Jazzman Records dives into the vaults of SteepleChase on latest Spiritual Jazz compilation
Jazzman Records has just released volume eleven (!!!) of it’s critically-acclaimed Spiritual Jazz series, this time diving deep into the vaults of the Copenhagen-based and highly under-the-radar imprint SteepleChase Records. Similar to the past two label-focused releases in the series, this double vinyl compilation features some of the most essential recordings from the European label.
Even though jazz-focused record labels like Blue Note, Impulse!, Prestige, Milestone, ECM, and others have rightfully received a ton praise for their masterful catalogs of groundbreaking releases, SteepleChase was responsible for issuing some of the best jazz recordings during the seventies and eighties. Founded in 1972 by Nils Winther, the label did a great job early on in featuring a nice mixture of well-established artists and musicians on the rise. Their eclectic roster of artists was wide-ranging from jazz greats like Chet Baker, Clifford Jordan, Mary Lou Williams, Jackie McLean, Dexter Gordon, Andrew Hill, and others to lesser-known foward-thinking musicians like Johnny Dyani, René McLean (son of Jackie McLean), Khan Jamal, Michael Carvin, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Hal Galper, and many more. Originally Winther intended to release recordings from visiting Americans who performed at the legendary Café Montmartre, however in time, SteepleChase went on to also record and release some of the best jazz music coming out of Europe.
As he did with the past two volumes, which highlighted Blue Note (Volume 9) and Prestige (Volume 10), Jazzman Gerald has, once again, done a brilliant job in curating an incredible compilation that showcases the expansive depth of recordings from one of the most pivotal jazz labels of it’s time.
Various — ‘Spiritual Jazz Vol.11: SteepleChase’
(Jazzman Records)
A1 Mary Lou Williams — “Ode To Saint Cecilie”
A2 Billy Gault — “The Time Of This World Is At Hand”
A3 Sam Jones — “Jean Marie”
B1 René McLean — “Aida”
B2 Jim McNeely — “Tipe Tizwe”
B3 Johnny Dyani — “Magwaza”
C1 Jackie McLean & Michael Carvin — “De I Comalee A”
C2 Ken McIntyre — “Miss Priss”
D1 Khan Jamal — “Dark Warrior”
D2 Jackie McLean & The Cosmic Brotherhood — “Camel Driver”
D3 Michael Carvin — “Naima”
