Universal Music UK Revives Legendary Jazz Imprint Fontana With Jacob Collier, Jeff Goldblum & More

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The returning imprint, which volition beryllium tally by Tom Lewis, has been dubbed "the caller location of jazz, folk, blues, alternate and psyche successful the U.K."

LONDON – Universal Music U.K. is reviving the legendary jazz imprint Fontana, the institution announced connected Thursday (Sept. 25).

Fontana, which was founded much than 70 years agone by the Dutch multinational institution Philips, distributed euphony by Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck and Art Blakey successful the U.K. Universal has dubbed the returning imprint as “the caller location of jazz, folk, blues, alternate and psyche successful the U.K.”

Tom Lewis, antecedently co-president of Decca Records, has been named the sole president of Fontana. Its archetypal roster consists of erstwhile Decca signees Jacob Collier, AURORA, Jeff Goldblum, Jordan Rakei, Melody Gardot, Victor Ray, The Teskey Brothers and dodie.

Established successful 1954, Fontana besides distributed British jazz musicians Tubby Hayes, Cleo Laine and Ronnie Scott. In aboriginal years, it was location to formative releases by Jimmy Page, Elton John (with his Bluesology band) and an aboriginal iteration of The Who.

Fontana had 5 U.K. No. 1 hits, astir famously with The Spencer Davis Group (“Keep On Running”) and Manfred Mann (“Mighty Quinn”). Universal Music U.K. archetypal assumed ownership of the statement successful 1999.

Following Lewis’ departure, Decca Records volition treble down connected its occurrence successful the classical and ambient genres portion besides focusing connected film, TV and gaming soundtracks. Laura Monks, who shared the rubric of co-president with Lewis, volition presume the relation of president and oversee Decca Records, Decca Classics, Mercury KX and Hyperion, with artists including Ludovico Einaudi, Andrea Bocelli, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Lise Davidsen, Yunchan Lim and Max Richter. Upcoming releases connected the label will see Richter’s people for the Paul Mescal-starring Hamnet and Paddington The Musical.

Dickon Stainer, president and main enforcement of Universal Music U.K., said successful a statement: “These changes bespeak our committedness to supporting creator excellence successful these large genres of music. I’m delighted to spot Tom and Laura shaping the aboriginal of some labels, and opening caller avenues of find for artists and fans crossed the world.”