IGLOO Records, 30 years of European jazz
Late 2008, Igloo celebrated 30 years of jazz, with a catalogue of more than 300 releases. In that time, the Brussels-based label has acted as a mirror to the music of its time, releasing albums featuring Chet Baker, Philip Catherine, Lew Tabackin and Joe Lovano, as well as first releases from talents such as Eric Legnini, Pascal Schumacher and Diederik Wis
sels. It has also provided a platform for crossover and more challenging projects such as Trio Bravo and Mâäk’s Spirit. New talents and noted jazzmen
The main role of IGLOO is to bring future European jazz talents to the attention of the scene, while also ensuring that the elder statesmen such as the late vibe player Sadi and sax player Jacques Pelzer are not forgotten.In 1978, jazz aficionados in Brussels decided to pool their resources to record some of the new music that was being produced. With no possibility of major releases, they set up their own label with a grant and organised distribution. The goal was not to recreate a giant corporation but to reflect the music of its time. In 2008, IGLOO New Talents was launched specifically for the new generation that is regenerating Belgian jazz : Collapse, Pascal Mohy, Eve Beuvens (selected for showcases Jazzahead 2010), Mathilde Renault…
An eclectic vocation
Although the IGLOO label is best known for its jazz productions, it has preserved the more eclectic vocation of its origins under the « IGLOO + » imprint (Now called IGLECTIC for better understanding). From the verbophonic theory of Arthur Petronio to unclassifiable Fanfare Combo Belge. The first electronic music studio in Belgium with Léo Kupper or Henri Pousseur. More recently you can hear recording of Giovanni Marini or Stéphane Collin feat. And a Balcony on the World...
The label also has a world music imprint, «IGLOOMONDO » mostly reserved for meetings and exceptional collaborations between musicians. These include Pierre Van Dormael with the Senegalese kora player Soriba Kouyaté, Charles Loos and the Aissawas of Rabat, Majid Bekkas, Wendo Kolosoy or Manou Gallo...
IGLOO, a source of warmth in a cold sea has its balcony on the world.
“Made in Belgium” chanson. Franc'Amour accompanies young independent talent with something to say, irrespective of fashions or trends. After Maurane, Odieu, Pascal Charpentier, Maljean-Willems and Claude Semal in the eighties, it followed the paths of Philippe Tasquin, Vincent Trouble, Marc Lelangue, Christiane Stefanski, songs for children with Christian Merveille and then R.O.M, Jean-Louis Daulne or Stéphanie Blanchoud. It helped the revival of music in Walloon with William Dunker. More than anything else, the label has provided a platform for young musicians from jazz and contemporary music. Over the years, it has had the privilege of releasing first albums from pianists Eric Legnini and Nathale Loriers, the vibraphonist Pascal Schumacher and Melanie De Biasio. "This is the primary role of Igloo," explains company president & Sound Engineer Daniel Léon. "Providing a platform for future talent is what we do."
