SteepleChase

Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1972 by Nils Winther, primarily to record American jazz expatriates at Jazzhus Montmartre. The early catalog established its core focus on acoustic Bop and Post Bop, exemplified by definitive releases such as Duke Jordan’s Flight To Denmark (1974). This period also introduced the label’s willingness to embrace the avant-garde with Jackie McLean & Michael Carvin’s Free Jazz album Antiquity (1975).

The label balanced traditional and challenging material. It produced celebrated Hard Bop and blues-inflected work, including Archie Shepp & Horace Parlan’s classic duo recording Goin’ Home (1977) and several iconic albums by Chet Baker (No Problem, The Touch Of Your Lips - both 1980). Concurrently, it was a crucial outlet for Free Jazz, notably with releases by South African-influenced artists like Johnny Dyani (Witchdoctor’s Son, 1978; Song For Biko, 1979).

SteepleChase officially diversified by launching the classical sub-label Kontrapunkt in 1987. The label entered a prolific era, with an increasing output of new recordings focusing primarily on Post Bop. The 1990s saw more than 200 new titles released, featuring a high volume of work from musicians like Ron McClure, Andy LaVerne, and Billy Hart.

SteepleChase remains highly active, continuing to focus on acoustic jazz. The total catalog has surpassed 1,000 releases. Despite its deep roots in classic styles, it still includes modern Free Jazz and Modal recordings by artists like Kirk Knuffke (Little Cross, 2015) and Russ Lossing (Mood Suite, 2020), maintaining its legacy of variety and consistency under founder Nils Winther.