Exceleration Music Acquires Mack Avenue to Create Premier Independent Jazz Label Powerhouse
Exceleration Music has acquired Mack Avenue Music Group in a strategic move to strengthen its position in the jazz music industry. The acquisition includes Mack Avenue's extensive 26-year catalog and active roster of artists.
Guitarist Mike Stern performing live
The deal follows Exceleration's successful 2021 relaunch of Candid Records, which has since expanded its streaming presence and released new recordings from artists like Eliane Elias. Mack Avenue's acquisition brings several prestigious labels under Exceleration's umbrella, including:
- Rendezvous Music
- Artistry Music
- MaxJazz
- Brother Mister Productions
- Strata-East Records
As part of the reorganization, Mack Avenue will integrate with Candid to form Exceleration's consolidated jazz group. Denny Stilwell, Mack Avenue's president of over 23 years, will lead the newly formed unit, joined by key executives from both labels.
John Burk, Exceleration partner and co-founder, emphasized their mission to "build the ultimate independent label home for today's greatest jazz artists." The company plans to leverage its distribution, marketing, and technological resources to expand Mack Avenue's global reach.
This acquisition adds to the recent trend of high-profile music catalog transactions, including Reservoir Media's 2023 agreement with Sonny Rollins. The broader music IP acquisition market continues to show strength in 2025, with notable deals including:
- Warner Music's acquisition of DWA and Extravaganza catalogs
- Reservoir's purchase of Lastrada Entertainment's publishing
- Influence Media Partners' $360 million debt financing
- Warner Bros. Discovery's catalog joint venture with Cutting Edge