Set up in late 2003
by the Jazz Cafe's Adrian Gibson, Freestyle Records has rapidly amassed
a consistently strong and impressive catalogue of fine and funky
releases. Featured artists include luminaries such as Chaka Khan, Fred
Wesley, Soulive, Chali 2Na (Jurassic 5), Me'shell Ndegeochello, The
Beatnuts, JTQ featuring Roy Ayers, Lewis Taylor, Michael Franti, Saul
Williams and Ursula Rucker.
As well as these
international stars we have also focussed on developing home-grown
artists such as Sleeve, Flow Dynamics, Kokolo, Afrodizz, Reggie Watts,
Jazz Juice, Richy Pitch and The Society.
Throughout the
full catalogue you will find an eclectic output from funk, hip hop and
soul to afrobeat, breaks, disco and house. The emphasis is definitely
on quality and broadness, rather than perpetuating existing musical
genres, which has won fans as far afield as Kenny Dope, Gilles
Peterson, Norman Jay, Mr Scruff, Danny Krivit, Jazzanova, DJ Spinna,
Annie Mac, Quantic, Fort Knox, Kev Beadle, Spiritual South, DJ Yoda,
Mad Mats, Boca 45, Dr Rubberfunk and countless other DJs worldwide.
Below are just a few of the nice things people have said about us...
"Freestyle by name, freestyle by
nature...the releases cover Latin, soul, jazz, funk and breaks. Fun and
full or suprises!"
Mr Scruff
"Consistent & satisfying, one of the
UK's most eclectic labels"
Will Holland (Quantic)
"Absolutely massive for me out therelove
it!"
Norman Jay
"Labels as diverse as
this are not meant to exist - and anyway, it shouldn't work. By calling
the label 'Freestyle' it's given them carte blanche to put out what the
bloody hell they want because they're allowed to, and they have - a
delicious clash of all permutations of Black Music covering a thirty
year period. See? It does work."
Snowboy (Acid
Jazz/The Hi Hat)
"Freestyle rocks the
spot"
Scott Hendy (Boca 45/Dynamo
Productions)
"Not many labels describe a genre of music
(Acid Jazz, Motown, Stax) but this one does.one of my favorite record
labels out of London"
Paul Murphy (Afro Art records)
"The
Freestyle tunes keep getting better and better!"
Jon H (Fort Knox Five)
"More releases than a sperm bank and all
good!
Mark Robertson (Spiritual
South)
"Life before Freestyle must have been a
dull placejust how do they do it AND do it so well???!!!"
Pete Isaac
(Jelly Jazz)
"This label
continues to pave the way for UK funk on 45"
Gerald Short (Jazzman Records)
"As one of the most, if not THE most,
prolific independent record labels around, Freestyle always delivers
the goods. Whether it be a cheeky dancefloor cut-up, or deep &
jazzy b-side, this imprint always comes up trumps!"
Dom Servini (Straight No
Chaser)
"We don't have a feature on our website
called 'Freestyle, my new favourite label' for nothing you know!"
Phillippa (Piccadilly Records)
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