’s Delight was recorded at Restaurant Laksen with no rehearsals. Some tunes, but not all, were agreed upon, when White Label took the stage. It became one of those spontaneous events, where the music is created on the spot, but one for which the musician has been preparing throughout his career as an improvising jazz musician. In this context, Buddy Tate was a fine acquaintanceship. He was in good form, friendly, easy to play with, and super cool in his elegant brown-and-yellow stage outfit with matching two-tone shoes. The album is separated into two parts. First, Tate is heard with the rhythm section, showcasing his beautiful, but rarely heard clarinet on magnificent renditions of the Duke Ellington tunes In A Mellow Tone and Mood Indigo. On the second part of the album, Jens Søndergaard and Poul Valdemar Pedersen join in on the last three songs, recreating the intense jam session spirit of the golden age of swing. This session is an excellent example of the musical encounters that have taken place in Denmark over the years. Buddy Tate was among the many legendary international stars, who came and played with Danish musicians, thus contributing to the special bond between Danish and American jazz.

Internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe presents a classic Christmas album, complete with star-studded line up, big band songs, Christmas choirs and fireside yuletide lullabies. Joe is joined by a host of special guests for a feast of Christmas classics, including Grammy nominated saxophonist Amy Dickson on ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, the Canterbury Cathedral Girls Choir on ‘Rest in Peace’, iconic Jazz musician and son of Roy- Ben Castle on ‘Little White Berry’ and legendary comedian and actor Rob Brydon on ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’. Joe introduces two original songs to the festive collection- sure to become seasonal favorites for years to come. Up-tempo festive party tune ‘The Night Before’ showcases Stilgoe’s versatile vocals and outstanding collection of musicians, whilst the powerful festive ballad ‘December Lights’ conjures the magical Christmas spirit. Son of songwriter and TV personality Richard Stilgoe and opera singer Annabel Hunt, Joe has become a true modern-day entertainer, known globally as a performer of wit, style and a level of musicianship which has seen him recognized as one of the best singer-pianists in the world. Regular star of BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night and his own shows as presenter and performer, Joe has worked with some of the finest orchestras and bands in the world and regularly appears at renowned jazz club Ronnie Scotts. Joe has been hosting Christmas specials at the Lyric Hammersmith with celebrity guests and musicians for many years and his Radio 2 show ‘Joe Stilgoe - Christmas At The Movies’ was the most popular show aired on Christmas Day 2018.

The internationally acclaimed American jazz trombonist Jiggs Whigham meets the two young, talented Danish musicians, guitarist Pelle von Bülow and bassist Matthias Petri on his new album Jiggs’ Back In Town. The album is due for release on November 4th on Storyville Records. Jiggs’ Back In Town is the result of two days in the studio in October 2021, where the American trombone sensation visited Copenhagen as the guest of fellow trombonist Anders Jacobsen. On the album, JW shows that he masters all the elements a trombone player could dream about. Excellent sound, brilliant technique and his very own tonal language.

In combination with Pelle von Bülow’s melodious sound and Matthias Petri’s subtle rhythmic precision, the three musicians make up for a charming and accomplished trio. Known for his fluent and expressive playing, JW puts his very own stamp on compositions by Thelonious Monk, Antonio Carlos Jobim and George Gershwin among others. The result is eight beautiful tunes marked by intimacy, contemplation and love for the music. JW first came to the attention of critics and fans at the tender age of 17, as featured soloist and first trombonist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by Ray McKinley. Two years later, he was first and solo trombonist with Stan Kenton. Frustrated with commercial playing, he migrated to Germany in 1965 to play with the Kurt Edelhagen Jazz Orchestra. For many years, he was the musical director of the BBC Big Band and artistic director of the Berlin Jazz Orchestra. JW has often been referred to as “Europe’s Best Kept Secret”, as he has spent most of his professional career based in Europe.

In Duke Ellington’s tape collection (”The Stockpile”) were several tapes with concert recordings of the band’s performances on tour. One can only guess whether these tapes were required by Duke for some purpose, or were given to him (or his son Mercer) on the initiative of the concert arrangers. At any rate it was a great delight to find a tape box marked ”Ellington – Uppsala 9-11-71” in the collection, containing a tape with a concert at the university town of Uppsala, Sweden on Nov. 9th 1971, the second of two concerts in this very old and very beautiful town founded in the 13th century.

The concert in Uppsala, the second on this Tuesday evening, started with the C-Jam Blues as was usual at that time. The tune had sort of replaced Take The A Train as the band’s signature. Norris Turney is heard on the clarinet over the band at the beginning, and Cootie Williams, Paul Gonsalves, Booty Wood, and Russell Procope follow. The centerpiece of the concert was the band’s performance of A Tone Parallel to Harlem or HARLEM as it was also called.

To end the evening properly and bring the audience in a more relaxed mood before leaving the concert hall, Ellington chose to finish the concert alone at the piano, just accompanied by Joe Benjamin on the bass, playing his own arrangement of Billy Strayhorn’s lovely tune Lotus Blossom. As evident from the performance at the Uppsala concert, the band could live up to the challenges, and it was received everywhere with enthusiasm and – love.

REVIEW:

This album, recorded at a concert in the great hall of Uppsala University on November 9, 1971, was found in what Ellington called "The Stockpile," his private tape collection. 

It starts with "C-Jam Blues" which at the time had largely replaced "Take the A-Train" as the band's opening number. One of the more interesting numbers is the little known "Fife," written as a vehicle for Norris Turney on flute and there is also a version "A Tone Parallel to Harlem," the title of which Ellington simply abbreviated to "Harlem." 

"Chinoiserie" is another rarity, the title referring to an artistic passion for things Oriental, which in his erudite introduction Duke links to a statement by the Canadian philosopher, Marshall McLuhan. 

At the other end of the scale, trumpeter Money Johnson comes on like Louis Armstrong for "Hello Dolly." Nell Brookshire lends a hand on vocals, and Ellington shows his age somewhat by referring to her as a "torch singer." 

Those "good old good ones" are there aplenty, with longer versions of "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" and "Satin Doll." Nell Brookshire vies with Money Johnson for slapstick vocal honors on "I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good." 

Of course Billy Strayhorn's "Take the A-train" couldn't be omitted altogether. It comes in fourth in this particular race for royalties, before "Fife." And the same composer's "Lotus Blossom" is treated to a fine reflective arrangement by Ellington, accompanied only by bassist Joe Benjamin. Ellington said this was the tune Strayhorn most liked to hear him to play.

-- AllAboutJazz.com (Chris Mosey)

This album features French piano prodigy Michel Petrucciani in a solo recording from Silkeborg Church, 1990. MP was one of the most popular pianists in the 1990’s due to his extraordinary technique, his astounding musical outlook and extremely dynamic playing style. His music is simply timeless and magical, seemingly coming straight from his soul. As he is often quoted: “I’m not playing to your head, but to your soul. When I play, I’m like a bird flying over the landscape, and I can land anywhere.”

Recorded on June 23, 1990 at the Silkeborg Riverboat Jazz Festival in Denmark, this album is a tour de force that leads the listener through a series of the most iconic motifs in jazz, all of which are deconstructed and transformed by an outstanding craftsman and embellished along the way by a true master. And he also allows himself to insert unexpected twists and turns that are guaranteed to make the listener smile. Pay special attention to his small rhythmic and melodic tags, little hints for the well-trained ear. They reveal a musician who never grows complacent or takes himself too seriously. Here, the totality of MP’s talents are exhibited in an intimate setting, where he stuns the crowd with his inventive and blindingly rapid playing. The music emanating from the man simply grabs everybody’s attention. Arrangements by jazz legends like Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis gets the cheeky Petrucciani treatment with his rather audacious approach to ‘established’ jazz standards. MP had the ability to effortlessly travel through the history of jazz on his piano, fascinating his audience in the process. This church concert clearly displays why MP quickly developed into a truly exceptional member of the international jazz scene.

REVIEW:

A concert by Petrucciani is a complete piano listening experience where the full range of the instrument comes into play. He worked best as a soloist as he throws in ‘Jean Pierre’ from Miles Davis, pulls in ‘St Thomas’ from Sonny Rollins edits in Juan Tizol’s ‘Caravan’. All the execution and the improvisation are carried out at the speed of thought with the relentless rhythm. The dynamics are every bit as effective as the Basie band. All the time his work is exuberant, joyful, rhythmically propulsive, spontaneous, and full of passion with an unrelenting drive. This is an album that is a wonderful memory of a lost genius who had a blistering talent.

-- Jazz Views