Mapleshade Records
Mapleshade Records is an American jazz record company and independent record label founded by Pierre Sprey in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, United States, in 1990.
Mapleshade Records | |
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Founded | 1990 |
Founder | Pierre Sprey |
Genre | Jazz, blues, gospel, classical |
Country of origin | United States |
Location | Baltimore, Maryland |
Official website | www |
Mapleshade's catalogue includes Bobby Battle, Gary Bartz, Walter Davis, Clifford Jordan, Frank Kimbrough, and Norris Turney. Sprey, an electronics enthusiast, built his equipment and has a recording studio in his house. At one time, Hamiet Bluiett and Larry Willis were artists and repertoire (A&R) men for the company. Both musicians recorded albums as leaders for the label.
Before his career in jazz recording, Sprey worked as a systems analyst in The Pentagon, helping with the proposals for the A-10 and Lightweight Fighter program.
A sister label, Wildchild Records, was founded in 1995. In later years the label branched into R&B and blues.