Venerable UK jazz indie Cadillac established by John Jack and Mike Westbrook in 1973 marks its 50th in 2023. Anniversary activity will include a first time on CD remastered with extra tracks and new notes version of the rarity Joy (1976) featuring saxophonist Chris Francis, trumpeter Jim Dvorak, pianist Frank Roberts, bassist Ernest Mothle and drummer Keith Bailey. Label head Mike Gavin notes in a press release: ''Designer Frode Sorensen has reworked the famous Cadillac logo for the anniversary - cleaning it up and giving it a modern spin - and we’ll be celebrating with a selection of reissues from our back catalogue and some live shows later in the year. A vehicle initially intended to release Mike Westbrook’s albums when, as part of a wider malaise that affected jazz in the mid-70s, the major labels that had supported the new generation of artists withdrew into the conservative, money-minded cul-de-sac that has in retrospect proved their downfall. John Jack took the opportunity offered and ran with it in characteristic fashion, fashioning a boutique label that reflected his wide tastes and anarchic personality.

''From his old friends Ken Colyer and Stan Tracey, to albums by modern tyros Frank Lowe, David Murray and up and coming UK artists Joy, Andy Sheppard & Hornweb, the only rationale was the musical one. When Cadillac Music & Publishing owner John Jack died on 7 September 2017 he was still working on a number of projects for release on the label. In order to bring some of these projects into the light Cadillac will continue to trade as a label, reissuing out of print recordings and bringing out never before issued gems from Cadillac’s dusty archive.''

FURTHER READING and LISTENING:

• Cadillac's 5 star for the ages Evan Parker release All Knavery and Collusion in focus (2021)

• Now's The Time