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 St�phane 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 �hman 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 Domn�rus 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 �hman, 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.

Pianist, arranger and bandleader Kjell �hman is one of Sweden's most well-respected musicians. With his 40 years in the music business and a frequently engaged studio musicians he has a unique ability to play all kinds of genres, such as pop, rock, jazz and folk music. With all these versatile skills he can be compared with the Swedish legend Jan Johansson."I was offered the chance to record a Christmas album and this is my take on the best Christmas melodies. Christmas is best spent among friends, and on this disc I am in excellent company.(Kjell �hman)

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)

Joe Stilgoe gives a masterclass in nostalgia with a contemporary twist on ‘New Songs For Old Souls’, his first studio album for Linn Records following his signing to the label in 2014. The album comprises twelve songs with ten originals by Joe, including three big band numbers: ‘Nobody Cares Like Me’, ‘Pocket Song’ and ‘Gold On Silver’. Joe also duets with Liane Carroll on a wistful cover of Brian Wilson’s ‘I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times’, one of the album’s two non-original songs. ‘Revealing himself to be a powerful improviser with an instinctive gift for melody.’ (The Times)

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.

It is of certain significance to think of the fact that Martin Jacobsen was born and grew up in Copenhagen which has been arguably the European capital of jazz. Martin basically taught himself jazz at the age of 19 in this richly jazz-orientated city. He later moved to Paris, another European hot-spot of jazz. Like Jacobsen’s well-received SteepleChase debut album “Current State” SCCD 31548 this live recording from Copenhagen’s JAZZHOUSE features Doug Raney on guitar. "Martin Jacobsen, Danish saxophone star with a rich and smooth sound, well confirmed in the Coltrane tradition. Doug Raney, American guitarist launched by the Chet Baker Trio, the excellent descendant of the highly distinguished Jimmy Raney. Two acclaimed musicians both evolving in an aesthetic of their own which are not necessarily similar. The result, performed with a quartet de luxe, has chances to surprise many a listener!" Jazzman, France

Andy LaVerne’s unique ensemble of piano/organ/drums wraps up the two-night engagement at New York’s prominent jazz lounge at the Kitano Hotel with this last volume of intriguing original compositions by LaVerne and a handful of appealing standard titles. “In hindsight, it's surprising that the piano and organ format has been so rarely utilized in jazz because it makes so much sense. The B3 is able to provide a bass line and a unique textural counterpoint that can complement as well as step forward ... it's Andy's superb originals that supply the fodder for this most rewarding collection…” (Andrew Hovan – AAJ on “Intelligent Design” SCCD 31618

Jason Palmer launched a series of homage recordings of songs composed or made famous by iconic singers of our time a couple of years ago with “Take A Little Trip” SCCD 31750 examining songs associated with Minnie Riperton, which was highly acclaimed by critics and public alike. Palmer here on this his 5th album on the label pays tribute to the artistry of Janell Monáe, a six-time Grammy nominated American psychedelic soul and R & B singer-songwriter. What a novel idea—refurbish songs associated with Minnie Riperton into modern jazz explorations. Fortunately, trumpeter Jason Palmer steered clear from the novelty route on this exquisite disc by mapping out a far richer path, marked by subtle interplay, elliptical phrasing and daring arrangements.” (John Murph – DownBeat on “Take A Little Trip” SCCD 31750)