* Love Songs And Classic Ballads Interpreted by Arkadia All Star Cast: Billy Taylor, Benny Golson, Randy Brecker, Joanne Brackeen, TK Blue, Mary Pearson, Paul Tobey, Uli Lenz, Kenny Drew, Jr. and More *

Following the successes of the twice Grammy nominated "Thank You" series and the recent jazz compilations Jazz Stars and Young Lions, Arkadia Jazz is releasing it's first Romantic Themed CD: It's About Love. It's the perfect companion for that special moment, a great introduction to jazz, and a welcome relief from the hectic pace of the world.

Featuring recent material by jazz masters and contemporary packaging, It's About Love is a strategic compilation because in the famous words of Lorenze Hart, in the standard "My Funny Valentine," "each day is Valentines Day." In addition to the modern approach that Arkadia has taken, It's About Love features four unreleased tracks, a Grammy nominee, and even has an international slant, showcasing the talents of recent signings to Arkadia Jazz: pianists Paul Tobey and Uli Lenz, and classical guitarist Nigel Clark. It's About Love reaches out to non-jazz markets and listeners through the concept that jazz, through special marketing, can reach a wide audience through exposure to living masters of the artform.

Starting off with Benny Golson's sublime reading of Duke Ellington's Mood Indigo, the easy pace of the CD is established. The nylon strings of Nigel Clark (who will have his first solo recording in the United States, Grand Hotel Europa on Arkadia in March 2001) are featured next in the breezy A Summer Affair. Joanne Brackeen performs Stevie Wonder's pop standard My Cherie Amour in her own dynamic, individual way, and is indicative of her talents not only as a supreme improviser, but as a skilled interpreter. Randy Brecker's Grammy nominated performance on My Funny Valentine is one of the rare moments in jazz when the whole world stops, if but for a moment.

Paul Tobey's sensitive and insightful rendition of Monk's Round Midnight is rhapsodic, using subtle dissonances to create tension, released by his flowing lines. Paul will also have his United States debut CD Street Culture in March of 2001. T.K. Blue's original composition, It's Really All About Love features Blue's exquisite flute, perhaps jazz's most romantic instrument. The More I See You by Mary Pearson is one of the centerpieces of the CD, being the sole vocalist in the set. The masterful ballad Interlude by the Billy Taylor Trio is next, followed by Passionata, an unfinished manuscript by Kenny Drew Sr. that was completed and recorded by his son, Kenny Drew Jr. Eric Reed's rendition of Monk's Ask Me Now is a sparse, yet eloquent doctrine.

David Liebman and Vic Juris duet on soprano and acoustic guitar on Billy Eckstine's I Want To Talk About You, and Uli Lenz's near still A Perfect Couple closes out the recording. Uli will also have his US debut, Rainmaker's Dance in April of 2001.

A full-service label started in 1997 by Bob Karcy, Arkadia Jazz has earned four Grammy nominations (the most of any independent label in the jazz category) and wide acclaim as "The Artists Choice". "Arkadia is a new label whose recordings to date have been meticulous, high- quality productions with focus and purpose" Thomas Conrad, Stereophile. The label has released CD's by Billy Taylor, David Liebman and Joanne Brackeen (both Grammy nominees on Arkadia Jazz), T.K. Blue, Mary Pearson, Benny Golson (also nominated for a Grammy), Kenny Drew Jr. and David Lahm, among others. The twice Grammy-nominated "Thank You" series includes tributes to John Coltrane, Gerry Mulligan, Duke Ellington and Joe Henderson. In June of 1999, Arkadia acquired the esteemed Postcards label, and is expanding its catalog into the world and classical music areas. Postcards (www.postcardsrecords.com) new releases are classical pianist Lara Downes, bassist Joris Teepe with Don Braden and Chris Potter, and percussionist / ethnomusicologist Royal Hartigan.

Arkadia Jazz is a label of Arkadia Entertainment, a natural extension of V.I.E.W. Video (www.view.com) founded by Karcy 17 years ago. V.I.E.W. is widely acknowledged to be the premiere home video producer and label in jazz, performing arts (opera, dance and classical music) and special interest (documentary, parenting, sports, health & fitness) with a catalog in excess of 200 titles that have been honored with over 100 prestigious international awards. For consumers who would like the name of the nearest retailer, or to receive a catalog, call toll-free, 1-888-ARKADIA. www.arkadiarecords.com.