Black Jazz Records

Label founded in 1969 by pianist Gene Russell in Oakland. First four albums dropped August 1971—Doug Carn’s “Infant Eyes”, Rudolph Johnson’s “Spring Rain”, Chester Thompson’s “Powerhouse”, and Russell’s “New Direction”. Concept: complete creative freedom for Black artists, spiritual jazz meets funk, distinctive black-and-white cover design.

Peak creative period. Doug Carn became the label’s biggest success with spiritual jazz featuring wife Jean Carn’s vocals. Calvin Keys released “Shawn-Neeq”, defining the Jazz-Funk sound. Henry Franklin’s “The Skipper” and The Awakening’s modal explorations established the West Coast spiritual jazz aesthetic. Russell produced nearly everything through his GR Productions.

Last wave of releases: Kellee Patterson’s “Maiden Voyage”, Cleveland Eaton’s funk-heavy “Plenty Good Eaton”, Roland Haynes’ “2nd Wave”. Russell closed the label in 1975, citing commercial pressures. Total catalog: 20 albums, nearly all Soul-Jazz and Jazz-Funk.

Catalog acquired and reissued on CD in early 1990s. Hip-hop sampling by A Tribe Called Quest and Ice Cube sparked global rediscovery. Modern reissue programs cemented Black Jazz as essential document of 1970s Black Arts Movement and spiritual jazz. Influence echoes through contemporary funk, electronic, and hip-hop.