Catalogue of current releases

Everything about this album is beautiful – the music, the artwork and the sentiments behind it. The title comes from Russian pianist Leonid Vintskevich (see 'Notes from Underground' below). It's a phrase he utters from time to time when preparing for a concert: instruments have been set up and sound-checked; the musicians are relaxing somewhere comfortable with food in front of them and a glass of vodka in their hands. "Now we have all for a beautiful life!". It's best said in a thick Russian accent. The album features superb contributions by special guests Steve Waterman on trumpet and Ed Jones on tenor sax.

It's become something of a signature Stekpanna dish to serve up a reworked version of a well known tune. On Standin' Tall we had Smoke on the Water; on Ouch! it was James Brown's I Feel Good; On this album, Led Zeppelin and John Coltane's classic tracks have been artfully combined to produce A Whole Lotta Love Supreme.

The photos on the sleeve of AFABL were taken from a wonderful collection by Lonon-based photographer Heather McDonough. There are more online here. Heather's own site is at www.lostgloves.com.

Luis D'Agostino Trio GBHCD09
In Between

Stekpanna trio and Vintskevich duo GBHCD008
Note From Underground

Stekpanna GBHCD07
ouch!

Stekpanna's second release for Flat Five sees the boys in autobiographical mood, with most of the tracks composed with the places and people of their respective homes very much in mind. Mads's Copenhagen abode is represented by one of its thoroughfares 'Vesterbrogade', and his home town of Glyngoere by 'One for the Herring'. Sweden and Yorkshire also get more than a look in. The whole album has a playful, happy feel. A quirky version of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown's 'I Feel Good' fits in perfectly. Once again, British saxophonists Ed Jones and Andy Sheppard make guest appearances.

"The nine originals are packed with idiosyncratic themes, tricksy rhythms, resourceful soloing and an eye for a sharp title to boot..."
Jazzwise

More details, track listing and reviews, plus some extracts to listen to.

JH4 GBHCD06
Less is More

John Hoare leads this quartet of exciting young players on the London jazz scene. Their album features compositions by John and pianist Michael Young. Three of the tracks form a suite composed for visual artist Richard Long's 'Antibes Ellipse' exhibition (right). Richard also designed the striking artwork for the CD cover and inlay.

John is a trumpet player in demand at the moment, for tours with the likes of Super Furry Animals and Jamie Cullum. With luck, he'll have time to record a new album of his own before the end of 2004.

More details, full track listing and some MP3 tasters for you to download.

Digby Fairweather's Half Dozen GBHCD03
Twelve Feet off the Ground

More information

Digby Fairweather, Dave Shepherd, Roy Williams, Kathy Stobart, Brian Lemmon, Norman Fisk, Brian Rogerson GBHCD02
The Mick Potts Tribute Concert

Flat Five Records was originally set up by brothers Simon and Adrian Potts in memory of their father Mick Potts, shortly after his death in the early 1990s. MIck was an inspirational character, with boundless zest for life, and a passion for jazz which he brought to the town of Carlisle and around the North West of England. He played trumpet in the Gateway Jazz Band, ran a jazz club in the town for many years, presented programmes about jazz on local radio and TV, and brought some of the worlds greatest musicians to play in Carlisle. Shortly after his death, this memorial concert was held in the Sands centre in Carlisle to a sell-out crowd of over 2000 people. The first half of the concert was performed by The Honkin' Hep Cats, featuring two of Mick's sons, Maff Potts and Simon Potts on piano and drums respectively. The second half of the concert was recorded by the BBC, and is available on this CD. It features some of the UKs greatest jazz musicians, all of whom had worked with Mick at some time.

More details - full track listing.

Stekpanna GBHCD01
Standin' Tall

The debut album from this Anglo-Scandinavian trio, who met when studying at the Musicians' Institute in Los Angeles. Shortly after release, Standin' Tall spent some time in the Top 10 of the chart compiled by London's Jazz FM.