mandala music production

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jazzartstore
1325 w magnolia ave
san antonio tx 78201
210.227-JAZZ (5299)

E-mail us here

Who and what we are:
Dragon Lady Records is an independent co-op label. What does that mean?

It takes a village....
We're independent in the sense that we're not beholden to a corporation or stock holders. Our primary purpose for existence is to create quality music with integrity. Every artist on the Dragon Lady label has complete artistic control of his/her project, and each retains the copyright on his/her original music.

We're cooperative in the sense that we help each other out. We believe that if one does well, all will do well. Everyone invests, bringing their own particular strengths to the project, and everyone shares in the return. The business aspect of this label, just like the creative aspect, is an ongoing, organic, flexible process. Each artist's agreement worked out individually, with the overall goal being justice and fairness for all involved.

Our history:
The first release from Dragon Lady Records—produced by Joël Dilley, featuring Bett Butler, recorded in a Houston recording studio, and financed with a loan from family members—was a vinyl (!) single featuring Bett's original song "He's a Man, He Never Cries" on one side and the jazz standard "My Man" on the other. Its modest success spawned a move to San Antonio and a home recording studio. The catalog grew, first with cassettes Joël Dilley, Bassist and Songs for Dick's Last Resort, and then with CDs by Gib Wharton (Things I Always Knew) and Dilley (River of Hope). The studio also grew—into a space in the King William arts district, where Butler's Short Stories and Dilley's The Window were recorded, and where other artists, including classical guitarist David Underwood (Four Abstracts)  and jazz trombonists Bill Gibson and Ron Wilkins (Bundee Brothers Bone Band), joined the label. Mandala Music Production studio is now in a building right outside San Antonio's Deco District.

Recent releases on Dragon Lady include Myths & Fables, featuring original songs by Bett Butler; Slightly Overdue,  an album of originals by songwriter Cece Box; Boleros, a fusion of jazz and romantic Latin American standards; and A New World, a musical journey by jazz bassist/composer/producer Joël Dilley.

How can you help support the creation of original music by independent artists?

• Buy their CDs. Give them as gifts for friends and family.
• Spread the word. Tell your friends about the music and the artists you enjoy.
• Review their music on websites like www.amazon.com and www.cdbaby.com.
• Go to their gigs; bring a couple of friends.
• Become a sponsor. For information, e-mail us here.