Savoy Label Group 2007 Year-End Wrap-Up; Record Setting Array of Chart Topping Releases

The Savoy Label Group, one of the United States' leading adult music label groups, is enjoying its most successful year to date with an unprecedented number of chart topping recordings and critical recognition from its stable of recording labels which includes SLG Records, Denon Classics, 429 Records, Savoy Jazz Worldwide and flagship label Savoy Jazz. Boasting a wide ranging roster of artists both new and iconic in their respective genres, the Savoy Label Group has garnered #1 records on the New Age, Blues, Seasonal, Classical and Americana charts; #1 overall independent Classical label (and #3 overall Top Classical Label); #2 overall Top New Age Label; #4 on Billboard's Dance Chart (Corinne Bailey Rae w/ New Mastersounds); and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album (for Joan Armatrading's "INTO THE BLUES"). Below is a comprehensive label wrap for 2007.

On the strength of several releases from adult contemporary radio's #1 charting artist, Jim Brickman, SLG Records topped the Billboard New Age and Seasonal Charts several times, established itself as the #3 Top New Age Imprint and #2 New Age label and garnered Top 5 radio airplay throughout the year on Adult Contemporary, Contemporary Christian and even Country radio outlets in 2007. Released at the end of 2006, Brickman's debut SLG Records release "ESCAPE" continued his streak of #1 New Age albums showcasing original pop instrumentals and collaborative efforts with stars such as Sara Evans and Gerald Levert. SLG ended the year with the release of Brickman's "HOMECOMING," an all new collection of holiday recordings. Currently #4 on the Adult Contemporary radio chart, the first single "Coming Home For Christmas" is a collaboration with former Lonestar lead vocalist Richie McDonald in his first effort as a solo artist. "HOMECOMING" topped the Billboard Seasonal Chart the first week of release and has spent over 6 weeks on Billboard's Top 200 chart. On deck for 2008 is an all new project from Brickman titled "VALENTINE," slated for January release.

429 Records, the pop/rock arm of the Savoy Label Group, also had its most successful year to date with the release of several projects from a wide range of artists including well-established, highly respected musicians such as The Roches, The Young Dubliners and Steve Forbert, to the critically lauded conceptual projects such as "ENDLESS HIGHWAY: THE MUSIC OF THE BAND" -- a stellar collection of new interpretations of classic Band songs by the likes of My Morning Jacket, Bruce Hornsby, Jack Johnson, Death Cab For Cutie, Widespread Panic and many others. ENDLESS HIGHWAY reached #1 on Radio & Records' Americana chart and #2 on FMQB's Public Breakout chart and debuted on Billboard's Top 200 chart. Joan Armatrading released her 16th career album on 429 Records, "INTO THE BLUES," and not only earned her first #1 album in the U.S. (a #1 debut on Billboard's and iTunes Blues Chart), but garnered high profile recognition from the music community with a much deserved Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album. 2008 is gearing up to be just as exciting at 429 Records with the release of new signing Jackie Greene's label debut 'Giving up the Ghost' in April, Steve Reynolds' much anticipated follow-up to his 2005 429 Records' debut, "EXILE," an all-star collaborative project from Young Dubliners, the return of Toni Childs with her 429 Records debut and the label's newest signing -- Dr. John -- whose 429 debut arrives in early May!

Denon Classics had another banner year with several new releases including stalwart crowd pleaser and "Waltz King" Andre Rieu as well as celebrated Norwegian vocal star Sissel. Rieu once again topped the Billboard Classical chart with his first special produced in the United States, "RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL: LIVE IN NEW YORK." PBS had record ratings with "RADIO CITY," which became the cornerstone of both the fall and December pledge drives. Frequent airings in every major market solidified "RADIO CITY" as Rieu's most successful special to date (the project has already reached certified Gold sales in Canada) resulting in Denon Classics being named the #1 Classical Indie Label and #3 Top Classical Label overall in Billboard's year-end sales analysis. Both Sissel and Andre Rieu are gearing up for major tours in the first half of 2008. Rieu just previewed his World Stadium Tour in Toronto this month which could be considered the largest touring stage production ever undertaken when it travels the world next year. Rieu, his orchestra and many special guests including the Wiener Straatsopera ballet troupe will perform in a full-size replica of a Viennese emperor's palace complete with ice rink, multiple horse-drawn carriages and an authentic ballroom. A new special for PBS is also in the works, "ANDRE RIEU IN WONDERLAND," which will focus on the magic and whimsy of classic fairy tales in a no-holds-barred production. In an effort to solidify her standing in the U.S. and expand her already considerable fan base, Sissel will embark on her first major tour of the States in January! Her PBS pledge drive special "SISSEL, NORTHERN LIGHTS" featuring guest star Jose Carreras was an unqualified hit for stations nationwide breaking audience response records in major cities such as Chicago, Boston and Hartford. Northern Lights cracked Billboard's Classical Crossover top 10 just before Christmas and her next PBS special is scheduled for airing in December of 2008.