Concord Music group has signed an international distribution and licensing agreement with Universal Music Group International for its roster and catalog outside North America.
Previously Concord’s product was handled by a mixture of independent and major labels, including: Ace, Nu-note and Pinnacle (United Kingdom/Ireland); Warner (France); In-akustic (Germany); EMI (Mexico, South Africa); BMG (Brazil, Argentina); Bonnier (Scandinavia, Finland); JVC Victor (Japan); and Naxos (Hong Kong).
Billboard understands that most of those licenses expired in late 2005 and UMGI has taken over distribution for those territories with immediate effect. It will take over the remainder when current deals expire. Universal Music Group has been distributing Concord in North America since July 2004.
According to Jan. 25 statement, the new agreement covers “the majority of Concord’s recordings.” The label’s current roster includes Regina Belle, John Fogerty, Sergio Mendes, Ozomatli and Sonny Rollins. Its repertoire includes the complete catalogs of the Fantasy, Prestige, Riverside, Specialty, Milestone, and (post-1968) Stax labels. Among the artists represented are Miles Davis, Tony Bennett, Little Richard, Sarah Vaughan, Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, the Staple Singers and Booker T. & the MGs
The first albums for release to be released globally under the new deal include the John Fogerty/Creedence Clearwater Revival compilation “The Long Road Home” and the 32-track Stax career retrospective “Ultimate Isaac Hayes—Can You Dig It?”
UMGI will also be handling the new Sergio Mendes album, “Timeless,” produced by the Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am, which is a Concord Records/Starbucks Hear Music release. All are issued globally during February.
