Heads Up

(Est. 1990) Since 1990, Heads Up International has been successfully carving its niche in the world of contemporary instrumental music. In addition to a Grammy Award and numerous Grammy nominations, the label has also garnered awards from various high-profile music publications and other industry organizations for its combination of brilliant artists, compelling repertoire and high quality production standards. More than just a contemporary jazz label with jazz, fusion and R&B instrumental sensibilities, Heads Up has amassed a catalog that boasts a diversity of styles representing nearly every corner of the globe: African, Latin, Caribbean, European and more. The label's highly acclaimed Heads Up Africa series is the home of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Hugh Masekela, Zap Mama and others. Heads Up has been a leader in recording technology as well as A&R. The label was among the first to release enhanced CDs and recordings in the Super Audio CD 5.1 Surround Sound format (SACD). The label was nominated for the first-ever Surround Sound Award in 2005, and was nominated again in 2007.

HEADS UP FEATURED ARTISTS

Esperanza Spalding

If “esperanza” is the Spanish word for hope, then bassist, vocalist and composer Esperanza Spalding could not have been given a more fitting name at birth.

Spyro Gyra

Since their earliest recordings and gigs in the mid-1970s, Spyro Gyra has always been about looking ahead and not backward. The title of their new release on Heads Up, Good To Go-Go, suggests a forward movement and an infectious enthusiasm.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

For more than thirty years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. The result is a musical and spiritual alchemy that has touched a worldwide audience.

Hiroshima

Since Hiroshima's inception in 1980, the group has assumed the artistic mission of bridging cultural divides through the power of music. Founded in east L.A., Hiroshima has borrowed from numerous cultures and merged these influences into a unique and innovative whole that is solely their own.