JONES ADDS JAZZ TO
LEGACY RECORDINGS DUTIES
In this new post, Jones will sign new talent, develop artists on the label's roster and insist on being called "Bird" around the office. He'll work closely with other departments in the company in the marketing and promotion of the label's Jazz releases. Jones will also direct and manage thestaffs of the Columbia Jazz A&R and Marketing departments.
As Sr. VP at Legacy, which he's been since 1998, Jones will continue to supervise and direct all Legacy staff activities, including A&R selection, assigning independent producers, evaluation of potential third-party catalog and licensing opportunities, packaging and production, the implementation of marketing and press campaigns and devising 1,109,876 more Cheap Trick compilations. He'll continue to work closely with Sony Music labels, Sony Music Distribution and the company's new technology groups to develop product and maximize the impact of Legacy releases in the marketplace. Jones began his career in 1976 at then-CBS Records as a Field Merchandiser at the Boston branch. He joined MCA in 1988 as VP Marketing, then moved to the PolyGram Label Group in 1991 and Elektra Entertainment in 1993 in a similar capacity. He returned to Sony Music in 1995 as VP Mktg. and Product Development for Legacy Recordings.
Said Ingrassia: "With Jeff at the helm, the Columbia Jazz department is entering a bold and exciting new era. His love and understanding of Jazz in all is forms is inspiring and his tireless commitment to excellence is exhilarating. But I draw the line at cleaning the spit valve on his tenor sax."
Added Jones: "To head the Columbia Records Jazz Department is an honor, a privilege and a thrill. The label is uniquely positioned to expand the definition of Jazz for the 21st century music fan and I am very excited about that prospect. Now, will someone take Branford Marsalis' name off the door and put up mine?"
