About

Created in 1991 by Joseph Vella, Jazz Online was the world’s first commercial interactive network devoted exclusively to jazz. What started out as a San Francisco based bulletin board system evolved into the first commercial jazz web site in 1994. As one of the most original and leading content based jazz destinations on the web, Jazz Online set the standard for the jazz sites that followed. In addition, Jazz Online built and managed the first web sites for major labels and artists including Blue Note Records, Verve Records, Warner Bros. Jazz and Pat Metheny Group. Jazz Online also pioneered online marketing services for the music industry and served as an audio/video production house.

Joseph Vella is the creative visionary behind Jazz Online and remains the driving force today. He calls upon his lifelong passion and study of the music along with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry to form his distinct perspective. Armed with a broad understanding of jazz, combined with an extensive archive of original content, the goal of this one time musician turned internet entrepreneur is to present an unfiltered but intimate portrait of the music. Though his spirited viewpoint sets the tone, it is the voices of the artists themselves that enrich the experience. Vella’s ability to direct and shape this unique narrative is at the heart of Jazz Online and what separates it from the rest.

Jazz Online is a property of Vella Interactive, LLC.

JAZZ ONLINE TIMELINE & HIGHLIGHTS:

1991:

jazz online logo

Jazz Online (JOL) originated as a bulletin board system in the San Francisco Bay Area. The image above was the original logo for Jazz Online.

– The 1-800 Tower Records service becomes JOL’s first retail partner

1992 & 1993:

kjaz

– Teamed with KJAZ Radio to create the first union between an online jazz network and radio station. Listen to the one and only radio spot created for JOL below.

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1994:

jazz online

– JazzOnline.com debuts.

– Created the first streaming online jazz radio channel.

– JOL develops the first web sites for Pat Metheny, Blue Note, Verve Records and Warner Bros. Jazz

1995:


CDNow
– Teamed with CDNow to create the first affiliate & content partnering e-commerce programs.

joshua redman

– Produced first live streaming jazz internet concert broadcast featuring the Joshua Redman Quartet from the Fashion Cafe in New York City.

– Developed first online site for JazzTimes Magazine.

1996:

Hot Picks

– Implemented the first online marketing placement programs for artists & record labels.

1997:

ID

– Produced in association with Warner Jazz and Cyclone Interactive, the first streaming “netcast” video rehearsal concert with live Q&A presentation featuring Pat Metheny Group in support of the recording Imaginary Day.

1999:

kenny garrett

– Created Jazz Online Presents – the first exclusive online video channel presenting original interview and performances via streaming video. Artists featured included Chick Corea, Patricia Barber, Joshua Redman, Kenny Garrett, Jonathan Butler, Tierney Sutton, Karrin Allyson, Mark Turner, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Brad Mehldau, Pat Metheny, Freddy Cole, Curtis Stigers and others.

Take 5

– Relaunched JOL Radio as a special feature on Real Audio’s Take 5 daily content program.

2000 – 2004:

Sonic Trance
( watch video )

Joshua Redman
( watch video )

– JOL adds video production, online marketing and consulting to their list of services.

2005 – 2008:

Podcast

– JOL embraces emerging podcast format & pioneers several major productions starting with the acclaimed John Coltrane series, The Traneumentary.

2010:

The dawning of a new blogzine era begins …