KOCH Entertainment, the leading distributor of pre-recorded audio and video products in Canada announces a Canadian distribution agreement with the prestigious DENON and SAVOY Jazz catalogs.

The revival of the SAVOY and DENON labels have already seen a successful launch in the United States, where bestsellers have entered the Billboard Jazz Charts within weeks of their release. The revamped labels are now under stewardship of three industry veterans: former BMG CEO Strauss Zelnick, Windham Hill executive Steve Vining and BMG executive Steve Backer.

"SAVOY JAZZ and DENON are both legendary labels and we're thrilled to be working such an experienced team," Dominique Zgarka, President of KOCH Entertainment said. "Through their expert mining of the rich catalogs and their aggressive growth plans I have no doubt the company will become a force in adult music and we are pleased to be their partners for Canada. Also, the opportunity to begin with them on Savoy's 60th Anniversary this fall is clearly a plus."

Noted President of SAVOY JAZZ Steve Vining, "KOCH has demonstrated itself to be the preeminent organization in Canada with an experienced and passionate staff and state of the art infrastructure. We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with KOCH starting with the launch of our anniversary productions this fall."

It's long been said that to find the birth of bebop you need only explore the recordings on SAVOY JAZZ. Recognized as one of the leading jazz catalogs worldwide, SAVOY JAZZ lays claim to the seminal recordings by the legends of the genre. SAVOY jazz's roster reads like a who's who of jazz, including Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Erroll Garner and many more. SAVOY CD releases will provide rich and compelling audio and visual entertainment that complement each other, and enhance the consumer experience with music. Audiophile single CDs, stylish multi-disc collections with exhaustive annotation and exclusive photos, high resolution format releases on DVD-A and SACD and value priced compilations are part of SAVOY's rich history. New artist signings will be announced shortly that will continue the SAVOY story into the new century.

For decades, the name DENON has been synonymous with the ultimate in state of the art audio reproduction. As the original developer of commercial digital recording technology, DENON's extensive catalog of pristine digital releases showcase some of the finest performances ever committed to disc. Whether it's thrilling favourites from the leading orchestras of Europe or award winning performances from stellar soloists like Jean Pierre Rampal and Janos Starker, or the pops of Henry Mancini - DENON Classics has always been known for scrupulous attention to detail, inspired artistry and the highest caliber recording techniques.

KOCH will be working with various retailers across Canada in conjunction with watchmaker Wittnauer to mark 60 years of SAVOY JAZZ's timeless music. For the fall, each music location will feature entries for their shoppers to win grand prizes of a classic Wittnauer watch (retail value $1000 Canadian) and a deluxe 3 CD boxed set of Dizzy Gillespie's Savoy recordings - Odyssey 1945-1952. These extraordinary watches feature 24 karat gold casings, ultra thin profiles, stainless steel craftsmanship and mother of pearl faces. Wittnauer is recognized the world over for their craftsmanship and elegance and appeal to both men and women who appreciate quality and style.