MoonJune Records Sampler - Progressive Music Beyond Jazz, Rock, Avant, Ethno, Unknown

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Dear Friends in Music

MoonJune Records celebrated its 15th Anniversary last year, and heading for the 16th year of truly challenging and fascinating music adventure. I have never thought I would be arriving to this point when I started the label in June 2001 with my first three releases, launching since then the total of 83 great albums of progressive music that explores boundaries of Jazz, Rock, Avant, Ethno and The Unknown. MoonJune artists are congregating from various parts of the world - Indonesia, United Kingdom, Spain, Japan, Uruguay, Serbia, Canada, Belgium, Israel, USA, Germany, Brazil - into one friendly place, which is the Planet MoonJune's Extended Family, and in the name of all my artists, I thank You all for the great support during all the fifteen years.

Yours truly

LEONARDO PAVKOVIC

For the full catalog, please visit
www.moonjune.com | www.moonjunerecords.bandcamp.com

MoonJune Records came into being in 2001. The company represents the fruition of vision from entrepreneurial producer, tour manager and promoter Leonardo Pavkovic, and draws its name from Soft Machine drummer Robert Wyatt's famous 1970 epic, "The Moon in June." MoonJune has already established its' pedigree with "in-the-know" progressive music fans. The focus of MoonJune is to discover and release music by artists from a variety of international settings - exploring the expanding boundaries of genuine, challenging, "non-over-produced music" that cannot be easily categorized into any specific format or genre. The ongoing goal of MoonJune is to support music that transcends stylistic pigeon-holing, but operates within an evolutionary progressive musical continuum that places jazz at one end and rock at the other. The ever-expanding boundaries of these two musical categories have since come to include everything from progressive rock to ethno-jazz, from experimental avante-garde to jazz-rock, and anything in between.

Few testimony about MoonJune Records.

FROM MUSICIANS

Leonardo is what we would have to call a serious music enthusiast. It's the only explanation for his continued and tireless dedication to the music and Artists he looks after. His years of work with Allan Holdsworth alone should put him on the shortlist for sainthood. He wholeheartedly and unselfishly represents music which would not be called "mainstream" but is of great and sometimes historical importance to musicians and fans of jazz, fusion, and prog. And Leonardo continues to do great work in our unique corner of the music business. Thanks for keeping this flame alive! – Jimmy Johnson bass player (Allan Holdsworth, James Taylor, Dewa Budjana, Steve Gadd, Sergio Mendes, Flim & The BBs, Henry Mancini)

So it's been fifteen years already since Leonardo Pavkovic started out on the MoonJune label ! It's time to look back and salute his amazing achievements as a record company owner, a discoverer of new sonic landscapes and a visionary manager capable of anticipating new developments in jazz and rock while maintaining his focus on the legacy of past revolutions. Because Leonardo's vision and erudition know no physical or mental boundaries, MoonJune might seem an oddity founded by a starry-eyed idealist, a rather utopian proposition in our increasingly prefab musical world, but to me, MoonJune is not just a record label pushing out alternative music. It feels more like a family of like-minded musicians keen to explore new grounds while collaborating with each other and engaging in a dialogue between the past and the present. Leonardo has succeeded in creating an environment for post-Canterbury, post-jazz-rock, post-everything artists to find and follow their own paths. As far as I am concerned, bands like douBt and Machine Mass simply would not have seen the light of day without his unflinching support. And it is largely thanks to his efforts that The Wrong Object's visibility has increased exponentially over the last decade.Since its inception in 2001 MoonJune has received rave reviews worldwide, enjoying a reputation unmatched by any other "small" label. It has also managed to attract countless emerging talents alongside legends such as Allan Holdsworth, Elton Dean, Hugh Hopper, Soft Machine Legacy. I am extremely proud and grateful to have been, and to continue to be, part of one of the musical world's most extraordinary venture. – Michel Delville guitar player (The Wrong Object, Machine Mass, Doubt, The Gödel Codex, Comicoperando)

In these days of immense difficulty brought on by the sudden, drastic devaluation of our art, it is, undoubtedly more than ever before, great to have gallant and determined ambassadors of music around - especially when they come in the form of fellows like sir Nardini, who's company, MoonJune, now celebrates it's 15th year championing, pioneering and relentlessly forwarding artists and their work. Here is a man who gets behind everything and everyone he believes in - whatever the hardship and unfeasibility he faces - with gusto, wisdom, integrity and with real heart. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been a part of a number of innovative, far-reaching and hugely significant projects he has brought about, and I look forward to every opportunity I hope to get in the future to do the same. His continual support and management of our mutual friend and genius Allan Holdsworth over many years has been monumental, he is a true visionary, he is a walking encyclopaedia of progressive music, and in addition to all of this, his constant energy and enthusiasm appear to be literally unceasing! Leonardo, thank you, congratulations and huge respect to you sir! You are a colossal inspiration to us all, and more than everything, a great friend and human being. – Gary Husband, drummer/pianist (John McLaughlin, Jack Bruce, Allan Holdsworth, Billy Cobham, Level 42)

It's no exaggeration to say that MoonJune Records literally changed my life, in the best way possible. Before I first encountered Leonardo – through simply ordering a Soft Machine archival release from the MoonJune website and receiving his kind and curious reply – I'd had a long and respectable music career, but remained well below the public's radar. All of that changed when Leonardo generously offered, to my great surprise, the opportunity to release my work on MoonJune; now, six releases into the best label relationship a musician could ever wish for, awareness of my work has increased exponentially, as have the many deeply satisfying performance opportunities that have come my way as a result, from Siberia to Mexico. Equally important, my association with MoonJune has brought me into an extended family of mutually supportive kindred spirits, from the remarkable roster of nonpareil MoonJunista musicians from all over the globe, to the uncommonly attuned listeners who give our work its raison d'etre. Like its namesake orb, MoonJune steadily casts its light across a commercially ravaged musical landscape without ever capitulating to 'the market, ' a rare paragon of musical virtue in ever more culturally bankrupt times. Boundless thanks to Leonardo for your belief in me and the other members of MoonJune's singular tribe, and for bringing nourishing musical sustenance to fearless listeners worldwide – long may the Moon shine! – Dennis Rea (Moraine, Zhongyu, Iron Kim Style)

MoonJune is much more than a records label and a booking management agency. It is a musical planet within our crazy world where great music is made and heard. Leonardo Pavkovic is the most incredible and passionate music lover I've ever met. His knowledge of music, musicians and beyond is huge. In our very difficult time when the music business almost doesn't exist, Leonardo manages to make so many things happen and doesn't give up on it. I am extremely happy to be part of the MoonJune planet and I wish Leonardo and MoonJune many more great years and success. – Yaron Stavi, bass player (Mark Wingfield, Phil Manzanera, Robert Wyatt, David Gilmour, Nigel Kennedy, Richard Galliano, Gilad Atzmon, John Etheridge, Asaf Sirkis)

MoonJune stands out because it doesn’t get caught up in pointless concepts like “is this too jazzy for us?, maybe this isn’t jazzy enough, is this too rock?, is this world music?" etc… Instead MoonJune works with criteria like, “how high is the quality of this music, what feeling does it have, is there something really new here”. That’s why the MoonJune label has become associated with quality and innovation. MoonJune ignores the conservative critics who reject or downplay anything outside their own restricted genre biases, and looks to the place where musical innovations have historically always happened, in the genre free mixing of influences. When it comes to committing the crime of presenting genre defying, innovative music in a world of compartmentalised, risk averse, musical mundanity, Leonardo Pavkovic is the Godfather. – Mark Wingfield, guitarist

FROM PRESS

Since first becoming aware of MoonJune Records in its earliest days, with recordings by Elton Dean, D.F.A. and Finisterre, I've come to count on the label (and, ultimately, its founder, Leonardo Pavkovic) as amongst the very select few upon which I can trust that every new release will be, at the very least, worthy of time and attention. There's not a single recording in MoonJune's catalog which has not proven to open my ears to new possibilities, satisfy an itch that needed scratching (in the case of archival finds like Soft Machine's Floating World Live and newer live releases like Allan Holdsworth's Blues for Tony) and/or expand my horizons to musicians from other cultures, most specifically Leonardo's growing interest in musicians from Indonesia and other countries in that neck of the woods. In the grander scheme of things, MoonJune Records is a very small label; but for passionate music lovers with open ears and open minds, the world would be a poorer place without it. Changes in the industry have necessitated MoonJune undergoing some elemental shifts, but the one thing I know will always be true - if for no other reason than Leonardo's passion and steadfast dedication to the musicians with whom he works - is that whether MoonJune releases five albums a year or fifty, they'll all continue to be worthy of my time, my attention and, most importantly...my ears. Thanks Leonardo! – John Kelman, All About jazz

Where many other progressive music record labels rely on formulaic output consisting of endless riffing and basically the same old shit, MoonJune Records raised the bar by opening new doors via cross-cultural integrations of fusion, prog and jazz rock with newfound slants on the tried and true, along with stuff that many of us have never experienced before. Is there anything left to say? I rest my case.
– Glenn Astarita, music journalist

MoonJune Records is unquestionably my favorite record label. Leonardo Pavkovic's singular effort to find, record, and promote progressive rock and jazz music--beyond borders--is unparalleled. Every release is an unqualified musical and artistic success. – Jerry Gordon, radio host on WPRB, former owner of Evidence Records

It’s a testament to the quality of Leonardo Pavkovic’s vision, as well as his drive and determination, that MoonJune continues to persevere and thrive in today’s music industry. MoonJune is home to one of the most eclectic, intriguing and exciting catalogs of music available to adventurous listeners. Here’s to another 15 years and more! - Anil Prasad, Innerviews

MoonJune Records has done an incredible job of making quality progressive and fusion music available to aficionados of discriminating taste. Thanks to the savvy work of founder Leonardo Pavkovic, MoonJune stands alone among independent labels in cultivating previously unheralded acts from hotbeds around the globe -- a vital service to artists and listeners alike. - John Collinge, Progression Magazine

Moonjune Records is for me synthesis of positive nostalgia and searching for new things in musical and as well geographical sense. Nevertheless all differences you can feel some common elements which gives this publishing company direct sign. You can feel exploration to exotic landscapes but you can still feel at home. Basis is progrock which has on the other hand various of mutations and overlaps to jazz, world music, classical music and diverse experiments. Thanks to founder Leonardo Pavkovic it is a firm which is still on move, but other way round there is a time to look back and remind the basic things which could have been lost or missed for listeners. Guide to masterful playing and composition knack and also exceptional musical meetings. – Petr Slabý, HIS Voice Magazine About Another Music, Cultural Magazine UNI, Czech State Radio

MoonJune Records is a record label that produces, releases and distributes musical items whose contents display the talents of artists and bands genuinely connected to the idea of art as excellence. It is also more than just a record label because it functions as a beacon of camaraderie for and kinship among creators driven by the love for adventure in the areas of avant-jazz, progressive rock, rock-in-opposition, contemporary fusion and other forms of avant-garde music. MoonJune Records is an island and it is also more than just an island. It is an island of adventurous artists in an archipelago ruled by corporate pop moguls and companies. It is also more than just an island because it is, to be more accurate, a treasure island whose gems, pearls and jewels are there to shine with godlike light. MoonJune Records is Leonardo Pavkovic and Leonardo Pavkovic is a simple man… and he is also much more than just a simple man. He is a simple man who enjoys the good things in life, and that includes the desire to let the art of sound feed your soul, propel your imagination and invigorate your mind. He is also much more than just a simple man because he can turn his personal pleasure into a lovely mission to share it and make it an experience for those who not only care but long to hear and discover exciting aesthetic experiences in music. MoonJune is now 15 years old and will continue to grow old, and by doing that, will help our minds to stay young and our souls to find new, challenging sources of pleasure and joy. – Cesar Inca Mendoza Loyola, music journalist, Peru

15 years! Congratulations - and well deserved cheers from all of us here at VPRO radio. All programs I have produced and often hosted as well over the years have been aimed at presenting the best music to be found anywhere on earth - which means: music from the heart, well played, musically challenging, carrying a message which is worthwile for anyone who is willing to really listen. Call it what you will - genre names are not half as interesting as the musical adventure one will enjoy when browsing through the Moonjune catalogue. As I have often experienced, knowing that Leonardo's choice has always proven to be a reliable source of great musical discoveries for our listeners. Another 15... yes please, wouldn't that be great! – Aad van Nieuwkerk, VPRO National Dutch Radio

One of the most forward-thinking independent labels on the current music scene New York-based MoonJune Records. – Nicola Savic, ProgSphere

One of the very few labels making constant & top-notch contributions to the sub-genre when the art environment is either hideously corporate or hopelessly fractionated as a result of rebellion against the soulless business-stamp-pressing of creativity, the imprint provides a haven for intelligent musicians refusing to compromise vision & integrity for ducats & indiscriminate public acceptance.
– Marc Tucker, Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange

As a MoonJune Records fan and consumer already, I had the pleasure of meeting Leonardo Pavkovic writing a profile on his label for All About Jazz on the 10th Anniversary of the label. He spoke of "total intellectual and creative freedom" and the boredom in pidgeonholing creative music into boxes. Jazz-rock music and related sounds have been handled very carefully for 15 years. Personal relationship building with talented musicians internationally has been the currency for MoonJune recordings and live touring. Egos and self inflated legacy have no place at this institution. Long Live MoonJune Records! - Mark Redlefsen, Music Jornalist

MoonJune Records
since 2001
with
ALLAN HOLDSWORTH
SOFT MACHINE LEGACY
SOFT MACHINE
ALEX MAGUIRE SEXTET • ARTI & MESTIERI
BARRY CLEVELAND • BELEDO • BEPPE CROVELLA
BORIS SAVOLDELLI • D.F.A. • DELTA SAXOPHONE QUARTET
DENNIS REA • DEWA BUDJANA • DIALETO • DOUBT
DUSAN JEVTOVIC • DWIKI DHARMAWAN • ELTON DEAN
FINISTERRE • GEOFF LEIGH & YUMI HARA • HUGH HOPPER
HUMI • I KNOW YOU WELL MISS CLARA • IRON KIM STYLE
JASON SMITH • LIGRO • MACHINE MASS • MAHOGANY FROG
MARBIN • MARK WINGFIELD • MARKUS REUTER • MORAINE
PHIL MILLER IN CAHOOTS • SH.TG.N • SIMAKDIALOG • SLIVOVITZ
STICK MEN • SUSAN CLYNES • THE WRONG OBJECT
TESLA MANAF • TOHPATI • TRIPOD • VASIL HADZIMANOV
XADU • XAVI REIJA • YAGULL • ZHONGYU

...and many albums are featuring legends and household names in jazz, fusion and prog, such as:
TONY LEVIN, PAT MASTELOTTO, GARY HUSBAND, LINCOLN GOINES, DAVID BINNEY,
JIMMY HASLIP, CHAD WACKERMAN, JERRY GOODMAN, YARON STAVI, ASAF SIRKIS,
ANTONIO SANCHEZ, JOE LOCKE, BEN WILLIAMS, MARKO DJORDJEVIC, VINNIE COLAIUTA,
MICHAEL LANDAU, DAVE LIEBMAN, PETER ERSKINE, BOB MINTZER, LARRY GOLDINGS,
JIMMY JOHNSON, ALAN PASQUA, STEVE HUNT, GORDON BECK, LARRY WILLIS,
KIRK COVINGTON, MARC RIBOT, PAUL WERTICO, STEVE RODBY, JOHN ETHERIDGE,
JOHN MARSHALL, ROY BABBINGTON, ELLIOTT SHARP, THEO TRAVIS, FRED BAKER,
FURIO CHIRICO, DAVE CARPENTER, KARL JENKINS, MIKE RATLEDGE, HIRAM BULLOCK,
ALEX ACUÑA, CARLES BENAVENT, KENWOOD DENNARD, MICHAEL GERBER, GIL GOLDSTEIN,
JOHN PATITUCCI, HUGO FATTORUSO, BILLY HART, TONINHO HORTA, BIRELI LAGRENE,
DANNY GOTTLIEB, JORGE PARDO, BERNAT HERNANDEZ and many others.
In addition of many great and unknown masters that have contributed to the label's music.

MOONJUNE MUSIC (BOOKINGS & MANAGEMENT) has handled booking of over 1500 shows since its formation in 2001. These shows have encompassed full tours, festivals, individual dates, clinics and workshops in more than 50 countries across the globe, specializing in tours in Latin America, Japan and Asia (over 60 tours in Japan since 2002).

Current booking management roster includes: STICK MEN, LEVIN BROTHERS, TONY LEVIN, PETE LEVIN, SOFT MACHINE (LEGACY), DEWA BUDJANA, BELEDO, BORIS SAVOLDELLI, NICOLAS MEIER & DEWA BUDJANA GROUP, BABEL (Manolo Badrena & Beledo) and on non exlusive base: Scott Henderson, Jimmy Haslip, Jan Akkerman, Francis Dunnery, The Security Project (feat. Jerry Marrotta and Trey Gunn), Dwiki Dharmawan, World Peace Trio (Dwiki Dharmawan, Kamal Musallam, Gilad Atzmon), Markus Reuter.

Besides above mentioned artists, MoonJune Music has worked and works directly or via their booking or management representatives with: Alan Pasqua, Alex Machacek, Alex Maguire, Allan Holdsworth, Andy Summers, Area, Arti & Mestieri, Asaf Sirkis, Banco, Beppe Crovella, Bill Bruford, Bill Simms Jr., Chad Wackerman, Corrado Rustici, Curved Air, D.F.A., Daevid Allen, David Cross, David Jackson, Davy Knowles, Dennis Chambers, Deus Ex Machina, Discus, Disney On Ice, Doubt, Dušan Jevtović, Eddie Jobson, Elton Dean, Fabio Golfetti, Finisterre, Flash, Forgas Band Phenomena, Garbage, Gary Boyle, Gary Husband, Gilad Atzmon, Guy Davis, Ernest Tibbs, Hatfield & The North, Hugh Hopper, Jeff Berlin, Jimmy Johnson, Joe Lovano, Joey Alexander, John Tropea, Jon Hiseman’s Colosseum, Kamal Musallam, Ken Hensley, Latte E Miele, Lenny White, Markus Reuter, Mauro Pagani, Mel Collins, Michel Delville, Moraine, Nektar, New Trolls, Nicolas Meier, Osanna, PFM, Pete Levin, Phil Miller In Cahoots, Renaissance, Richard Sinclair, Robby Krieger, simakDialog, Soft Moon, Status Quo, Susan Clyne, Terry Bozzio, Three Friends, Tohpati, Tony Levin, Trey Gunn, Vasil Hadžimanov, Virgil Donati, Xavi Reija, Zhang Ling (Big John Blues),

During his association with 2 Plus Music & Entertainment (2010-2015, in partnership with the legendary Gentle Giant and then music business impresario Derek Shulman), MoonJune's Leonardo Pavkovic has worked also with John Sykes, Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy, Jake E Lee, Ron Mancuso, Texas Hippie Coalition, Gary Cherone, Circa, Billy Sherwood, Tony Kaye, Bobby Kimball, Whitesnake.

We also work non-exclusively with a vast array of musicians related to their individual and collective touring projects, clinics/masterclasses and recording sessions engagements and all the other musicians on the MoonJune Records' recording roster (www.moonjune.com).

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