The Complete Contemporary Records Discography

For the first time in print, the complete discography of recordings released by Contemporary Records. Part of the jazz collectors reference series created by jazz aficionado Michael Malott who has chronicled the recordings of Blue Note, Prestige, Riverside, ECM and others. This informative volume spans the existence of the label and their releases from 1951through 1984. Contemporary Records was a West Coast jazz record company and label founded by Lester Koenig (December 3, 1918 - November 20, 1977) in Los Angeles in 1951. The Los Angeles-based company quickly set industry standards with its superb audio, quiet pressings, striking album graphics, and informative liner notes. Contemporary became identified with a style of jazz called West Coast jazz and featured artists the likes of Art Pepper, Chet Baker, Shelly Manne, Red Mitchell, Benny Golson, Barney Kessel and André Previn. Contemporary is credited with launching the career of Ornette Coleman. Read more