Black Jazz Records was a jazz record label founded in Oakland, California [1] during the early 1970s by jazz pianist Gene Russell.[1]
Russell founded the label as an alternative to traditional jazz invoking a more political and spiritual tone[2] often with funk overtones[3]. Black Jazz released various types of music including, funk, free jazz and soul jazz. According to a 1974 Billboard Magazine, one of the label's more successful artists, Doug Carn, sold more records than Dave Brubeck and Ramsey Lewis[2]. The label existed for six years during its first run and ended following the death of Russell.[2]
Contents |
| BJQD | Artists | Title | Recorded |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gene Russell | New Direction | 1971 |
| 2 | Walter Bishop, Jr. | Coral Keys | 1971 |
| 3 | Doug Carn | Infant Eyes | 1971 |
| 4 | Rudolph Johnson | Spring Rain | 1971 |
| 5 | Calvin Keys | Shawn-Neeq | 1971 |
| 6 | Chester Thompson | Powerhouse | 1971 |
| 7 | Henry Franklin | The Skipper | 1971 |
| 8 | Doug Carn | Spirit Of The New Land | 1972 |
| 9 | The Awakening | Hear, Sense And Feel | 1972 |
| 10 | Gene Russell | Talk To My Lady | 1973 |
| 11 | Rudolph Johnson | The Second Coming | 1973 |
| 12 | Kellee Patterson | Maiden Voyage | 1974 |
| 13 | |||
| 14 | Walter Bishop, Jr. | Keeper Of My Soul | 1973 |
| 15 | The Awakening | Mirage | 1973 |
| 16 | Doug Carn | Revelation | 1973 |
| 17 | Henry Franklin | The Skipper At Home | 1974 |
| 18 | Calvin Keys | Proceed With Caution! | 1974 |
| 19 | Roland Haynes | The Second Wave | 1974 |
| 20 | Cleveland Eaton | Plenty Good Eaton | 1975 |
| 21 | Doug Carn | Adams Apple | 1973 |
| 22 | Doug Carn | New Incentive: Firm Roots | 2001 |