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The early '70s was a time when the rock and roll and pop music industry was booming and many jazz artists were turning to jazz/rock fusion. Countless creative jazz musicians, seeking to push the music in new directions, were left out in the cold. Record contracts from major labels and well-paid gigs were scarce for many. In 1969, a plethora of creative musicians were moving to Paris and other European cities where their music was loved and respected.

Here in the States, independent record labels and small venues were struggling to provide for these very talented and forward-thinking musicians. In Detroit, the Strata Gallery and Strata Records came to the forefront in our area. Picking up upon a good thing, New York City artists Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell formed the independent STRATA EAST RECORDS in 1971. Their output of over 50 records in the 1970s and into the 80's provided a much-needed outlet for the creative work of many musicians. Records were produced in limited quantities and eventually became hard to find.

Along comes Detroit's MACK AVENUE RECORDS who have reissued much of the STRATA EAST catalog, with over 30 recordings and more to come. MACK AVENUE AND GROOV MARKETING have provided WHFR with the recordings that have been reissued in the catalog thus far. The music of Pharoah Sanders, Stanley Cowell, Charles Tolliver, Clifford Jordan and many others can be heard on these airwaves via Mack Avenue and Strata East recordings.

Tune in this Sunday, April 27, from 4:00 - 7:00pm EDT, as we explore the music from Strata East Records artists on the weekly spotlight program WHFR PRESENTS. This will be part one of the features on Strata East with more to come in the month of May. WHFR radio can be heard locally (Dearborn/Detroit) on 89.3fm and worldwide via the internet at whfr.fm.
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WHFR PRESENTS airs every Sunday beginning (usually) at 4:00 pm with a rotating cast of WHFR DJs, taking in-depth looks into the many genres of music that WHFR has to offer. Tune in at 89.3 on the FM dial in Dearborn/Detroit and surrounding communities, or listen anywhere via our online streamer.
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