The gigless times of 2020—the year of the Covid-19 pandemic—could have brought musicians and the industry to their collective knees, gasping for air. Instead, it resulted in more new music than ever before. It filled our lungs with fresh air. It filled our hearts and souls, not to mention our ears.

New businesses opening, defying the odds and pursuing their dreams, is a relevant factor. Le Coq Records, emerging in 2020, boldly presents an all-star ensemble—featuring many of the world's finest jazz musicians—as its virgin voyage on the jazz scene. Someone once said, "Go big or go home." The anonymous quote was not lost on owner and founder Piero Pata. He wisely didn't micro-manage, instead letting the cats do their thing, and allowing it to come together in an organic manner.

Legendary drummer