[172.2] OT RECORDS LAUNCHED

OT Records is a new independent jazz record label dedicated to the promotion and support of UK artists. It was originally an idea formed by singer Clare Teal to help promote some of the talented young musicians she came into contact with while touring in Britain. Everything fell into place at the end of 2002. OT is run by Clare’s manager David Carr and distributed here by the prestigious New Note Distribution. It has so far signed two major players on the UK jazz scene, Dylan Howe (who works with Gilad Atzmon and Orient House) and Ben Castle (ex-Kula Shaker). What is particularly encouraging is that both have evolved from a rock background into something more freeform and experimental. Howe's album, The Way I Hear It, was originally self-financed. Now on the New Note roster it has received positive reviews in The Observer (London) and elsewhere.