Peak Records is an American record label that was founded by The Rippingtons leader and guitarist Russ Freeman and Andi Howard in 1994.

History

*1994 Peak Records is co-founded by Russ Freeman and Andi Howard in GRP Records. *1997 Peak transferred to Windham Hill Records. *2000 Peak transferred to Concord Records. Peak's first recording was ''Time Slipping By'' from Mark Williamson in 1994, and ''

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'' by Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons. During the late 1990s, Peak became a fully self-sufficient independent label under Windham Hill/RCA, and the Rippingtons' released '' Black Diamond'' to commemorate the then 10-year anniversary of the group. When the label became part of Concord Records, Peak signed saxophonists Paul Taylor and Eric Marienthal, and

Regina Belle Regina Belle (born July 17, 1963) is an American singer-songwriter who started her career in the mid-1980s. Known for her singles "Baby Come to Me (Regina Belle song), Baby Come to Me" (1989) and "Make It Like It Was" (1990), Belle is most notabl ...

to the label as well as vocalist

Phil Perry Philip Eugene Perry (born January 12, 1952) is an American Contemporary R&B, R&B singer, songwriter, musician and a former member of the soul group, The Montclairs, from 1971 to 1975. He was also known for performing the opening song to Disney� ...

. In 2001, Belle released '' This Is Regina!'', which went gold and earned a

Grammy Award The Grammy Awards, stylized as GRAMMY, and often referred to as The Grammys, are awards presented by The Recording Academy of the United States to recognize outstanding achievements in music. They are regarded by many as the most prestigious ...

nomination for Best Traditional Soul/R & B Vocal category. Early on, the label put out the Rippingtons' second live recording called '' Live Across America'' in 2002, and an album from Gato Barbieri, called ''The Shadow Of The Cat.'' LaToya London released an album on Peak Records in September 2005 called '' Love & Life'' Others who have released material on the label include former Ambrosia vocalist David Pack and Denver-based contemporary jazz act Dotsero. In 2004, '' Lazy Afternoon'' from Regina Belle made No. 9 on the ''

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'' Smooth Jazz Chart. In the middle of the decade, Howard and the label became aggressive in signing talent, bringing David Benoit in 2004, Lee Ritenour (2005), Gerald Albright (2006),

Will Downing Wilfred "Will" Downing (born November 29, 1963) is an American R&B, soul, neo soul, and jazz singer and songwriter. He has released 22 studio albums. Biography Early life Downing was born and raised to a working-class family in Bedford-Stuy ...

, Paul Brown, Norman Brown, Peabo Bryson and Marc Antoine (the last five all in 2007). In 2006, Peak released the Rippingtons' '' 20th Anniversary,'' which also included a commemorative 25-minute DVD. The CD included new songs including "Bingo Jingo," "City of Angels," "Costa Del Sol," and "Anything," which also featured singer-songwriter Brian McKnight. During 2007, Peak Records' artists Paul Brown and Norman Brown both peaked at No. 1 on the Smooth Jazz Chart from '' Radio & Records'' magazine. The label also released the debut album from Marc Antoine called ''Hi-Lo Split.'' In 2007, Peak Records released albums from

Eric Marienthal Eric Marienthal (born December 19, 1957) is a Grammy Award-nominated Los Angeles-based contemporary saxophonist best known for his work in the jazz, jazz fusion, smooth jazz, and pop genres. Early life Eric Marienthal was born on December 19, 1 ...

(''Just Around the Corner''), Peabo Bryson (''Missing You'') and Will Downing (''After Tonight''). In 2008, Jessy J released her debut recording on the label, '' Tequila Moon.'' In addition, saxophonist Mindi Abair signed to a recording contract and her debut, ''Stars'', was released in May that year. Jeff Lorber's album ''Heard That'' was issued in September. Leigh Jones also signed to the label, during a ceremony in mid-March. In the latter stages of 2008, it was announced that Wayne Brady had joined Peak and released his debut, ''A Long Time Coming,'' on September 16. Peak also signed Peter White and All-4-One. In 2011, Peak began a partnership with eOne Music.Peak Records Partners With eOne Music
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Notable current artists

* Gerald Albright * All-4-One * Marc Antoine *

* David Benoit * Wayne Brady * Norman Brown * Peabo Bryson *

* Russ Freeman * Jessy J * Jeff Lorber *

* Chanté Moore * Lee Ritenour * Paul Taylor * Peter White * The Rippingtons

References

External links

Official site
{{Authority control American jazz record labels Record labels established in 1994 American independent record labels Vanity record labels Concord Music Group Smooth jazz record labels

History

Notable current artists

See also

References

External links