Founded in 2001 by saxophonist, producer, and impresario Cory Weeds, Cellar Music Group celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a quarter century as one of the most prolific and artist-driven independent jazz labels in North America. Over the past twenty-five years, the Vancouver-based label has built an internationally respected catalogue spanning hundreds of releases, documenting legendary masters to contemporary innovators across the global jazz community.
What began as an extension of Weeds’ beloved Vancouver venue Cellar Jazz Club evolved into a far-reaching recording operation rooted in artistic trust, high-level musicianship, and a deep commitment to jazz and creative music. From early live recordings captured at the club to ambitious studio productions and archival releases, Cellar Music Group has consistently championed music with both historical reverence and forward momentum.
Across its twenty-five year history, the label has released acclaimed recordings by an extraordinary roster of artists including Harold Mabern, Louis Hayes, Charles McPherson, David “Fathead” Newman, Eric Alexander, Ulysses Owens Jr, Dayna Stephens, Billy Drummond, V Brad Turner, Bria Skonberg, Emmet Cohen, Miki Yamanaka, Champian Fulton, Vanisha Gould and many others. In recent years, the label has expanded its international reach further through major partnerships, new artist development initiatives, and a rapidly growing release schedule.
Among the label’s most significant achievements has been its ongoing collaboration with the Spike Wilner and the SmallsLIVE Foundation through the acclaimed SmallsLIVE Living Masters Series. Since launching in 2021, the series has become one of the most vital archival and contemporary jazz documentation efforts of its kind, producing an extensive catalog of releases featuring celebrated artists including Marshall Allen, Jesse Davis, Ken Peplowski, Sheila Jordan, Dave Liebman, and many others. Another highlight of the past quarter century is Reel to Real - the label’s archival imprint which has celebrated highly acclaimed releases from Roy Brooks Jr., Pepper Adams, Shelley Mann, Jack McDuff, Charles Tolliver and many more.
The label has also garnered major industry recognition in recent years. In 2023, the Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra earned a GRAMMY Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for its self-titled debut, marking a landmark achievement for the label. Cellar and its artists have continued to receive widespread acclaim from institutions including the JUNO Awards, DownBeat Critics Poll, and major international media outlets.
Despite its considerable growth, Cellar Music Group has remained grounded in the same philosophy that defined its earliest releases: documenting honest, swinging, deeply human music created by artists with something meaningful to say. “I never imagined the label would grow into what it has become,” says Weeds. “The goal was always simple: make records I believed in, support artists I love, and help keep this music alive. Twenty-five years later, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built and even more excited about where it’s headed.”
To celebrate the milestone anniversary, Cellar Music Group will spotlight selections from its expansive catalogue throughout the year while continuing an active release schedule featuring both established masters and emerging artists.
More information can be found at Cellar Music Group.
