Joe GallopPizzaExpress is to launch its own record label in conjunction with its live music arm PizzaExpress Live.
PX Records will release albums from new and established artists in the jazz and soul scene alongside a selection of music from PizzaExpress Live’s archive of live recordings.
The label will release of a selection of live albums recorded across its venues – PizzaExpress Live in Holborn (pictured), PizzaExpress Jazz Club in Soho, and The Pheasantry in Chelsea – which will feature performances from established artists and emerging talent.
Since its inception in Soho in the late 1970s, PizzaExpress Live has presented more than 50,000 concerts from artists such as Tony Bennett, Amy Winehouse, Diana Krall, Van Morrison and Bill Wyman.
The artists include US saxophonist Scott Hamilton, UK soul outfit Mamas Gun, multi-instrumentalist and producer edbl, and UK band Native Dancer. The label will also release a series of legacy recordings sourced from PizzaExpress Live’s archive dating back over 45 years and featuring previously unreleased performances.
Ross Dines, music manager responsible for PX Records said, “The PX Records vision is to celebrate the prestigious PizzaExpress Live legacy and to share some of the incredible performances that we get to experience across our venues on a daily basis. When listening back to recordings, we’re always struck by both the quality of the audio and by how perfectly they captured the energy and excitement of the show itself. A PizzaExpress record label has long been a dream of the team here and we’re delighted that it’s finally coming to fruition.”
The label’s first two albums – Scott Hamilton Quartet At PizzaExpress Live – In London and Mamas Gun At PizzaExpress Live – In London – will be released on 14 April and available digitally, on CD and on vinyl.