Steeplechase Denmark Vinyl & CDs

Review: American-Danish jazz pianist Kenny Drew grew up in the US, but he truly took flight as a prominent artist after relocating to Copenhagen in the 60s where he argued he was able to enjoy more freedom as an artist than if he had stayed in New York. Dark Beauty arrived in 1974 in the midst of a prolific run as Drew settled into his stride with Danish label SteepleChase. The trio is completed by Albert Heath on drums and close collaborator Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass, and stands proud as one of the great examples of Drew’s talents at their peak.

Review: In 2009, Congolese-Danish saxophonist and composer John Tchicai (1936-2012) diverged from his usual path in the 60s free jazz scene to record a straight-ahead jazz album. He surprised his loyal followers on the process but also won them over with the new direction. The album, In Monk's Mood, proved a big hit and soon sold out. Danish label Steeplechase has now served up this resume on nice heavyweight vinyl so it can be enjoyed all over again by past and future fans. The seven tunes are all easy to enjoy cuts with dynamic drumming and plenty of majestic sax lines.