Label Guide: Inner City
Inner City Records is an American jazz label now based in Elmsford, New York. It was founded in 1976 by Irv Kratka, owner of the production company Music Minus One, and Eric Kriss, an independent producer. Affiliated labels included Guitar World, Aural Explorer and Classic Jazz. While these labels primarily re-issued European recordings, original productions included debuts of Mel Martin and Jeff Lorber.
Inner City Records released over 60 albums between 1976 and 1980 and was voted the 1979 Record Label of the Year in the International Jazz Critics Poll. Many Inner City albums were also issued on the Japanese East Wind Records. Inner City is still active today.
Inner City Records (West Coast) was an unrelated, private, funk and soul label, owned and run by producer George Semper. The label was active between 1969 and 1975, but it is unclear how many of the studio recordings by bands called Funkafreek, Funkhouse, United Soul Association, The Funkateers, In One Peace or The Perfect Circle, actually made it to a vinyl release.
-
1. Label Variation (I)
first Inner City label (mid 1970s)
-
1. Label Variation (II)
first Inner City label (mid 1970s)
-
1. Label Variation (III)
first Inner City label (mid 1970s)
-
1. Label Variation (IV)
first Inner City label (mid 1970s)
-
2. Label Variation
second Inner City label (1978 - 1979)
-
3. Label Variation
third Inner City label (1979 - )
-
4. Label Variation
fourth Inner City label (1979 - )
-
Inner City Records (Funk)
West Coast Funk/Soul Inner City label (mid 1970s)