[JPL] Dave Love

[Bradley M. Stone]

Aloha,
 
I was perusing the latest JazzTimes issue on-line and was absolutely shocked to learn that Dave Love is out at Concord/Heads Up.  This just weeks after he was named President of the whole group.  This is particularly shocking, in light of Dave's track record in the industry.  In my view, he built his label (Heads Up) from the ground up, based upon a sincere concern for, and partnership with, the artists that he signed to his label.  Perhaps his background as a musician himself had a lot to do with this.  He has always been a great friend to radio, to the music industry, and to the "jazz family".  I am deeply saddened to learn of this change in management at Concord/Heads Up.  It seems a shame to me that Dave is no longer connected with the label that he built.  It seems ironic to me that, in an era that has seen the demise of some jazz labels, the axing of entire jazz departments at major labels, diminishing CD sales, a miniscule market share for jazz, etc., that Dave was one record company exec that could be pointed to as a huge success despite the odds - he obviously was doing something right.
 
Dave, mi hermano, if you are reading this, I hope you are doing ok, and I know that out of the ashes, something even better for you will arise.
 
The light is on, my friend.
 
Brad Stone
KSJS-FM
San Jose