Jeremy Davenport Signs with Basin Street Records

It was just a couple of days ago that we noted in this space that trumpeter, vocalist and St. Louis native-turned-New Orleans resident Jeremy Davenport seems under-recorded by current music business standards, and now, word comes that he has signed a new deal with Basin Street Records. From the news release:

“Mark Samuels, president and founder of the award-winning New Orleans' based record label, Basin Street Records, is pleased to announce the label has signed an exclusive recording agreement with trumpeter/vocalist/composer Jeremy Davenport. The first recording of this two record deal is scheduled to begin next month with a proposed spring 2009 release date.

Working together is a vision realized for both Samuels (pictured at left) and Davenport. They first met 20 years ago casually at lunch while Jeremy was still in high school and staying with Wynton Marsalis. Samuels states: “Jeremy was the first artist I tried to sign when I entered the music industry several years later and I'm truly excited he is now a part of our recording family." Davenport echoes: “I was introduced to Mark by Wynton when I was just a kid. I've waited years to make a record with him. I'm thrilled!"

Samuels started Basin Street Records in 1997. The label released four recordings in 2008, by artists Irvin Mayfield, Dr. Michael White, Henry Butler and Theresa Andersson. The Basin Street roster also includes Kermit Ruffins, Jon Cleary, Jason Marsalis, Los Hombres Calientes, and the Headhunters. Davenport returns to St. Louis this week to perform Friday and Saturday evening as well as a Sunday matinee at Jazz at the Bistro.