Album #11

Roc-a-Fella Jazz Records is proud to present its most recent signing, Czech import and bassist extraordinaire George Mraz.

"Jazz and outdoor chess have always been the two burning passions of my life," said Mraz while battling Gary Kasparov during the photo shoot at a Prague outdoor chess court. "I've often written tunes inspired by famous chess moves, but never found anyone who could empathize with the aesthetic for which I was striving. By pairing me with M. Kasparov, Roc-a-Fella Jazz has given me the opportunity to completely express myself and twin my passions in one holistic representation of my being.

"I also enjoy playing Czechers."

 George Mraz, bass and white team; Gary Kaspvarov, piano and black team.

Available for only $12.99 on compact disc when you buy a Parker Brothers Limited Edition "Czechmate" Chess set at participating locations in the Czech Republic.

 (not available in Slovakia)

Album #10

After a brief hiatus due to lack of funds, Roc-a-Fella Jazz is back up on its feet, thanks to a generous gift from Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov. RF Jazz is proud to present its latest release from contemporary tenor titan Mark Turner.

"I first saw Turner and Hooch at a pivotal moment in my life," said Turner over the phone from Bratislava. "It was at a point where I was seriously considering quitting music altogether and getting heavily involved with the ASPCA. Watching the relationship that Hooch and Tom Hanks developed during the movie reaffirmed my love for music through my, let's face it, intense dislike for animals. I mean, honestly -  that Hooch is one ugly bastard."

with Freddie Green, guitar; Jo Jones, drums; Walter Kronkite, bass. Available for FREE when you adopt a puppy at participating kennels across America.

Album #9

Roc-a-Fella Jazz's newest signed artist, Miles Davis, chose to pay tribute to one of America's first settlers on his debut release.

"Listen.

"Back in East St. Louis, m*$!f*&@!*s always call me 'Standish'," said Davis. "I never liked it, but now I'm starting to take ownership of that sh*t. Yuh know? F*@^ you, m*#%@f*@#*s. This Standish m*@#&f*^@* helped ensure the safety of the Pilgrims against Indian attacks. It was only fitting that I pay tribute to this m@#$%f*@#$* on this album."

Thanks, Miles!

with Mike Wofford, piano; Colin Bailey, drums; Jim Hughart, bass; Miles Standish, blunderbuss.

Available for $36.70 (LP only) at Plimoth Plantation.

Album #8

After a brief hiatus in production, Roc-a-Fella Jazz proudly presents its debut effort from its latest signing, legendary drummer Elvin Jones.

Quoth Jones, "I strive to communicate with Mother Nature in my work, but this is the first time I've actually worked with her kids. Making music with these chipmunks has been a blessing. Simon's work ethic in particular is inspiring. We spent 10 hours a day for 2 weeks shedding these tunes. Theodore was aight, too, but he kept nodding off. He's gotta great quarter note, but we've gotta get that cat in a program."

Elvin Jones - drums; Simon - piano; Theodore - bass.

Available for $32.55 (Laserdisc ONLY) at Tower Records.

Album #7

Roy Haynes was pleased that Roc-a-Fella Jazz offered him a chance to record an album inspired by his life's other passion: underwear modeling.

"This is the most ridiculous record I've ever done," said Haynes. "I honestly can't believe I made this record. I mean, look at me - I'm in my underwear in a bunch of these pictures. There's that one picture where I look like Medusa. And is that Michael Jordan?"

Roy Haynes, drums; Roy Haynes, briefs; Roy Haynes, boxers; Roy Haynes, bra; Michael Jordan, stand-up bass.

Available for $8.99 for a 3-pack at participating Marshall's retailers.

Album #6

Jim Hall's debut on Roc-a-Fella Jazz is the product of a long-awaited collaboration with American pop legend John Oates.

"I've always really dug 'Maneater' - I really identified with the lyrics on a personal level," says Hall. "It was only a matter of time before John and I worked together to 'Make My Dreams Come True'. Plus, it gave me an excuse to grow my hair back."

Jim Hall - guitar; John Oates - guitar; Mike Stern - guitar; Hiram Bullock - guitar; James Brown - guitar; Liza Minelli - guitar (track 4 only).

Available now for $14.99, or for $199.99 from Mosaic Records in 30 years.

Album #5

In a stunning co-production of Roc-a-Fella Jazz and the Roc-a-Fella Jazz Heritage Series, Sonny Rollins presents an updated take on his famous NEWK'S TIME record - concerning a theme that certainly would have rung as true when NEWK'S TIME was released in 1957.

Sonny Rollins, tenor sax and EWI; Pee Wee Russell, clarinet; Red Allen, trumpet; Dave Tough, drums.

Recorded live at the Green Mill, August 2011.

Available for $35.45 - OR for only $5 when you turn in a nuclear bomb to your local Tower Records.