History p.e.k.Sound is one of a select group of specialist independent record labels dedicated to recording present-day British Traditional Jazz. It began in the late '80s and, until the end of 2004, was run by husband and wife team Peter and Eleanor Kings. Following the death of Eleanor in December 2004, I have continued to run p.e.k.Sound on my own.
p.e.k.Sound started almost by accident in the spring of 1988 when, having been a life-long fan of Traditional Jazz, I bought a portable tape recorder to take with me to club sessions. During the next two years I made amateur recordings of almost 200 jazz club sessions. In 1990 I bought a professional digital recording machine and in 1991 made the first commercial recording for release on the newly named p.e.k.Sound label.
In 1992 early retirement from my 'day job' as an engineer in the power industry gave me the opportunity to concentrate on honing my recording skills and investing whenever possible in better equipment. In 1993 the first p.e.k.Sound CD was released.
Since those early days p.e.k.Sound has grown steadily, entirely due to recommendation by bands whom we have recorded; I now record and produce around 12 new CDs per year and have released a total of well over 300 albums. Of course many of the early albums were on cassette only and have long since been deleted.
Mail Order Sales In 1996 we made the decision to start selling our CDs by direct mail-order, and a mailing list of around 800 enthusiasts worldwide now receive the quarterly Newsletters and twice yearly catalogues. The catalogue has grown from a four page list to a 28 page booklet with information on around 150 CDs.
I pride myself on giving my customers the best mail-order service possible, with nearly all orders being dispatched the same day I receive them.
The Present At p.e.k.Sound I now have some of the best recording and post production equipment available, and continuing where I started, many of my recordings are still made at live jazz club and festival sessions, where the true atmosphere and excitement of the music can shine through and, it is hoped, be captured faithfully on CD.
The Future I have always derived great pleasure and satisfaction from my recording and CD production activities and I hope to continue recording and producing CDs for some of the best of British Traditional Jazz Bands for many years to come.