‘Strata-East: The Legacy Begins’ Honors Historic Indie Label’s Vibrant Artists

By DownBeat I Jan. 16, 2025

Strata-East co-founder Charles Tolliver performing at LPR during Winter Jazzfest 2025.
(Photo: Lev Radin)

The digital-only anthology Strata-East: The Legacy Begins, available Feb. 21 on all platforms, celebrates the revolutionary spirit of one of the most influential artist-owned independent jazz labels in history. A partnership between Mack Avenue Music Group and Strata-East, the anthology brings together iconic tracks that embody Strata-East’s commitment to artistry and creative freedom. Featuring Charles Tolliver, Stanley Cowell, The Heath Brothers, Charlie Rouse, Shamek Farrah, Pharoah Sanders and others, the collection showcases cult classics from the label’s deep catalog while honoring the artists who shaped its legacy.

The anthology not only marks the launch of the partnership between Strata-East and Mack Avenue Music Group but also delivers the label’s highest-quality audio anthology and is available digitally for the first time. A reflection of Strata-East’s dedication to spiritual jazz and social consciousness, the compilation invites listeners to rediscover classics or experience them anew. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the timelessness of this music while marking the start of an exciting new chapter.

“Strata-East Records is very proud to be partnering with Mack Avenue Music Group, whose passion, values, total commitment, and deep love for the music, mirror ours,” Tolliver said. “This is an exciting time and together with Mack Avenue we can’t wait to bring you, our fans around the world, new essential high-quality masters of the Strata-East catalog. We’ve gone back to the origins so that you can totally immerse yourself in this great music, the emotions, artistic and creative freedom that exemplifies Strata-East. There is a lot more to come and to be announced, so stay tuned.”

Will Wakefield, senior director of A&R for Mack Avenue Music Group, said: “We are excited to partner with Charles, Ched and the Strata-East team to bring this beloved music to the world with the highest quality audio and care taken to preserve its purest form. We can’t wait for everyone to hear what we have coming.”

Specializing in avant-garde and post-bop jazz, Strata-East’s notable albums include Tolliver’s Music Inc., Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, Charlie Rouse’s Two Is One and Billy Harper’s Capra Black. Strata-East addressed social and political themes resonant with the Black Arts Movement. Its pioneering approach to artist rights has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, cementing its place in jazz history.

Strata-East’s roster featured influential musicians who intertwined music with spoken word in response to their cultural moment. This includes Sanders, known for his spiritual and avant-garde explorations that inspired a shift in mainstream jazz offerings.

Despite its short period of recorded music output, Strata-East’s commitment to artistic freedom and high production standards earned it a place in jazz history. Its pioneering approach to artist rights and control has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, contributing to a vibrant and diverse musical landscape.

For more information on Strata-East, CLICK HERE. DB