Chiaroscuro Records
US jazz label founded by Hank O'Neal in 1970.
Around October 1973, Audiofidelity Enterprises, Inc. acquired the distribution rights of the label that appears to be more than just helping their records get into stores. They invested in the company as well as the studio Downtown Sound Studio, New York (also owned by O'Neal) . In 1978, Audiofidelity bought the label and allowed O'Neal to keep the studio. It took until 1982 for O'Neal to get the whole amount from Audiofidelity. Chiaroscuro Records was bought back by O'Neal and his business partner Andrew Sordonia in 1987 via their newly formed company, SOS Productions, Inc.. They established a business headquarters in Wilkes Barre, PA while maintaining the creative office and studio in New York City. Donated by its owners to WVIA Public Media in 2011, which continues to own and operate the label.
The label's name comes from the art term for the use of light and dark in a painting. O'Neal got the name from his friend and mentor Eddie Condon, a jazz musician who played in what were called Chiaroscuro Concerts in the 1930s. O'Neal also got the name from a store that sold only black and white dresses.
Contact:Around October 1973, Audiofidelity Enterprises, Inc. acquired the distribution rights of the label that appears to be more than just helping their records get into stores. They invested in the company as well as the studio Downtown Sound Studio, New York (also owned by O'Neal) . In 1978, Audiofidelity bought the label and allowed O'Neal to keep the studio. It took until 1982 for O'Neal to get the whole amount from Audiofidelity. Chiaroscuro Records was bought back by O'Neal and his business partner Andrew Sordonia in 1987 via their newly formed company, SOS Productions, Inc.. They established a business headquarters in Wilkes Barre, PA while maintaining the creative office and studio in New York City. Donated by its owners to WVIA Public Media in 2011, which continues to own and operate the label.
The label's name comes from the art term for the use of light and dark in a painting. O'Neal got the name from his friend and mentor Eddie Condon, a jazz musician who played in what were called Chiaroscuro Concerts in the 1930s. O'Neal also got the name from a store that sold only black and white dresses.
Chiaroscuro Records
100 WVIA Way
Pittston, PA 18640
U.S.A.
E-Mail: info(at)chiaroscurojazz.org
Chiaroscuro Records
830 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
U.S.A.