Exceleration Music has acquired Mack Avenue Music Group, integrating the 26-year-old jazz label's catalog and roster into their operations. This strategic move follows Exceleration's 2021 relaunch of Candid Records.

The acquisition includes several subsidiary labels owned by Mack Avenue:

• Rendezvous Music
• Artistry Music
• MaxJazz
• Brother Mister Productions
• Strata-East Records

As part of the reorganization, Mack Avenue will merge with Candid to form Exceleration's comprehensive jazz group. Denny Stilwell, Mack Avenue's president of 23 years, will lead the combined unit, working alongside executives from both labels.

Key aspects of the acquisition:

• Exceleration will leverage its distribution, marketing, and technological resources
• Focus on expanding Mack Avenue's global impact
• Commitment to maintaining both labels' heritage while supporting artist growth

This acquisition represents a significant development in the jazz music industry, following other notable transactions such as Reservoir Media's February 2023 catalog agreement with Sonny Rollins. The deal aligns with broader industry trends in music IP acquisitions, which remain active in 2025, including Warner Music's recent DWA and Extravaganza catalogs purchase and Reservoir's acquisition of Lastrada Entertainment's publishing.

The merger aims to create what Exceleration partner John Burk describes as "the ultimate independent label home for today's greatest jazz artists," strengthening the position of both historic jazz labels in the modern music landscape.

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