About Improvised Communications

Improvised Communications is one of the most respected organizations in creative improvised music. Active since 2002, it has established a distinctive place in the industry by specializing in the promotion of cutting-edge music from beyond the jazz mainstream. Its clients have included world-class independent musicians ranging from relative newcomers to established veterans to bona fide jazz legends, as well as prominent labels, concert series, festivals and venues.

“In an area that’s a tough sell in today’s market,” writes AllAboutJazz.com Managing Editor John Kelman, “Improvised Communications gets the word out in the best way possible. It targets its market well, is committed to projects that are of a consistently high quality and promotes those projects in a way that’s just right for folks who are deluged every day (every hour, it seems) with new information about yet another release. In a time when everyone can and does release music, Improvised Communications has chosen a path less-traveled; a niche, to be sure, but one that’s consistent in its commitment to forward-thinking music.”

Over the years, the Boston-based company has secured over 5,000 reviews and features in 200 different print and Web publications. At the same time, it has assisted in the production of feature stories and live performances on the BBC and NPR, and developed customized radio campaigns resulting in widespread airplay at stations around the world. In addition to various consulting, design and content development projects, Improvised Communications has promoted more than 150 carefully selected recordings and over 600 notable live events for its clients.

In January 2010, Improvised Communications unveiled a new Web site and its first-ever exclusive client roster, two changes built on the idea that more can be accomplished by working closely with a smaller group of long-term clients. This is the latest stage of evolution for the company, which is already known for its high standards for promotion content and seamlessly embracing such technological advancements as 100% recycled paper products, digital promo alternatives and social networking. Many other new initiatives are already in the works as the organization prepares for both the promise and the challenge of promoting innovative music in the new decade.

Industry Testimony

I enjoy getting new releases from Improvised Communications. They keep me in touch with an otherwise little-heard part of the world, rife with new ideas.
—Howard Mandel, President of the Jazz Journalists Association

If a package carries iC’s return address it is guaranteed to be something I look forward to opening and putting on my player at least once.
—Laurence Donohue-Greene, Editor at The New York City Jazz Record

For me, in a time when I often find myself glossing over a plethora of emails announcing the latest ‘great’ release, when it comes from iC I always read it top to bottom, because I know I can trust what’s coming at me.
—John Kelman, Managing Editor at AllAboutJazz.com

I think it’s a well-curated roster with a strong brand identity.
—Hank Shteamer, Assistant Music Editor at Time Out New York

Thanks for sending me so much great stuff, and as ever for your highly professional and always believable ancillary material. I usually throw press releases away, and make a point of it when I encounter more than one mis-spelt name or flabby generalisation. Yours manage to combine enthusiasm with real information.
—Brian Morton, freelance writer and Co-editor of The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings

I can already tell from the few things I’ve either received in the mail, or received notice about, that I’m going to be booking most of your artists on the show. You’ve got a great roster.
—Jason Crane, Host of The Jazz Session

I’m just really impressed with your whole operation. You have the most professional promo service going as far as I can tell. Keep up the good work!
—Lucas Gillan, Brand Director at AccuJazz.com

Improvised Communications represents the forefront of the creative improvised music scene better than anyone else. No other publicity firm I have dealt with handles the music with as much respect and obvious admiration. Their professionalism, attention to detail and incredible roster of talent makes them the gold standard that all publicists and labels should aspire to.
—Troy Collins, freelance writer

Outside of the music business, I do a lot of communications consulting work for public- and private-sector clients. Seldom do I see an organization who understands digital communications the way Improvised Communications does. Not only was the company an early adopter of the digital media release; they got it right.
—James Hale, freelance writer