Born in Bordeaux in 1945, Christian Morin’s varied career and talents have taken him down the paths of illustrator, poster artist, cartoonist, renowned TV presenter and most importantly here, a leading clarinet player. He’s played with great French and American musicians including Henri Salvador, Buddy Tate, Milt Buckner, Jo Jones, Buck Clayton, T. Bone Walker, among others. His newest album, Blue Indigo, finds him in the company of French compatriots for an album full of fine American standards.

When it comes to seminal alternative rock albums, Pixies’ 1988 debut Surfer Rosa qualifies as a true game-changer. + With strong production and even stronger songs, the album tore a rift in the rock ‘n roll continuum, influencing everyone from Kurt Cobain to Radiohead. + That influence remains as steadfast as ever among the feverish minds behind Asphalt Orchestra, the 12-piece New York-based marching band with an eclectic ear for new music, unpredictable repertoire and boundary-blurring arrangements. + AOPP remains true to the punkish attitude of the original.

Featuring reinterpretations of famous jazz standards by artists like Joe Lovano, Lee Konitz, Bill Frisell, Charlie Haden, and his daughter Petra Haden on vocals, Paul Motian creates an audio film about scenes in New York City for closed eyes.

Joe Stilgoe’s blend of imaginative song choices and virtuosic pianism are showcased in this live album recorded at the 2013 London Jazz Festival. With a voice that has attracted comparisons with Harry Connick Jr, Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum and a playing style likened to the great Oscar Peterson, Joe displays charm, wit and sincerity as he tackles a diverse selection of songs linked by the theme of film which The Sunday Times described as ‘a touching yet quirky selection of stardust memories.’ A fast-paced romp through well-known cartoon theme tunes opens the show before Joe turns his attention to numbers as varied as You Give A Little Love from Bugsy Malone, S’Wonderful from An American In Paris and If I Only Had A Brain from The Wizard Of Oz. Joe’s song-writing skills are in evidence on Gold On Silver, Popcorn and his wistful ballad (That's The Way It Crumbles) Cookie-Wise, inspired by Billy Wilder’s The Apartment.

Constantly in search of new musical terrain, the PRISM Quartet celebrates its 30th anniversary with a groundbreaking recording: Heritage/Evolution, Volume 1. The 2 CD set features world premiere recordings of new works that draw on the saxophone’s cross-cultural heritage, composed and performed by six saxophonists who defy convention: Steve Lehman, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Tim Ries, Miguel Zenón, Dave Liebman and Greg Osby. Appending “Volume 1” to the title is a statement of intent: this is not a one-time project, but the first step in a major new initiative by the PRISM Quartet.

Since his retirement in 2013 from the professorship at the prestigious Rutgers University, where he led its jazz department, pianist/composer/educator Stanley Cowell has been increasingly active on the scene both in concerts and recordings. This new album with a featured program of Christmas melodies (Xmas Suite) will be introduced to the audience at New York’s Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. “…it's a great pleasure to hear Stanley Cowell's It's Time: a finely crafted collection of mostly originals that is at once sophisticated, both aggressive and pensive, and simply fascinating to listen to.” (Greg Simmons – AAJ on “It’s Time” SCCD 31740)

Stephen Riley’s distinctive breathy tone and imaginative phrasing have attracted a good size followers in jazz listeners, musicians and critics. “Isn't it nice to hear a truly individual sound in the sea of music that often sounds much the same? I stumbled across one of those sounds in Stephen Riley's music…” (Luke Soasey – saxophonist) “Just heard Stephen Riley on a local radio. What a special tone he has. Dark and dry with a lot of subtones. And very creative playing….” (JJ – Sax on the Web) Here on his latest album Riley formed a duo with his favourite piano man Peter Zak to stage an intriguing recital filled with amazing performances.

Trumpeter Marcus Printup rounded up a choice selection of young prize winning new talents to form this sextet. Printup, though still in the 40s and at his prime mettle, is a veteran of three decades which includes a principal post in the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra since 1993. One of his professional priorities is to pass the torch on to the next generation, Young Bloods. “Printup is such an accomplished and versatile player that he’s adept performing tunes from any point in the many decades of jazz…. a hard swinging lesson taught by a master musician.” (Joel Roberts – The New York City Jazz Record on “Homage” SCCD 31730)

Violinist Benjamin Schmid, recognized among the 35 greatest violinists of the past 50 years (see “Great Violinists of the 20th c. Vol. 2. 1948-85 ”, by J.M. Molkou), and rising star Diknu Schneeberger, guitar, trace Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt on Hot Club Jazz, new from Gramola. In collaboration with Diknu’s father Joschi Schneeberger, double bass, and guitarist Martin Spitzer, the quartet interprets pieces and arrangements by Django Reinhardt, works created in succession by Lulu Reinhardt, Cole Porter or Fletcher Allen as well as arrangements of French chansons.

Vic Juris’ new album “Blue” is heavily focused on ballads, which Vic’s signature fluid sound backed up by his mature artistry fits perfectly. One of today’s premier jazz guitarists Vic Juris has been active on the scene for over four decades amassing an impressive discography. “Vic Juris is a versatile and impressively accomplished guitarist. His playing exudes warmth, intelligence and respect for the tradition. Perhaps best of all, he seems to understand that the foregoing positives also apply to a legion of contemporary guitarists, and he looks for ways to set his work apart, in terms of sound, approach, or material. “ (Duck Baker – JazzTimes on “Remembering Eric Dolphy” SCCD 31453)

Award-winning saxophonist/composer CHRIS BYARS divides his artistic focus between development of original material and studying the vast repertoire of jazz composers of the 20th century. During the past five years under SteepleChase label Chris Byars released two albums of his own materials and four albums paying tribute to unsung heroes of bebop compositions of 40s and 50s: Gigi Gryce, Lucky Thompson, Freddie Redd and Duke Jordan respectively. On this new album Byars combines the result of his research into historical compositions and his own creation. “Lucky Strikes Again coaxes a huge sound out of five horns, a credit to the quality of the arrangements… Byars has put together a set of concise, rewarding tracks with a band that turns in a terrific performance of outstanding material.” (AAJ – Greg Simons on SCCD 31713 “Lucky Strikes Again”) “Classic bebop was never strong on formal composition, but Duke Jordan, who died in 2006, was a rare exception… 11 of his pieces are played here by a sextet led by alto saxophonist Chris Byars. The players are all young enough to have been Jordan’s grandchildren, but together they create exactly the full, mellow sound his harmonies demand… an excellent set.” (The Guardian UK – Dave Gelly on SCCD 31787 “The Music Of Duke Jordan”)

Rudy ”Twoleft” Smith is a legendary figure in the world of steel pan and steelband.This album, What Pan Did For Me, offers samples of his many musical faces: the pan man, the jazz musician, the arranger, the pan tuner, the tune smith…Rudy’s life covers most of the development of steel pan as a tuned musical instrument.The first pans were made from biscuit tins and other metal containers and had but few notes.These were the first steel pans Rudy made and played as a very young boy.During the period 1945-55 the steel pan was gradually transformed into a set of instruments from treble to bass made from 55 gallon oil drums.The orchestra made up of steel pans became known as steelband.The original function of steelbands was to provide music for the masqueraders in the famous Trinidad carnival.The bands played the Trinidad calypso music, but very soon began playing other kinds of music.The U.S. had both a naval and air base in Trinidad.The G.I. audience was a different one than the local audience.And they could pay.With the “Yankees” departure in the late 1950s the steelbands had to look for new markets.As a teenager Rudy started to travel with the band Merrymakers, taking steelband to Europe in the wake of the 1950s calypso craze.

This is the second release from the night at Montmartre Jazzhus (earlier release is “Daybreak” SCCD 31142) by the best Chet Baker Trio of this period. “...he sounds masterful, and is ably accompanied by Raney’s soft-bop guitar and NHØP’s towering bass...” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz - new edition)

One of Turkey’s leading pianists Burak Bedikyan has been rapidly establishing himself as a star player on the international jazz scene since the release of his first SteepleChase Lookout album “Circle Of Life” SCCD 33109 (2013). For his second album here Bedikyan further showcases an exciting process of on-going development as a performer and composer with unique musical background. “This is an interesting overture for the Turkish newcomer, but it sounds like there's much more in reserve.” (John Fordham – The Guardian on “Circle Of Life”) “Burak Bedikyan takes charge of the finest quartet recording for 2013, Circle Of Life… Bedikyan is a name to remember and an artist whose musical stock is an arrow pointing straight up!” (Brent Black – www.bop-N-jazz.com on “Circle Of Life”)

The Big Screen trio explores the worlds of stage and screen, swinging through a selection of timeless melodies that enjoy universal appeal. A heavyweight of British jazz, pianist David Newton is joined for this project by bassist Tom Farmer (from Empirical), and drummer Matt Skelton. Opening with a rendition of the small-screen theme 'Bewitched', most of the action takes place on the big screen, with 'Heather On The Hill', Toy Story 2's 'When Somebody Loved Me', My Fair Lady's 'Get Me To The Church On Time' and 'On The Street Where You Live', among other numbers.

Originally released in 1996 and now re-issued as part of Linn's ECHO series, 'Years Apart', Martin Taylor's second recording with his Spirit of Django band, featured a star-studded guest list that included legendary violinist Stéphane Grappelli, Britain's leading jazz vocalist Claire Martin and pianist Brian Kellock. Released to critical acclaim and public popularity, the album won two British Jazz Award categories: 'Best Guitar' and 'Best Small Group'. 'As revivalists go, Martin Taylor's Spirit of Django rank among the more ingenious.' (The Guardian)

Kjell Öhman was recognized at an early age as a musical prodigy, and had already his first jingle on the board at the age of nine. Since then things have just continued rolling on. He has played with of Sweden's jazz greats, from stars like Arne Domnérus and Putte Wickman to many internationally known jazz musicians.He certainly is a studio fox, having participated in over 8000 recordings! This trio - pianist Kjell Öhman, bassist Hans Backenroth and drummer Joakim Ekberg - has played together for the last decade or so as a both featured group and accompanists in various situations.

This Prophone release offers a brand new tribute by the Robert Wells Trio to legendary musician and entertainer Charlie Norman, whose Swedish show business career lasted nearly 60 years. "From my and Charlie's first meeting in the 1980's and in our fifteen years touring as a double piano act on and off, I got to learn from Charlie both on stage and off; it was a time of pure joy. I've written an all new boogie for this CD called Old Time Boogie with the playful subtitle "It was better in the old days"... The rest of the material is all favorite numbers that we played on tour." (Robert Wells)

Tenor saxophonist, composer and now attorney at law (immigration specialist) as well Ari Ambrose has successfully gained the recognition from the critics and the public as one of the most innovative improvisers with his own voice. On this his 14th album Ambrose looks back into the music that inspired him originally as teenager to find something new from it. “Since his recording debut as leader on SteepleChase 'Introducing Ari Ambrose' some 15 years ago, saxophonist Ari Ambrose has maintained his impressive output and sound - a modern take on classic jazz forms, which he has polished to perfection on this album.” (Propermusic, UK on “settling In” SCCD 31770)

Denmark’s outstanding keyboardist/pianist/composer Irene Becker first entered in media’s limelight as a charter member of the one of the first women rock band in Denmark back in the 70s. Irene has since been a central figure in the Danish contemporary music scene as composer/performer and as an essential member of the famed New Jungle Orchestra led by her colleague/husband Pierre Dørge. Here on her new album Irene showcases her mettle as arranger/composer adding Greenlandic singer Aviaja Lumholt’s voice to create a unique musical universe. American cornetist Kirk Knuffke, the winner of the 2015 DownBeat “Rising Star” award makes a guest appearance in one of the tracks.

Dave Scott, an award winning trumpeter and a dedicated educator, is first and foremost recognized as a prolific and resourceful composer. He composes for and performs with his own jazz ensemble consists of New York’s finest improvisers. “…Scott is using a sturdy template to introduce his own ideas … this band should be feted for its originality and cohesion.” (Mike Shanley – JazzTimes on “Song for Amy” SCCD 31561)

The Anderson Brothers (identical twins) are no new-comers in spite of their young age (b. 1987 in Washington D.C.). Peter & Will had already been active on US and international jazz scene as teenagers receiving numerous accolades from the press and acclaim from the thrilled audience. On this new album Peter (tenor sax), Will (alto sax) join forces with fellow tenor saxists Ken Peplowski and Grant Stewart to present a dazzling program of quintessential jazz repertoire. “A Perfect example of two heads being better than one. Outfitting a group with alto and tenor saxophones perfectly encapsulates the wide harmonic array and colourful timbrel ranges each instrument can achieve.” (Eric Wendell – Hot House May 2014)

More jazz records should be like Sophisticated Lady Quartet-relaxed yet focused, tradition-based yet modern, elegant yet conveying a sure sense of swing. The recording is so pure that you almost feel as if you're eavesdropping on four musicians who seem completely in their element while performing, in a one-take environment, a set that's evenly split between previously rehearsed arrangements and performances where they had one chance to turn a composition into a memorable piece of music. No splicing or editing here-just a live-in-the-studio recording where the mood, playing and sonics are so solid that that jazz lovers will wish that the mostly-classical label Yarlung wandered over to this side of the street more often. -Jeff Wilson, The Absolute Sound The Sophisticated Lady Jazz Quartet's debut recording should be of great interest to fans of forward-looking straight ahead jazz. Each of the four musicians is excellent both as soloists and in ensembles, the music that they perform ranges from melodic versions of standards to lyrical originals and freer explorations, and their subtle playing keeps one guessing. This CD is well worth exploring and I certainly recommend it. -Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene Look out Brubeck, Sophisticated Lady's remarkable debut should perhaps be re-titled TAKE ONE. Why? Each tune was captured in one take! The 60 minute CD also celebrates Yarlung's audiophile venture into JAZZ with a splatter of Chet Baker's seductive, kicked-back Californication daubed with a drizzle of Miles at his mellowest. No matter how busy your day, an evening spin through this one will definitely move your mood. -David Thomson, Record Collector News

Joe Albany (1924 – 1988) was one of the handful of bebop pianists who re-emerged to the world stage in the 70s. Although there exist no official recordings with Charlie Parker, Joe Albany was one of the few white pianists who played with Bird. Albany’s troubled life seen from his only daughter’s perspectives were made into a film entitled “Low Down” which has recently been premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical and public acclaim. One of the music used in the movie was from Joe’s SteepleChase first release SCCD 31003 Birdtown Bird” (1972). Joe Albany’s sensational moment captured here in this recording from a solo concert at Copenhagen’s famed Montmartre club serves as the testimonial of an extraordinary artist.

Due to his sporadic career Freddie Redd has kept a low profile for the last several decades. His name, however, stayed in people’s memory as the composer for the haunting music that accompanied The Connection (1959), a controversial play written by Jack Gelber. One of the last of classic bop generation, Freddie Redd at the age of 86, fragile yet debonair, still performs with lyrical clarity and sensitivity on this superb trio recording.

Francis Lo Kee of All About Jazz sums up what Jack Walrath is all about in his review of SCCD 31650 “Ballroom”: “Jack Walrath not only displays tremendous trumpet playing, a rich and varied approach to composition and wonderful band, he also puts something into this fantastic CD that's missing from too much new jazz: a sense of fun and humor. That's not to say that it isn't sensitive and touching at times—"An Hour Blessed" is arguably as gorgeous as anything ever recorded….Musical food for thought with amazing jazz playing, this recording can't be praised highly enough.” Jack Walrath shares his inner thoughts on music and society in his liner notes for this latest album which makes quite an interesting read in addition to yet another intriguing recording.

Saxophonist and composer Gregory Tardy emerged from the highly productive and creative jazz scene of the 90s and has established himself “as one of the most important saxophonists of his generation.” (Matthew Miller – AAJ). The music Gregory Tardy composes and performs is filled with devotional texture and emotion. The strength of his music and performance reaches out to the vast range of people regardless of their spiritual background, as it is the case with this his 8th release on SteepleChase. “He sounds as if he’s physically wresting new possibilities and beauty…. It’s moments such as these that invoke the combination of faith-infused yearning and hard-won triumph that is at the heart of the best spiritually inspired improvisational music.” (Carlo Wolff - JazzTimes on The Strongest Love” SCCD 31698

Guitarist/composer Pierre Dørge (b. 28 February 1946 in Copenhagen, Demark) has been leading the internationally renowned New Jungle Orchestra, which Down Beat hailed as “unabashedly one of Europe’s most sophisticated jazz band” for 35 years, performing in more than 50 countries, enriching his musical vocabulary from different culture all over the world. On this his second quartet album (the first, entitled “Ballad Round The Corner” SCCD 31132 was released 36 years ago with now deceased legendary John Tchicai on alto sax) Pierre Dørge puts his trademark “pan-cultural jazz” energy to his new international ensemble of Kirk Knuffke (cornetist), Hamid Drake (drummer) from USA and Thommy Andersson (bassist) from Sweden.

Learning by doing: In the eighties Stefan Winter volunteered for a record company to learn autodidactically the profession as music producer. At the time a demo tape of the young Steve Coleman arrived, nobody showed any interest. During Stefan Winter's first stay in New York City (1984) he jumped at the opportunity and offered Steve Coleman a record deal. This was the hour of birth of the debut recording with the core musicians of the later named "M-Base Collective" and at the same time of the label JMT (Jazz Music Today). Right after the first record Winter started working with Greg Osby, Cassandra Wilson, Robin Eubanks, Gary Thomas, Gery Allen and many others like Kelvin Bell, Kevin Bruce Harris, Marvin "Smitty" Smith and Terri Lyne Carrington. It is historical certainty that these works were recorded mainly in the eighties, but as a listener one can hardly believe it. Each album offers a new inspiring approach to making music which is still characteristic today. Listen to the "M-Base" not to rest on tradition, but to see these artists experience as a sound basis for the future. This compilation is the second release in the Winter & Winter Jubilee Edition, celebrating the labels' 30th anniversary.