Seeking input concerning labels

[MaxwellSt <MaxwellSt...>]

Dear Fellow Klezmorim and Music Fans,

Here I am, seeking your collective two cents again!

I am going in circles as to how to release my new recordings (we're having 
twins).  Our last CD (1996) was on Shanachie, which is good people, 
especially after our experience with Global Pillage.  They have also helped 
with CD promotion now and then, and even offered a modest advance on the 
recording.  

These days, however, labels like Shanachie are getting fewer world music 
recordings into Tower (which was narrowly rescued from bankruptcy) and other 
places that used to carry at least of handful of klezmer CDs.  It seems as if 
the most action--outside of sales off the bandstand--is taking place in the 
Jewish catalogues like Tara and Hamakor.  

Does anyone have thoughts about the wisest way to go with a new recording?  
Lorele likes the self-production route with Oasis, who also get some air play 
for the artist as part of the deal.  Tara has its own label, which would get 
good play in the Jewish market.  If you produce it yourself, it costs around 
2 bucks or less--when you buy it back from a label like Shanachie, the price 
goes up to $7.  So one wants to make sure that it's worth it to be on a 
recognized label.  (My, how things have changed!  Ten years ago, there was 
nothing more important than getting on a known label!)

There doesn't seem to be any great way to get your work out there today--I'm 
not even talking about making money.  So given that, what do you folks think 
is a good way to go?  

I assume that this discussion is of some interest to the other musicians in 
the group, so reply to the group unless Ari disagrees....

Thanks,
Lori Lippitz
Maxwell Street Klezmer Band