Windham Hill Records

Windham Hill Records, one of the leading marketers of New Age music, an increasingly popular genre of light, hypnotic instrumentals that critics derisively call "yuppie elevator music," is up for sale for $50 million, according to top industry executives. Capitol Records is among those reportedly negotiating with the Palo Alto company, which had estimated sales of $25 million in 1989. Capitol officials declined comment.

Advertiser: Windham Hill Records Agency: McCann-Erickson, Los Angeles Challenge: Develop a brand identity for the record label. The Ads: Two TV spots display pastoral scenes as gentle recordings from popular Windham Hill artists play in the background. One ad features instrumental music from George Winston, while the second spot uses an instrumental selection from Will Ackerman. Each ad ends with the Windham Hill logo and the slogan "The music inside you."

Advertiser: Windham Hill Records Agency: McCann-Erickson, Los Angeles Challenge: Develop a brand identity for the record label. The Ads: Two TV spots display pastoral scenes as gentle recordings from popular Windham Hill artists play in the background. One ad features instrumental music from George Winston, while the second spot uses an instrumental selection from Will Ackerman. Each ad ends with the Windham Hill logo and the slogan "The music inside you."

Taking part in a Windham Hill-sponsored folk bill at the Whisky on Sunday, local player Milo Binder immortalized "The New Bob Dylan" in a song that was itself a clever pastiche of mid-period Zimmy-isms. This mythic character didn't show up, nor did The New Suzanne Vega, yet each of the six acts provided something substantial or amusing enough.

This is fun. Imagine a piano sound that is blended from a large dose of Professor Longhair, a liberal seasoning of Dr. John, and a few sprinkles of Allen Toussaint and James P. Johnson. Then toss in some world-class contemporary jazz skills, extensive classical training and an utterly unique singing voice. Here's the result: A "live" recording of pianist Butler working a program of Crescent City-tinged rhythm and blues that bubbles with effervescent musical energies.

Longtime record executive Al Cafaro has been named president of A&M Records, the Los Angeles-based label of the Dutch music concern Polygram N.V. The 42-year-old Cafaro, who joined A&M Records in 1977 as a promotion manager, fills a post that had been held by A&M Chairman and Chief Executive Jerry Moss. Moss has served as president since A&M President Gil Friesen resigned in April shortly after A&M was sold to Polygram.

This is fun. Imagine a piano sound that is blended from a large dose of Professor Longhair, a liberal seasoning of Dr. John, and a few sprinkles of Allen Toussaint and James P. Johnson. Then toss in some world-class contemporary jazz skills, extensive classical training and an utterly unique singing voice. Here's the result: A "live" recording of pianist Butler working a program of Crescent City-tinged rhythm and blues that bubbles with effervescent musical energies.

Windham Hill Records, one of the leading marketers of New Age music, an increasingly popular genre of light, hypnotic instrumentals that critics derisively call "yuppie elevator music," is up for sale for $50 million, according to top industry executives. Capitol Records is among those reportedly negotiating with the Palo Alto company, which had estimated sales of $25 million in 1989. Capitol officials declined comment.

Taking part in a Windham Hill-sponsored folk bill at the Whisky on Sunday, local player Milo Binder immortalized "The New Bob Dylan" in a song that was itself a clever pastiche of mid-period Zimmy-isms. This mythic character didn't show up, nor did The New Suzanne Vega, yet each of the six acts provided something substantial or amusing enough.

A new stage in the evolution of a contemporary musical form has been reached with the decision by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences to accord a separate category--effective in the voting for next year's Grammy awards--for "New Age Music." The decision originated with recommendations by members and officers at several NARAS chapters around the country.