Reference Recordings Subsidiary

StereoTimes Staff

1 December 1999

San Francisco, CA

Reference Recordings, internationally respected independent classical and jazz label, is branching out to create a distribution outlet for artist-owned labels. Dubbed Independent Productions from Reference Recordings, initial releases will be jazz CDs from West Coast jazz pioneer, drummer Eddie Marshall in his debut as a leader, and two projects from Bay Area tenor man Anton Schwartz. North American distribution will be fulfilled through Allegro Corporation of Portland, Oregon. Internationally, projects will be offered through select Reference importers initially. Additional distribution partners, outside RR’s current roster, will be sought to provide optimum jazz exposure worldwide.

Slated for North American release February 15, 2000 are Eddie Marshall’s debut “Holy Mischief” and Anton Schwartz’ second CD, “The Slow Lane”. Schwartz’ debut release, “When Music Calls” will also be available through the new distribution scheme. Detailed release information follows.

“In the current indy climate with distributors tightening-up their list of labels, it is even more difficult for artist-owned imprints to get representation. We feel we’re offering a service the market needs,” states Reference Recordings and Independent Productions Sales Director Janice Mancuso. “Working with Allegro, we’ve identified projects where we can be the ‘foster parents’ to artists whose musical abilities are well established and who have strong business sense but are new to running their own label. Internationally, we can open the doors to several large touring markets for jazz artists and give our importers more American jazz to sell in their territories. It can be a wining situation for everybody.”

For more information Janice Mancuso
Phone: 800-336-8866
Fax: 650-355-1949
Email: RRec@aol.com

Eddie Marshall

“An inspired composer…one of the best drummers in the business…hits hard and swings all at the same time.”–Bobby McFerrin

For over forty years Eddie Marshall has played drums with nearly every major name in jazz. His most long-standing associations have been with Toshiko Akiyoshi, Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson and Bobby McFerrin. A consummate side-man, Marshall is also greatly respected as a composer. His exciting collaboration with San Francisco’s best young players is reflected in the contemporary nature of his original music. He is considered a major leader in the evolution of a West Coast jazz sound and has, in recent years, gained attention for his mastery of the alto recorder, an instrument rarely heard in jazz.

A CD release party will be held at Yoshi’s in Oakland, CA on Tuesday, January 18th

“Holy Mischief” IPR-1000 (Ruddy Duck Records/Marshall Arts Publishing #RD-1000-2)
Eddie Marshall–drums & alto recorder
Paul Nagel–piano
Jeff Chambers–bass
Kenny Brooks–tenor & soprano saxophones
Jeff Cressman–trombone of “Wildwood”

1. Holy Mischief	7:14
2. Monsieur de Charles	4:05
3. Remember When	7:45
4. Luna Nueva	6:16
5. Sue Jeanius	5:14
6. Dreams that Dance	4:49
7. Too Much Romance	4:27
8. The Bridges of Terrell County	4:42
9. Wildwood	7:49

Total playing time 52:21
All songs written by Eddie Marshal expect “Remember When” written by Paul Nagel

Anton Schwatrz

“You play the tenor sax like it’s meant to be played!”–Illinois Jacquet

From richly introspective ballads to simmering grooves and upbeat reinterpretations of the classics, this acclaimed young saxophonist/composer playfully explores the panorama of jazz. His rich sound pays tribute to such diverse masters as John Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine and Ben Webster. His 1998 debut release, “When Music Calls” received extensive national airplay and charted on Gavin jazz , earned a 4-star rating from All-Music Guide and Downbeat called it “Thoughtful, adventurous jazz”. “The Slow Lane” is the eagerly awaited follow-up. It will receive aggressive national radio promotion from Dr. Jazz and will be supported by a national tour including The Blue Note in New York, Yoshi’s in Oakland, Catalina’s in Hollywood. Both of Anton Schwartz releases are HDCD encoded for superb audio fidelity on any CD player.

“The Slow Lane” IPR-1002 (AntonJazz #AJ-1002) (sequence & timings tentative)
Anton Schwartz–tenor sax
Paul Nagel–piano
John Shifflett–bass
Jason Lewis–drums

1. Miyako	6:32 (Wayne Shorter)
2. Curve of the Earth	8:42
3. Don’t Ask	6:13
4. Then Again	8:59
5. Along Came Betty	6:02 (Benny Golson)
6. Chelsea Bridge	4:50 (Billy Strayhorn)
7. Come Rain Come Shine	6:16 (Arlen/Mercer)
8. Peace Dollar	6:30
9. Born to be Blue	7:41 (Torme/Wells)
10. The Slow Lane	6:31
11. Curve of the Earth Reprise	1:36

total playing time 70:27
All songs by Anton Schwartz except as noted.

“When Music Calls” IPR-1001 (AntonJazz #AJ-1001)

Anton Schwartz–tenor sax
Paul Nagel–piano
John Shifflett–bass
Jason Lewis–drums
with Josh Jones congas (tracks 3,4, & 8)

1. Too Much Pepper	5:20
2. Rabbit Days	7:28
3. Where or When	5:19 (Rodgers & Hart)
4. Tidepool	7:50
5. Through the Years	7:19
6. Poketown	6:04
7. Denouement	6:48
8. Paradoxy	4:22 (Sonny Rollins)
9. Sticktuitive	7:59
10. When Music Calls	2:43

total playing time: 61:31
All songs by Anton Schwartz except as noted.

Anton has created and maintains a very extensive website at www.AntonJazz.com

Complete biographical info, pictures and reviews are on the site in convenient PDF files for downloading.

He will attend the IAJE Conference in New Orleans January 12-16, 2000.

Appointments with him can be arranged via email through the website.

Anton Schwartz–Tour Schedule
February-April 2000

February

18 & 19	Jazz at Pearl’s	San Francisco, CA
20	Garden City	San Jose, CA
21	Yoshi’s	Oakland, CA
25	Kuumbwa Jazz Center	Santa Cruz, CA
26	The Jazz & Blues Co.	Carmel, CA
28	Catalina Bar & Grill	Hollywood, CA

March

13	The Blue Note	New York, NY
19	Jazz Vespers at Old Pine	Philadelphia, PA
21	Eric Jackson interviews Anton on WGBH @ 9 pm
22	The Regatta Bar	Cambridge, MA
23	WGMC’s Meet the Artist Concert	Rochester, NY
24	The Calumet	Buffalo, NY