SAN JOSE, CA. (Anne Smith Communications/ www.octobop.com) - Octobop (www.octobop.com), the popular Bay Area West Coast jazz octet, today announced it has signed a recording contract with Group 7
Music (www.group7music.com). Group 7 Music, based in Los Angeles, will handle the distribution and outbound marketing of Octobop's newest recording set for release in December 2004. Group 7
Music was founded by legendary jazz musician (tenor sax and bass clarinetist) Dave Pell. Dave led his own group, the "Dave Pell Octet," which was one of the bands credited for establishing the West Coast Jazz scene in the 1950s. The Dave Pell Octet was one of the inspirations for the formation of Octobop.
"Octobop's sound is, by today's standards, unique in that no one else is playing the smooth and rich music of West Coast Jazz," said Dave Pell, president and founder of Group 7 Music. "Octobop's newest CD is special for many reasons but most importantly it extends the musical legacy of the Dave Pell Octet and other West Coast jazz groups. I am thrilled to have a vibrant reminder of West Coast Jazz on my label and look forward to many more recordings in the years to come."
"This deal is especially sweet for Octobop since one of our influences is the rich musical heritage of Dave Pell and his recordings," said Geoff Roach, founder, saxophonist and producer of Octobop. "We are excited to have this opportunity to work with a living legend who has brought so much to music, especially the genre of West Coast Jazz."
About Dave Pell and Group 7 Music
The Dave Pell Octet was an instant success in the 1950s and was a showcase for the great new West Coast arrangers, including John Williams, Bill Holman, Bob Florence, Johnny Mandel, Andre Previn, Med Flory and many more. Best known as the leader of The Dave Pell Octet, Dave has recorded over thirty albums with his band.
He also recorded two CDs with his group Prez Conference in celebration of Lester Young featuring "Sweets" Edison and Joe Williams. Dave's other credits encompass the full scope of the professional music industry from sideman to bandleader, music publisher, producer, jazz musician, label owner and music supervisor for many films. Group 7 Music was founded in the summer of 2004 by Dave Pell and currently features more than 25 albums in its library.
For more information on Octobop, please visit www.octobop.com.
