TheJazz Boosts Its Multi-Platform Appeal
theJazz, the UK’s first national digital radio is set to boost its multi-platform appeal by launching its own record label this spring after signing a deal with Universal Classics and Jazz (UCJ).
The deal, which was negotiated on behalf of theJazz by GCap’s head of commercial enterprises, Giles Pearman, and Dickon Stainer, managing director of UCJ, means that the radio station will release its first album this June.
The first release from the new label, Come Into The Cool, is a two-CD compilation of jazz tracks which promises to both “cherish the jazz heritage while championing its future”. In June, the label releases the two-CD compilation album, theJazz presents The Very Best of Latin Jazz.
Speaking about the deal, Darren Henley, managing director of theJazz, said: “Like Classic FM, theJazz will be a truly multi-platform brand. We’re delighted to be working with UCJ, the UK’s most successful jazz record company, on the first of these brand extensions.”
Stainer added:: “Working with an exciting new brand like theJazz gives us a unique opportunity to develop new markets for jazz music, traditional and contemporary. theJazz is a fantastic platform for jazz artists of all kinds”.
The new DAB digital radio station was launched nationally last December, on Christmas day, as a sister station to the successful Classic FM (see GCap Jazzed Up With New Digital Radio Station).
Last week, GCap Media bought out the rest of the Classic Gold network, consisting of 18 AM Classic Gold radio stations, from UBC Media for just shy of £4 million in cash (see GCap Nabs Classic Gold Network In Almost £4 Million Cash Deal).