As Jim West Steps Aside From Justin Time Records, Peers Pay Tribute to One of Canadian Jazz's Biggest Champions

A major name in Canadian jazz is moving on from the label he founded.

Justin Time Records founder Jim West announced in early July that he’s stepping down from his position to focus on his management firm, Wild West Artist Management. Last year, the powerhouse Montreal-based independent Canadian jazz, blues, and gospel label celebrated its 40th anniversary, a major feat in the volatile world of indie labels in this country. He was instrumental in the breakout success of artists like Diana Krall, and released hundreds of jazz records from Canadian jazz luminaries.

This announcement doesn't mean the end of Justin Time. It is continuing to operate, now under the umbrella of another pillar of Canadian independent music, Nettwerk Music Group.

“In thinking about the transition for Justin Time, it was important for me to find a home that could carry on the deep-rooted traditions practiced by the label – an artist first mentality and great music people at the helm," West says. "We are extremely fortunate to have the Nettwerk Music Group as the new owners and custodians of our work.”

Nettwerk COO & President, Simon Mortimer-Lamb, says, “Jim West’s visionary leadership of Justin Time Records has left an indelible mark on Canadian music history. The rich catalogue of music he has nurtured, produced and released over the years represents some of the genre’s finest Canadian and global artists. It has been a pleasure working with Jim over the past several years, and it is an honour for the Nettwerk team to continue the legacy of Justin Time Records.”

In a press release, Nettwerk also stated that it "aims to continue the label’s legacy and champion the Canadian music scene past and present" and "carry out Jim’s mission to release and promote a diverse array of talented Canadian and international artists."

The Huge Legacy of Justin Time Records

Justin Time is arguably the biggest and most important Canadian indie jazz label ever.

West started the Montreal-based imprint in 1983, quickly making an impact with its very first release, the debut recording from renowned jazz pianist Oliver Jones.

Other notable artists whose careers were boosted significantly by Justin Time include jazz superstar Diana Krall (the label released her debut album, Stepping Out, in 1993), vocalists Ranee Lee, Carol Welsman, Susie Arioli and Lorraine Klaasen, gospel powerhouse The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, bandleaders Jane Bunnett and Rob McConnell, David Clayton-Thomas (of Blood, Sweat & Tears fame), guitarist Sonny Greenwich, piano virtuoso Hilario Duran, horn stars Kenny Wheeler, Guido Basso, P.J. Perry, Pat LaBarbera and Chet Doxas, Moe Koffman and hundreds of other Canadian and international artists.

Remaining with West as clients of his artist management company are Oliver Jones, Ranee Lee, Lorraine Klaasen, Jean-Michel Pilc, Laura Anglade, Dr. Trevor W. Payne and Halie Loren.

In its 40-plus years of operation, Justin Time has released nearly 600 recordings. This deep catalogue includes work by such U.S. jazz luminaries as David Murray, The World Saxophone Quartet, Billy Bang, John Abercrombie, Hamiet Bluiett, Jeri Brown and Cécile McLorin Salvant. The label also released albums by such jazz and blues greats as Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Lightnin' Hopkins, Taj Mahal and John Lee Hooker.

Outside of Justin Time Records, Jim West played another important role in the Canadian record business as head of record distribution company Fusion 111, one he also founded in 1983. As well as distributing Justin Time titles, Fusion III handled Canadian distribution for several hundred other Canadian and international recording companies, including classical, pop and rock labels, not just jazz. Fusion III ceased operations in 2008.

One of those distributed labels was Montreal-based Secret City Records, one that has evolved into one of Canada's most important independent labels (its roster has featured Patrick Watson, Alexandra Stréliski, Basia Bulat, Plants and Animals, The Barr Brothers, Shad, La Force, Jeremy Dutcher and more).

Of note: Secret City is headed by its founder, Justin West, who just happens to be Jim's son. Justin West was recently named to the Billboard Canada Power Players list, an indication he learned valuable lessons from his father. "My father has always been a massive influence in my life, including my career," he says. "Not only did give me invaluable hands-on experience doing real record label work, but he let me shadow him in the recording studio, on business trips, in meetings, and more. I was so fortunate to have had those opportunities from a very young age all the way through my years at McGill University."

Jim West's career accomplishments have deservedly earned him some major music industry honours. In 2016, the Montreal International Jazz Festival presented him with the Bruce Lundvall Award, named after the late American Blue Note executive, and presented to a person from the media or music industry who has made a significant contribution to the development of jazz.

In 2018, West received the Builder Award from the Canadian Independent Music Association, and in 2022 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to the Canadian recording industry, and for supporting and championing our country’s talent.

Tributes to Jim West from Canadian Executives

Arguably more important than the accolades is the deep respect Jim West has earned from his artists and his music industry peers. When Billboard Canada approached the heads and executives of other Canadian jazz labels and music companies, they were unanimous in their praise of West and his contributions to Canadian music, and quickly lined up to pay tribute.

Here are their contributions.

Scott Morin, Former head of Verve Music Group/Universal Jazz Canada and Current Marketing and A&R for Cellar Music Group: "Jim West is the OG of the Canadian jazz record business. In his case, that stands for Original Gentleman. He is an artist-first executive and producer, and a man with great ears. As everyone who knows him will understand, Jim is a kind, soulful man with a big heart, a great laugh and true joie de vivre. It’s infectious when you are around him and his positive vibe set a tone for the jazz business back in the days where we’d hang at the Jazz Report Awards, IAJE conventions and other celebrations of jazz music.

"Jim also was a big part of the early days of Diana Krall’s recorded music career and as a former employee for Verve Records, I can’t tell you how much that initial record and where it led for Diana, benefited the jazz community as a whole. In an industry where the word is used a lot, I can say from years of knowing him that he defines what it is to be a mensch. I wish him all the best in his next steps and growth with his management arm."

(Special thanks to Scott Morin for his help reaching out for tributes)

Ken Druker, SVP, Jazz Development, Verve Label Group: "You never forget early kindnesses. As a young person disillusioned with my prospects as an academic, I took a year off from my graduate studies to explore something even less secure — a future in jazz. I had no conception of what ‘a future in jazz’ could possibly look like. Returning to Montreal, I made cold calls to anyone that seemed to have any connection to jazz. Everyone I spoke to was very polite but, for the most part, so wrapped up in trying to make a go of their own venture that helping out an enthusiastic but largely clueless young man couldn’t rank very high on their to-do list.

"That’s why my visit to Jim West’s office at Justin Time Records over 35 years ago stands out so clearly to me. At the time, I knew Justin Time as the home of world-class jazz recordings that featured Montreal’s and Canada’s finest musicians. But I had no idea what a record company did day-to-day or how one could make a living working with the music you loved. Jim took the time to explain to me how things worked — from working with artists, to promoting their recordings, to distributing high-quality labels from all over the world — and turned what had started in my mind as a poorly-formed fantasy into something that more closely resembled a possibility.

"Over the years, Jim and Justin Time were incredibly supportive and maintained artistic standards in their recordings that served as a model for what I hoped to achieve in the jazz world. Time hasn't dimmed my memory of Jim’s openness, kindness and support. It’s a lesson I took to heart and that I still think about when young people approach me with nothing more than a love of music and a desire to somehow make it part of their lives."

Kodi Hutchinson, President of Calgary-based jazz label Chronograph Records: "Jim West has had an extraordinary career spanning over 40 years at the helm of Justin Time Records. His dedication to creating art with incredible artists from Canada and beyond has been truly inspiring. I always think fondly of him as the visionary who helped launch so many careers in jazz, including the likes of Diana Krall.

"Like so many of us in this art form, it has always been about the music, not the money, yet he managed to turn his passion into a remarkable career. His kindness and invaluable advice have greatly supported our work at Chronograph Records. He is also a fantastic hang, always up for great food and friendship wherever we cross paths. As he closes this chapter, we know he is far from out of the game and look forward to seeing him at events worldwide, continuing to support artists as he always has."

Bill King, Co-Founder, Radioland Records Founder, Jazz Report Awards: "Jim is one of those rare individuals who fought the odds and carved out a successful business in the controlled recording industry where hits rule the day. The proof provided by Jim shows that high art has a place in Canadian society and, when marketed and promoted, it will sell and have lasting significance. Jim's enduring legacy lies in his catalogue of artists and recordings."

Cory Weeds, President, Cellar Music Group: "Jim West has left an indelible mark on the Canadian Jazz scene. I didn’t know him well but he always carried himself with grace and kindness. Thank you Jim for your priceless contributions to jazz music."

Peter Cardinali, Founder and head of Alma Records: "Through his many years of hard work and dedication, my good friend Jim West has created a wonderful legacy to be very proud of. He truly is one of Canada’s original music pioneers founding Justin Time early on, one of the first independent jazz labels in the country which quickly became home to some of the greatest artists.

"Having traveled to many events around the world together, I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with Jim and hearing great stories about coming up in Montreal, working with Donald K Tarlton, his label, distribution company, and more, while also imparting some wisdom. The things that remained constant throughout his career was his love for music and how he stood up for his artists. Whatever great things life brings to him now is more than well deserved. Congratulations Jim and thank you!"

Glenda Rush, Proprietor, Vivo Musique Internationale: “When I started my career in the music industry as a bass player in Montreal in the 1980s, Jim West-Justin Time Records was synonymous with great Canadian jazz. They gave Montreal such pride, and were held in the highest esteem for the artists and recordings: the mention of Jim West and Justin Time meant great music.

"I have so many memories of hanging out at Biddle’s, reading interviews and hearing the Justin Time albums on the radio. And then a dream of my life, I had the great fortune of being a bass player with an artist signed to Justin Time Records… and I met the great Jim West. His warmth, sincerity, kindness, respect and integrity put me and everyone at ease and has been an inspiration throughout my career.”

We'll leave the last words of tribute to Jim West to his son Justin:

"Of course, I learned a ton about the music industry and how it all works, but it's the intangibles that he taught me that have had the largest impact.

"He had an immensely positive spirit at work every day; he loved what he did and worked very hard, but also balanced that well with family life; he always treated people with respect and fairness; he put trust in people and gave them opportunities to shine; he truly valued musicians and artistry; he got energized by new technologies and was always a first-mover; he was viscerally independent and loved working alongside his peers to move the Canadian industry forward; and he developed real long-lasting relationships across the industry.

"Those are just a few of the things that I have internalized and tried to emulate within my own journey in music. There's really no better role model to have than him."