I can't see a thread for it (apologies if there is one).
What are some your favourite record labels, and why?
Here's (probably) my top three:
Studio One - Anyone into Reggae will know this record label like a best friend that they can always rely upon. Set up by the great Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd, quite simply, even to this day, some 71 years after it's founding!, it remains the bible for Reggae 'riddims'. Some of the greatest tunes ever to have come out of Jamaica are on this label, and from a who's who of Reggae's greats.
Recording quality was never the greatest, but Reggae music was created for the dancehallls for the masses to enjoy, not so much for 'audiophiles' to sit down and listen to at home
P.S. Soul Jazz Records compilations are a great way in to discovering Studio One's catalogue.
Real World Records - I'm not really sure who came up with the genre tag 'World Music'. I think possibly Charlie Gillett, from back in his BBC Radio London days?, but I honestly don't know. I'm not even convinced the tag is particularly helpful, but anyhow, here we are.
The label was founded by Peter Gabriel and recording quality, from all the cds I have on this label, is generally superb. The label is also intrinsically linked to the WOMAD festivals, of which I've been lucky to go to a few over the years.
Gondwana Records - Founded by the Jazz trumpeter from Manchester, Matthew Halsall, and his brother Daniel, this label draws huge inspiration from spiritual Jazz, especially Alice Coltrane.
Featuring a diverse range of artists, the label, whilst broadly fitting the Jazz genre, defies categorisation as it leans heavily into electronica and neo classical, too. It's a very exciting label for my tastes. I have a lot of their releases on CD, and I recently went to a Gondwana Records concert in London, with Vega Trails headlining, which is what prompted me to start this thread really.
So, with some honourable mentions for some of the great Jazz labels such as Blue Note, Impulse etc, and also groundbreakers like ECM and Ninja Tune, its over to you to describe in your own words some of the record labels, from the thousands out there, that you've grown to love over the years or have even just discovered.
What are some your favourite record labels, and why?
Here's (probably) my top three:
Studio One - Anyone into Reggae will know this record label like a best friend that they can always rely upon. Set up by the great Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd, quite simply, even to this day, some 71 years after it's founding!, it remains the bible for Reggae 'riddims'. Some of the greatest tunes ever to have come out of Jamaica are on this label, and from a who's who of Reggae's greats.
Recording quality was never the greatest, but Reggae music was created for the dancehallls for the masses to enjoy, not so much for 'audiophiles' to sit down and listen to at home
P.S. Soul Jazz Records compilations are a great way in to discovering Studio One's catalogue.
Real World Records - I'm not really sure who came up with the genre tag 'World Music'. I think possibly Charlie Gillett, from back in his BBC Radio London days?, but I honestly don't know. I'm not even convinced the tag is particularly helpful, but anyhow, here we are.
The label was founded by Peter Gabriel and recording quality, from all the cds I have on this label, is generally superb. The label is also intrinsically linked to the WOMAD festivals, of which I've been lucky to go to a few over the years.
Gondwana Records - Founded by the Jazz trumpeter from Manchester, Matthew Halsall, and his brother Daniel, this label draws huge inspiration from spiritual Jazz, especially Alice Coltrane.
Featuring a diverse range of artists, the label, whilst broadly fitting the Jazz genre, defies categorisation as it leans heavily into electronica and neo classical, too. It's a very exciting label for my tastes. I have a lot of their releases on CD, and I recently went to a Gondwana Records concert in London, with Vega Trails headlining, which is what prompted me to start this thread really.
So, with some honourable mentions for some of the great Jazz labels such as Blue Note, Impulse etc, and also groundbreakers like ECM and Ninja Tune, its over to you to describe in your own words some of the record labels, from the thousands out there, that you've grown to love over the years or have even just discovered.
