Black Hat Records is dedicated to the uncompromising expressions of Jazz and improvised music and the artists we record. We are a Jazz label for the real Jazz fan looking for an adventure. Our titles are distributed by NorthCountry Distribution, Cadence Building, Redwood, New York 13679. Please feel free to contact us about where to purchase our products, about distributing our products or booking our talent.
Black Hat Records is proud to announce its fourth release an indefinite suspension of the possible (Black Hat Records BH-1004) by Cooke Qunitet. CQ’s approach to acoustic post-modern jazz allows for a freedom of emotional expression. With solid grooves and explosions of energy and sound, Cooke Qunitet’s music reminds one of the music being played by Ken Vandermark and John Zorn’s Masada. The instrumentation is twist on the classic jazz quintet; woodwinds, trombone, cello, koto and percussion. CQ plays in a cutting edge jazz style making use of modern forms like circle music and experiments with time and rhythm. They use various non-western scales and sounds as central points for launching into improvisations. What makes an indefinite suspension of the possible different from most of the jazz albums being created is the large variety of styles and techniques used to make the music on this adventurous CD. Love at Twilight and Ha-Me’aggel have world music influences and sounds. N 36 7.46' W121 38.35' and Loss are reflective works on the deaths of loved ones. Harmonic Rebellion is a high-energy improvisation that makes use of multi-phonic and harmonic sounds. Another high-energy work, Hard 8, maybe the closest to traditional jazz recorded on this release and Chain of Existence is a multi-section composition, which encapsulated the feel of the entire CD. This CD is available from Black Hat Records , Cadence and .
Our album, Searching , is available at the Jazz Loft and iTunes . This eclectic album has songs influenced by Latin, Indian, Asian and Classical music. A gutsy and risk taking performance, Searching is a musical adventure for the Jazz enthusiast. Of the nine songs on the album, seven are original tunes, which are as eclectic as the band. The title song " Searching " has Latin roots with the three percussionist setting the groove. The aggressive nature of " Malcontent " is off set by the beauty of " Nikita ". Drawing from the many cultures of the San Francisco Bay area, " Goddess " uses tabla and tanpura to give the song an Indian flavor and " Coalescing " has Asian and classical hints. " The Source " is a solid modern jazz tune with an interesting bass groove. The group displays their avant-garde roots on jazz standards " Footprints " and " Lonely Woman " as they perform them with high energy and emotion. While Searching is Michael's quest for his voice in Jazz, it is also a musical adventure for all that listen. Reviews of the album have been favorable with most talking about how emotional the music is.
Statements , is a number limited edition enhanced CD for PC and Mac. The enhancement contains an interview, art and poetry by Michael Cooke and other artists, information on the instruments used, the stories behind the songs and more. Statements is available with three different covers and poems all by different artists. You can download them from the Black Hat Records website, under the "Free Extras" section. Just print them out on your printer to replace the cover. The latest reviews call Statements "very intriguing" and "great music." The number limitied edition enhanced version is available from The Jazz Loft , Black Hat Records and Amazon.com .
What makes The Is different from most of the jazz albums being created is the large variety of styles and techniques used to make the music on this adventurous CD. Iram , , , has world music influences and sounds. and Marchin' Home are influenced by the blues. Mondrian en Amérique is a high-energy improvisation that is held together with a strict form. R'izhii takes you to the circus while Alex in Wonderland takes you on a multipart adventure. Spirits and 4+11m6m7 have classical music roots; Augmented maybe the closest to traditional jazz recorded on this release. This CD is available from iTunes , Black Hat Records , CDBaby , the Jazzloft and Amazon .