Welcome to MelBayRecords.com. One might assume that after fifty-seven years in the music business Mel Bay Publications, Inc. has just about done it all...well, we're getting closer. For some time now we have pondered the idea of entering the recording industry and we are proud to announce our new division, Mel Bay Records.

For years Mel Bay Publications, Inc. has prided itself in bringing the techniques and teachings of the world's finest musicians to aspiring students and educators everywhere. The tradition of Mel Bay continues with the formation of Mel Bay Records and its new jazz label Guitar Sessions®. The goal was to produce albums that showcase the intensity and virtuosity of some of today's most sought after jazz musicians. Speaking of the new venture president William Bay said, "CD production is not a completely new idea to Mel Bay. To date we have produced over a thousand different instructional CDs. Since so many of our writers are truly great performers, we thought the next logical step was to produce their studio recordings. The Guitar Sessions® label features some of the world's finest jazz guitarists at their hard-driving best."

The first series of releases on the Guitar Sessions® label will feature new CDs by jazz guitarists Corey Christiansen, Jimmy Bruno and Vic Jurus. Along with the first series of albums, the new label will release a series of concert DVDs featuring live performances by Peter Bernstein, Jimmy Bruno, Jack Wilkins and Frank Vignola plus a recent documentary on archtop guitar master luthier Robert Benedetto.

Most of Mel Bay Records CD releases include enhanced features that allow the listener to view video clips of studio sessions and performances, read musician bios, view gear and more. Mel Bay Publications, Inc. will also be publishing transcription books containing the recorded solos and a play-along CD for each new album released.