Excellation Music Acquires Jazz Specialist Mack Avenue Music Group

Excellation Music Acquires Mack Avenue Music Group

Independent Music Company Excellation Music has acquired Mack Avenue Music Group, which boasts a collection of prestigious jazz labels.

The acquisition encompasses Catalog Mack Avenue and its roster of active artists. Mack Avenue labels have garnered numerous Grammy nominations and awards.

Future Plans for Mack Avenue

The deal comes two years after Excellation’s acquisition of independent digital and physical distributor Redeye services for an undisclosed amount.

Excellation Music aims to “leverage its reliable distribution, marketing, and technological resources to enhance the global reach of Mack Avenue.”

The company was launched in January 2021 by five executives from the indie sector, backed by what they termed “essential investment capital.”

Mack Avenue will continue to be led by its original founders, including Glen Barros (former CEO of Concord Music Group), Dave Hansen (Executive Chairman of Merlin and former Grandmaster at Epitaph), Charles Kaldas (former General Director of Merlin), Amy Ditz (formerly Grandmaster at INGROOVES), and John Burk (Grammy-winning producer and former president of Concord Records).

A U.S.-based company reveals that it is funded through contributions from each partner, along with institutional and private investors.

Current investments include titles like “Murdered Rock Stars,” “Mother+Pop,” and “Sitinhemimi,” and more recently, the Indian label Azadi Records, marking Excellation’s expansion into Asia.

Integrating with Candid Records

Excellation Music states that this latest acquisition strengthens its “commitment to both legacy and emerging jazz artists.” The company also owns the renowned jazz label Grammy, Candid Records.

Operations at Mack Avenue will now be integrated with Candid Records to form the overall Excellation group, with the current president of Mack Avenue, Denny Stilwell, at the helm.

This collective jazz group will include a team of key leaders from both Mack Avenue and Candid Records.

Founded in 1999 by Gretchen Karhartt Valad, the former chair of the Carhartt clothing brand, Mack Avenue’s key artists include Christian McBride, Cecile McLorin Salvant, and Kenny Garrett.

“The combination of Mack Avenue and Candid Records is an important step in our mission to create the ultimate independent label for the greatest jazz artists.”

John Burke,

John Burke, a partner at Excellation Music, commented on this deal: “We are thrilled to welcome Denny, his team, and the incredible roster of Mack Avenue artists into the family.

“The merger of Mack Avenue and Candid Records is crucial in our mission to build the premier independent label for exceptional jazz talent.

“Together, we aim to honor the rich legacy of these labels while providing the resources and expertise to help our artists reach new heights.”

“Collaborating with Glen, John, and a team of like-minded individuals in this ‘excessive state’ is a transformative opportunity for Mack Avenue and our unique roster of artists.”

Denny Stilwell, Mack Avenue Music Group

Denny Stilwell, President of Mack Avenue Music Group, added: “Joining forces with Glen, John, and like-minded partners in an ‘excessive state’ offers a transformative opportunity for Mack Avenue and our distinct roster of artists.

“With the support, expertise, and enthusiasm of Excellation, we are confident that our unique brand, dedicated to artist advocacy, will thrive as we continue to share this extraordinary music with the world.”