Exceleration Music has acquired Mack Avenue Music Group and its subsidiaries, marking a significant expansion in the independent jazz music sector. The acquisition includes Mack Avenue's extensive 26-year catalog and current artist roster.

The deal will see Mack Avenue integrated into Exceleration's existing jazz label, Candid Records, forming a consolidated jazz group. Denny Stilwell, Mack Avenue's president of 23 years, will lead the combined unit, working alongside executives from both labels.

This acquisition builds upon Exceleration's 2021 relaunch of Candid Records, which has already established a strong presence in digital streaming and reissues. The merger aims to create what Exceleration partner John Burk calls "the ultimate independent label home for today's greatest jazz artists."

Key aspects of the acquisition include:

• Full ownership of Mack Avenue's subsidiary labels: Rendezvous Music, Artistry Music, MaxJazz, Brother Mister Productions, and Strata-East Records
• Integration of distribution, marketing, and technological resources
• Continuation of both labels' historical legacies while expanding global reach

The move represents a significant development in jazz music industry consolidation, following other notable transactions such as Reservoir Media's 2023 catalog agreement with Sonny Rollins. It also comes amid a broader trend of music IP acquisitions across the industry, including Warner Music's recent DWA and Extravaganza catalogs purchase.

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