About

Classics is French jazz label, founded by Gilles Pétard in 1989, specialized in thoroughly documented, chronological reissue compilations of major artists from Early Jazz to the Swing and Bop eras. The label set out to systematically assemble comprehensive collections of jazz recording by hundreds of artists previously issued on 78 rpm records as the European mechanic copyright laws allowed (issued recordings are protected for 50 years) and issue them on compact disc. The series was issued with informative liner notes in colour-coordinated packaging. The original series was published by subscription with five issues being released each month. The series started with number 500 in January 1990. The initial release was Ella Fitzgerald 1935-1937.