Concord Music Acquires HighTone and Bandit Records

Concord Bicycle Music is pleased to announce it has acquired the catalog of prized independent Americana, folk and blues label HighTone Records and, in a separate transaction, the recorded music assets of Bandit Records, the late George Jones’ label imprint.

The HighTone catalog, which was obtained from Shout! Factory, includes over 350 master recordings from renowned artists such as Buddy Miller, The Blasters, Dave Alvin, Joe Ely, Dick Dale, Robert Cray, Joe Lewis Walker, Gary Stewart, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Rosie Flores, Tom Russell, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Dale Watson and many others.

Founded in Oakland, CA in 1983 by Bruce Bromberg and Larry Sloven, HighTone quickly became a home for the early 80’s burgeoning west coast underground roots music scene when its first release, bluesman Robert Cray’s Bad Influence, was a surprise hit and went on to sell over a million copies. Expanding rapidly, HighTone released a series of superb blues, folk, rock and country albums while carving out a niche in the roots music style that would become known as Americana. HighTone also houses imprints including Testament Records and Highwater Blues & Gospel that specializes in American roots music such as country, rockabilly, western swing, blues, and gospel.

Former Smithsonian Folkways Chief , Richard James Burgess, to Lead A2IM Indie Music Org

 A2IM, the American Association of Independent Music, has named Richard James Burgess as its

new CEO. Burgess, who most recently headed up all business aspects of the non-profit Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, brings a unique set of qualifications for guiding A2IM's growing membership, as Independent labels step into prominent leadership roles within the music industry. Membership has grown by nearly 20% in the last two years, and now comprises 382 label and 171 associate members.

"Richard James Burgess is the best man to lead the next decade of growth for the Independent community. Burgess brings a unique perspective as the business head of Washington, DC--based Smithsonian Folkways, the venerable independent label that has roots dating back to the 1940s. Independent labels have a vital role commercially and culturally, and have introduced virtually every new music genre in the last century. Independent label musicians today range from the yet-to-be-discovered rural singer-songwriters or rock bands playing local clubs to the world's biggest stars like Adele and Taylor Swift." - Tom Silverman, TommY BoY

"This search called for a unique, diverse set of skills: experience generating business in the indie space, first-hand understanding of indie labels' needs, a strong command of current rights debates, and comfort with both digital partners and the artist community. Burgess's wide range of credentials made him stand out." - Martin Mills - Founder and Chairman, Beggars Group