BLACK JAZZ RECORDS / Label logo

Black Jazz Records was a jazz record label and record company founded in Oakland, California, by pianist Gene Russell and percussionist Dick Schory. It was created to promote the talents of young African American musicians and singers, and released twenty albums between 1971 and 1975.
Some of the most notable artists to record for Black Jazz Records were Cleveland Eaton, former bassist for Count Basie and Ramsey Lewis, and organist and pianist Doug Carn, whose four albums were the label's most successful.
Created as an alternative to traditional jazz, it manifested a more political and spiritual tone, often with funk undertones. Black jazz released various types of music, including funk, free jazz, and soul jazz. Black Jazz Records was also known for its unique album cover design. All albums featured white lettering on a black background, with the liner notes and personnel listed in the same place on each of the label's releases.