Rising Jazz Stars Foundation Launches Resonance Label

By I Dec. 20, 2007

President of the Rising Jazz Stars Foundation, George Klabin, has established Los Angeles-based Resonance Records. The label will release its first recordings in March 2008.

The first four releases are slated for March and April 2008. The March release includes a previously unreleased quartet recording made in London by pianist Gene Harris. The first Resonance CD is a tribute to Herbie Hancock by pianist/composer John Beasley who will be joined by Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride and Jeff “Tain” Watts.

Both April releases will be two-disc sets coupling a CD with a DVD. One features the Swedish guitarist Andreas Oberg. The second release is by 61-year-old Brooklyn native Mike Garson, best known as David Bowie’s keyboard player for 35 years. Future releases include recordings by Brazilian trumpeter Claudio Roditi, violinist Christian Howes with pianist Roger Kellaway, pianist Bill Cunliffe, Brazilian guitarist/vocalist Toninho Horta, flutist Lori Bell and vocalist Cathy Rocco.

Klabin combined production and non-profit experience to form the Rising Jazz Stars Foundation, a non-profit in 2005. As a program of the foundation, Resonance is able to structure its economic resources in a manner that frees it from many limitations that exist in the jazz record business. Its artists benefit from a revenue-sharing concept that offers greater economic return and allows them to produce their music without studio time restrictions and related expenses.

Rising Star’s primary purpose is to discover and present new jazz talent. Resonance will also feature the Heirloom Series for music that was previously recorded, is of historical significance, or is by already renowned artists.

Other programs in development for the foundation include establishing a performance component geared toward presenting the artists at festivals and other facilities around the world.

More info:risingjazzstars.com