ABSTRACT
The New York-based Milestone was founded in 1966 by jazz producer Orrin Keepnews. Like his earlier company, Riverside Records, it served as an alternative to the corporate policies of the major labels, which tended to ignore the needs of jazz artists. Its artistfriendly approach attracted the cream of the contemporary jazz scene, including Gary Bartz, Joe Henderson, and McCoy Tyner. Milestone relocated to Berkeley, California, in 1972 as part of the Fantasy Records group. Keepnews continued with the label as director of jazz A&R until the early 1980s, and was instrumental in developing the recording career of Brazilian vocalist Flora Purim. The company is still active; at the outset of the 21st century its roster included Hank Crawford, Joe Locke, George Mraz, Arturo O’Farrill, and Manny Oquendo & Libre.
