MPS
Company presentation: MPS Records - The home of jazz
MPS Records (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) is a legendary German jazz label founded in 1968 by Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer. Deeply rooted in the Black Forest, MPS is known as Germany's first independent jazz label and has made a name for itself worldwide for exceptional sound quality and artistic excellence. Based in Villingen-Schwenningen, MPS quickly became a key player in the jazz scene, representing artists of international renown.
Vision and philosophy
MPS was founded with the vision of creating music recordings that are not only technically perfect, but also artistically authentic. Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer, himself a passionate music lover, placed great emphasis on offering artists creative freedom while utilizing innovative recording techniques. The philosophy of MPS has always been to capture the essence of the music in the highest sonic quality.
Historical milestone: The Black Forest Studios
The famous Black Forest Studios in Villingen, equipped with the most modern technology of their time, became a creative center for artists from all over the world. The acoustics and technical precision of the studios enabled MPS to produce recordings of unsurpassed quality, which are still regarded as reference works today.
Artists and repertoire
MPS Records has released an impressive list of artists throughout its history, including some of the biggest names in jazz:
- Oscar Peterson - The world-famous pianist was a close friend of Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer and a figurehead of the label.
- Ella Fitzgerald - Her recordings on MPS are among the highlights of her career.
- Duke Ellington, George Duke, Monty Alexander, Jean-Luc Ponty, Albert Mangelsdorff and many other artists have left their mark on the history of MPS.
The label's repertoire covers a broad spectrum from classic jazz, swing and bebop to contemporary and experimental jazz sounds. MPS has always distinguished itself by promoting both international stars and local talent.
Technical excellence
The technical quality of MPS recordings has always been a hallmark of the label. Brunner-Schwer relied on innovative technologies, including multi-track recording and analog mastering techniques, to capture the sonic brilliance of the music. This dedication to perfection has led to many of the MPS releases being regarded as audiophile reference works.
MPS today
After several decades, MPS was taken over by Edel Music & Entertainment GmbH and is now based in Hamburg. Under Edel's direction, many of the classic recordings have been digitally restored and reissued, giving a new generation of music lovers access to the treasures of MPS. At the same time, the label remains true to its tradition of promoting innovative artists and producing music with the highest integrity.
The MPS legacy
MPS Records is far more than just a record label - it is synonymous with the golden era of jazz and stands for artistic freedom, technical perfection and everlasting music. With its impressive history, exceptional catalog and unwavering dedication to quality, MPS has left a lasting mark on the world of jazz and continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike.
Whether you're an avid jazz fan, audiophile or curious explorer, MPS Records is a veritable treasure trove of music history.
