Iannis Xenakis Pléïades Rebonds (2015) Sacd Iso

Through his numerous albums released from Venus Records, Eddie Higgins has firmly established his position as one of the most celebrated jazz pianists in Japan. For this album, which was released in 2007 in its original form, Higgins was paired with two veteran horn players who share his mature, straight-ahead sensibilities: Scott Hamilton and Ken Peplowski.

This SACD sampler from Master Music Ltd. features compilation of tunes from label's extensive catalog. Artists includes: Nicki Parrott, Lisa Wahlandt, Malene Mortensen, Etta Cameron, and many more. 14 tracks total.

Venus Records is known to highlight little-known veteran American jazz musicians who play excellent music to this day and merit listening by a wider audience. Some of these musicians include Eddie Higgins, Archie Shepp, Steve Kuhn, and Claude Williamson. The newest member added to this distinguished list is Charles McPherson. Even though McPherson is an alumni of the Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop from the late 60s and early 70s, presently he may be at the top of his game. On this release for Venus Records, McPherson is paired with the first-rate pianist Steve Kuhn. McPherson impresses with his personal tone and shining, emotional playing that is deeply rooted in bebop. This is an astonishing album by an astonishing artist.

In October 2006, expert pianist Eddie Higgins started on a challenging project. Higgins, together with Jay Leonhart and Mark Taylor, went into the studio and performed 50 love songs that had not been previously performed on another album. These tracks are set to be released as four albums. A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening is the second in the series.

Marilyn Scott takes her love for jazz to new heights on Every Time We Say Goodbye, with a seasoned East Coast quintet led by acclaimed pianist Cyrus Chestnut. The 10-song repertoire is comprised of smoky, wee-hours standards such as the Cole Porter-penned title track, a Rio-kissed samba take on Irving Berlin's "I Got Lost in His Arms", and a blues walk through "Detour Ahead". The arrangements offer fresh nuances to familiar favorites as do Marilyn's artful and articulate vocal interpretations.

Venus Records owner and producer Tetsuo Hara is known for recruiting various American jazz musicians for record dates during his regular trips to New York City, but he is also spending time in Europe, where he recruited the Roma Trio for this excellent album. Unless they gain exposure in the U.S. through appearing on American recordings or performing in New York City, European jazz musicians have a tough time getting recognized in the West. But Hara has long since learned the preferences of the Japanese jazz market, which readily seems to absorb bands he has introduced through his label.

Little Girl Blue is an artistic statement by jazz virtuoso Nina Simone that reinvents a wide variety of compositions. Simone's combination of classical training, smoky-alto vocal delivery and the influence of modern jazz make her a novel and inspiring jazz singer and instrumentalist.

Pianist Eddie Higgins may not be well known in the U.S., but he is hands down the most famous and prolific musician on the Venus Records roster. Since his 1997 Venus debut, Higgins has released more than 20 albums from the label. This release is the first from a pair of solo piano albums that include a collection of standards requested by readers of Swing Journal. Forty of the top requests were given to Higgins and the plan was to record material for only one album. However, after recording 15 tracks on the first day - an extraordinary feat in itself - Higgins wanted to continue. So another recording took place the next day where Higgins recorded another 15 tracks.

In October 2006, expert pianist Eddie Higgins started on a challenging project. Higgins, together with Jay Leonhart and Mark Taylor, went into the studio and performed fifty love songs that had not been previously performed on another album. These tracks are set to be released as four albums. A Fine Romance is the first in the series.