Two new labels from production company Nu Jazz Entertainment aim to take jazz recordings to a new level-the digital level.
Nu Jazz Records and Nu Jazz Video plan to release more than 30 high definition audio and video projects each via NuJazz Entertainment. Artists working with the labels include saxophonist Jimmy Greene (pictured with Luques Curtis), drummer Geoff Clapp, saxophonist Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson and Walter Blanding, Jr., one of the original Tough Young Tenors.
“By making all of our audio and video products available exclusively for digital download, we’re able to bring new performances to jazz lovers around the world on a consistent, and almost instantaneous basis,” said Nu Jazz Entertainment founder Jerald Miller in a press release.
Users can download releases directly to their computers from the Nu Jazz Web site, as well as through downloading services like iTunes, Zune Marketplace and Amazon. In addition to single-track downloads, Nu Jazz offers full-length albums on the “Digital Music Card” for $9.99, with bonus features like audio interviews and photos.
“Digital Music Cards,” Miller explained, “are pre-manufactured plastic cards, which contain album artwork on the front, and a unique download ‘scratch-off’ code on the back, with instructions on how to redeem the cards.”
The jazz label is the first in the industry to offer specifically manufactured cards for their releases. But for those who wish to have a physical copy of a CD or DVD, the label has a “Manufacture on Demand” partnership with Amazon.com’s “CreateSpace” on-demand self-publishing. CDs and DVDs for physical purchase are priced at $16.98 and $24.98, respectively.
A second version, the “Digital Music and Video Album,” gives the purchaser a full-length concert video as well as bonus features. The music and video albums retail for $19.98, according to a press release from Nu Jazz Entertainment.
So far, Nu Jazz Entertainment has begun to build its place as an Internet music service, securing partnerships and promotional campaigns with Web giants like YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, Imeem and download.com, according to a press release.
The first release, set for June 17, is Jimmy Greene’s The Overcomer’s Suite, a four-part composition of biblical context, composed by Greene, who plays soprano and tenor saxophone on the record. The contemporary, groove-oriented album includes Xavier Davis on piano, Luques Curtis on bass and Kendrick Scott on drums. Free video clips of Greene’s performances-as well as other Nu Jazz Records artists-are available at NuJazzEntertainment.com.
The company will present its Jazz Legends series later this year on digital music albums, featuring previously unreleased audio tracks by historic jazz figures, including Duke Ellington. Downloads include photos and original video content of each artist in the series.
In addition to album releases, the site promotes high quality WAV tracks, available for purchase for $1.49 to $2.49 per song. Single tracks are available as MP3’s between $.99 and $1.99. Video content in MPEG2, MPEG4 and MOV forms will sell between $1.99 and $2.99.
