Album Of The Week for the week of September 7, 2025
A Billy Strayhorn Songbook on Concord Jazz
From Car Salesman to Jazz Impresario: The Unforgettable Journey of Carl Jefferson and Concord Jazz
Within the ultra cool vibes of American jazz, few stories sparkle as brightly as that of Carl Jefferson, a man whose unyielding passion for the jazz music of his youth transformed not only his life but also the very state of jazz itself.
Born on December 10, 1919, in Alameda, California, Jefferson was originally on a very different path, one paved with cars originating from the lot of his very successful Jefferson Motors business, a Lincoln & Mercury dealership he owned and operated on Willow Pass Road in Concord, California.
Jefferson’s early years were marked by an affinity for the rhythm and melodies of jazz. However, he spent much of his life entrenched in the practicalities of running his business. That new car smell mingled with the sweet strains of jazz playing softly in the background, highlighting Jefferson’s dual existence as both businessman and dreamer.
The turning point came in 1969 when Jefferson organized the Concord Summer Festival at Concord Avenue Park. It was a moment that could have easily slipped past unnoticed, yet it became a catalyst for a movement. This festival wasn’t just an event; it was a testament to Jefferson’s lifelong passion for jazz. At the age of 50, with many of his contemporaries contemplating retirement, Jefferson embraced change and challenge with his new festival showcasing the power of improvisational jazz.
As the festival continued to grow in popularity, it evolved. Renamed the Concord Jazz Festival, it found a new home at the Concord Pavilion, a venue Jefferson himself championed passionately for. It was here that jazz legends would grace the stage, where the air crackled with the energy of live music, Jefferson saw the pavilion not merely as a concert hall but as a cultural sanctuary for this truly American art form he cared so deeply about, a place where the music could thrive and connect with his community.
As time would tell, this would prove to be just the beginning of Jefferson’s journey. In 1972, spurred by his experience with the festival and a desire to offer his beloved jazz musicians an outlet to continue recording their work, he founded Concord Records. What started as an avenue to support the artists he admired rapidly blossomed into a significant force in jazz.
With his expertise as a producer, Jefferson embarked on the ambitious task of recording over 500 sessions, nurturing the talents of some of the finest musicians the genre had to offer.
Initially focused on guitarists such as Herb Ellis, Charlie Byrd, and Barney Kessel, Concord Records quickly expanded its reach into varied jazz styles, showcasing diversity at every turn. From swing legends like Ruby Braff and Scott Hamilton to vocal icons such as Carmen McRae and Rosemary Clooney, Jefferson’s vision saw no boundaries. Latin jazz luminaries Cal Tjader and Tito Puente also found a home at Concord, illustrating Jefferson’s commitment to fostering a wide array of musical expression.
As each record was produced, Jefferson not only championed his beloved artists but also reshaped the jazz label landscape. Concord Records became synonymous with quality and innovation, drawing in listeners who craved the authenticity of its sound.
As the years rolled by, the festival continued to flourish alongside the record label. Jefferson’s name became a staple in the jazz community; he was not merely a businessman, he was an impresario, a visionary whose journey from selling automobiles to promoting the arts became a testament to following a dream.
In 1994, at the age of 75, Jefferson made the difficult decision to part with his cherished Concord Jazz label, selling it to Alliance Entertainment. What once bore the stamp of his passion now rebranded itself as Concord Records, but the legacy of his contribution to jazz would endure for decades.
Carl Jefferson passed away on March 29, 1995, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that will echo far beyond his years. Under the umbrella of Concord Records, Jefferson’s beloved jazz continues to thrive unabated, celebrating the artistry of musicians he believed so strongly in.
As jazz lovers gather at festivals around the world, let’s take a moment to celebrate not just the music, but the man who dared change his life and the lives of others around him, all in the name of jazz.
Jefferson believed in the power of music to transcend barriers, uplift communities, and bring people together. His story is a reminder that no matter where you begin, it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, to pursue your passions, and, above all, to revel in the eternally life affirming joy of music itself.
A Billy Strayhorn Songbook was released by Concord Jazz Special Products in April 2007 and features:
1. The Ray Brown Trio – Take The “A” Train
2. Kenny Burrell – Lotus Blossom
3. Bud Shank & Shorty Rogers – Blood Count
4. Phil Woods & Jim McNeely – Day Dream
5. Lew Tabackin Quartet – Chelsea Bridge
6. Tito Puente – Passion Flower
7. Marian McPartland – Raincheck
8. Howard Alden Trio – Something To Live For
9. Frankie Capp/Nat Pierce Orchestra – All Heart
10. Jesse Davis – Lush Life