I was puzzled when my e-mails to Improved Communications came bouncing back to me. I still am, because it's an equally valid title for this invaluable organisation, which puts clear, intelligent information ahead of hype, and takes the trouble to provide full contexts for artists who may not be universally known, even within the arts media. Creative and improvised musics occupy an inevitably marginal position in the wider music business. Sometimes that position is not helped by the hectoring, uninformative tone of the press and promotional material that accompanies new improvisation CDs and tours. Kudos to Scott Menhinick for treating us with such courteous and helpful regard. It doesn't guarantee a good review, but it certainly guarantees a more sympathetic and informed audition of challenging work.
—Brian Morton (Writer, Programmer, and Co-Editor of The Penguin Guide to Jazz)

iC is that rare breed of publicity firm that always seems to be affiliated and associated with music of high calibre that I always want to listen to and share with our readership. Plus, iC's knowledge and appreciation of the music and musicians combined with their level of professionalism and consistent communication make them one of the best with regards to jazz and improvised music promotion.
—Laurence Donohue-Greene (Managing Editor, AllAboutJazz-New York)

I look forward to receiving music from you; it's always of the highest quality.
—Andy Riddle (Jazz Music Director, WXDU in Durham, NC)

I feel that it has been a particularly awesome string of releases for the last few months—every one of them a gem, really. So thanks again—it continues to be a privilege and a pleasure to be able to broadcast such stellar improvised sounds. And as always, as long as you keep sending them, we'll keep playing them.
—Jonathan Price (Jazz Director, WPVM in Asheville, NC)

Scott and the iC crew cover all the bases for their artists with respect and integrity. They bring the same attitude to radio stations and journalists. They have my highest recommendation.
—Linda Yohn (Music Director, WEMU in Ypsilanti, MI)

When it comes to forward-looking improvised music that really transcends the traditional boundaries of jazz, you can count on Improvised Communications to deliver the goods.
—John Kelman (Managing Editor, AllAboutJazz.com)

iC has given me some of the finest music that has come my way. They are very professional in their approach, from the time information is sent via e-mail until the CD comes in with the release sheet. Most importantly, they help bring some of the finest musicians of improvised music to a wider audience.
—Jerry D'Souza (Contributor, AllAboutJazz.com)

Scott has created a first-class company literally from the ground up. Faced with creeping conservative commercial considerations, he has chose the path of high art, no small feat or concept. What helps immensely is the fact that the Playscape label, and his other clients, represent several certain high watermarks in this area of progressive, innovative, creative improvised music. The consistency of their music...is nothing less than astounding. As Improvised Communications goes, Scott's style and sense of worth runs parallel to the fresh and innovative sounds he is promoting to the media world at large. And as constipated as the mainstream press tends to be, a lot could be learned by opening up to the sounds iC is laying out for the world to hear. 100 thumbs up for Scott, iC and the great musicians he represents.
—Michael G. Nastos (Senior Program Host, WEMU, 89.1 FM in Ypsilanti, MI & Senior Columnist, Cadence)

Scott and iC have earned tremendous respect from those of us who value independent jazz and the spirit of creative music. His attention to detail is impeccable, he's always there when you need to communicate, and most importantly, his heart is in the right place. It's been a pleasure to work with Scott to get the word out on music that matters. Here's to many more years of improvised communication!
—Nils Jacobson (Former Managing Editor, AllAboutJazz.com)

If I were a recording and performing artist, iC would be my first pick for getting the word out to the jazz consuming public. Driven by good business sense and a personalized approach, the folks at iC offer the creme de la creme of modern and free jazz. In addition, they know their product and are not merely going through the proverbial motions at any given time. These guys love their job, and it shows!
—Glenn Astarita (Contributor to DownBeat, AllAboutJazz.com and JazzReview.com)

Scott Menhinick and the folks at iC have been especially great to me. Being the jazz format director of a college radio station that runs on the 'out'side of the jazz world, iC has provided music that is right along our format. The service and publicity have been fabulous. I hope for them another 25 years of business.
—James Cervantes (Jazz Director, KWVA in Eugene, Oregon)

We've been pleased to have Scott Menhinick from Improvised Communications in to present several workshops and panels on promotion and publicity issues for musicians. His perspective, advice and suggestions have been very insightful. He's a terrific resource!
—Angela Beeching (Director, New England Conservatory's Career Services Center)

A heartfelt thanks from all at CKUT for the wonderful music you provided for the station in 2004. It affected our charts and airwaves in a serious manner. We look forward to 2005 with great anticipation.
—Steve Guimond (Music Coordinator, CKUT-FM in Montreal, QC)

Thanks for all you do for this music.
—Pat Frisco (Jazz/New Music Director, WHFR-FM in Dearborn, MI)

We have worked with Scott and iC on publicity for the performances here at Firehouse 12 since 2006, as well as on every aspect of publicizing all the releases on Firehouse 12 Records. It goes nearly without saying that Scott brings a deep awareness of the broad and changing field of media relations to everything he does. But beyond his obvious strengths in the traditional realms of publicity, Scott has also changed the way we think about nearly every stage of a project. His willingness to offer supportive advice at the early stages of a project has been invaluable to us, always keeping the end in focus as we work through the myriad tasks involved in the creation and production of an album. This perspective has paid off directly in increased notoriety and sales for our releases, and helped to streamline our production process.
—Nick Lloyd (Founder of Firehouse 12 & Firehouse 12 Records)

It is easy to lavish accolades on Scott and Improvised Communications. Simply stated, what he does works and I have benefitted greatly from this on numerous projects from cd releases to concert promotion. But there is something deeper to my admiration of Scott’s work than the bottom line of getting a review or seeing my cd show up on radio playlists. This admiration has to do with freedom: the integrity of Scott’s promotional philosophy allows me the freedom to focus on my music, knowing it will be brought to a wide critical and listening audience in a way that is consistent with my own artistic goals. I rest a bit easier knowing that Scott is at work on my behalf and I can be less of a businessman and more of an artist. There really is no higher praise I can give.
—James Falzone (Clarinetist and Composer)

iC and Creative Nation Music have been working together on projects (CD releases, website development, concert promotion) for three years. In that time, Scott and I have been able to develop an efficient and productive working relationship, and there have surfaced three outstanding attributes that have earned my loyalty to iC. First, trustworthiness; Scott has a proven track record of success, he knows the jazz market place so when he makes suggestions or pitches ideas I know he has the success of the project in mind. There are no agendas, other than getting the music to its audience. Second, innovation; Scott does his homework and knows the latest trends in the jazz marketplace and media industry. CNM was the first client to use his digital one sheet promotion, it is truly ahead of the curve as a new way to distribute publicity and ultimately save the artists and labels money in the process. Finally, integrity; perhaps in short supply in many corporate or political environments, Scott’s integrity has been his most valued attribute. He puts so much passion and personal attention into each project that final product is both a reflection of the artist, and of Scott’s hard work and attention to detail. He is straightforward, he stands by his work, and he looks out for the artist so they don’t get taken advantage of in the marketplace. These are all core elements of Scott’s integrity and ultimately why iC is always the best choice for any jazz and improvising artist to choose for publicity and promotion.
—Eric Hofbauer (Guitarist/Composer and President of Creative Nation Music)

It was fortuitous for us that iC was the first (and only) company recommended to assist in the release of our double CD. Scott has the creativity and sensibilities necessary to work with both the artist and the industry. With impeccable judgment and a superb understanding of the market and the individuals throughout it, he responded thoroughly to every concern, and provided expert guidance through the entire process. As a result of Scott's efforts, we received an enormous amount of national and international press and media coverage. iC functions on a very high level; it will be our choice for all projects in the future.
—Alice Russell for MacArthur Fellow and NEA American Jazz Master George Russell & The Living Time Orchestra

iC developed a sensible, affordable and realistic approach to promoting my performances, recordings and label. Scott's work has garnered more return from radio and press than all of the independent labels I had previously recorded on. He has his eye on the big picture in presenting someone's work, rather than the quick, one time return.
—Rob Reddy (Composer/Saxophonist and Founder of Reddy Music)

We are very happy with the work iC has done for us on our press releases and mailings. When faced with the great puzzle of marketing our creative, improvised music, it was a huge relief to find someone who not only cares but knows so much. Scott takes your hand and leads you through the wild and crazy labyrinth of creative music radio and press with ease. His approach is structured, focused and well-informed. He also has a great talent for synthesizing information so that your musical message is quick and clear yet eloquent. iC initiated a good advertising opportunity that we shared with other labels and keeps us well-informed with their email list as well. And of course we've had more reviews and radio airplay than we thought possible!
—Jeannette and Michel Lambert (Jazz From Rant)

Even before Scott at Improvised Communications signed on to promote my latest CD, Cartwheels Through The Cosmos, we had been talking for almost a year. I was so impressed with his knowledge of the industry, his no-nonsense approach, the way he thoroughly and consistently took the time to answer any question I threw his way, and his ideas for long-term goals. Now that the record has been released, the feedback has been very positive for a vocalist mining unchartered free-improv territory. It has been a great experience so far and I feel certain that working with Scott will have a great impact on my career in the years to come.
—Fay Victor (Vocalist/Composer)

Scott and Improvised Communications are truly excellent at their job and a pleasure to work with, with the rare combination of a real understanding of the music and a realistic understanding of the music business. Most importantly, they treat all sides of the publicity equation—the artists, the label people, the press folks and the radio folks—with humanity, respect and intelligence. This organization is a real boon to the creative music community.
—Taylor Ho Bynum (Multi-instrumentalist/Composer)

Scott and the folks at Improvised Communications have been a beacon of light in a difficult industry. They have been involved in CD release and concert promotion of my work for the past 4 years, and the skill and savvy they bring to their efforts is always professional, enlightening, and of the highest order—and my praise comes from a position of having just celebrated 40 years in the creative music world.
—Mario Pavone (Bassist/Composer)

I wanted to say thank you for supporting this project. You have given
us an exposure that I thought was impossible.
—Craig Brenan (Trombonist/Composer with Modo Trio)

Almost a year now and the efforts of Scott Menhinick and iC are still showing up for my last CD release. I was at a gig in Toronto recently and ran into a few people who had heard a lot of airplay for my CD during this past year. And even now, someone will say they read the reviews and remembered the positive feedback the music received. As a musician who dreads the "business" aspect of music, Scott made it so easy for me. He also taught me a lot, in a very communicative and respectful manner. Much appreciated Scott!
—Deborah Weisz (Trombonist/Composer)

The gig was a big success. Full house, some critics, and great playing. Thanks again for all of the great work. I will for sure be in touch for some future events.
—Joe Fiedler (Trombonist)

iC helped me to bring my music into the Jazz radio/press world that previously seemed to be an inpenetrable enigma. With Scott's help, we created a professional website and promotional materials that have been very valuable for creating work and furthering my career. Scott's advice goes beyond that of a publicist. His broad understanding of the complexities in the music business has made our working relationship rich and beneficial.
—Greg Burk (Pianist/Composer and Educator)

Scott at iC has, through years of experience, developed tremendous expertise in his field. Evidence of this was the highly successful promotion of my latest CD release, Chrysalis. Highly recommended!!
—Bruno Råberg (Bassist/Composer and Educator)

Scott at iC really made a difference in the promotion of my latest CD release, Openground. I highly recommend iC, and look forward to working with them again.
—Giovanni Moltoni (Guitarist/Composer and Educator)

Thanks to iC, my CD release tour in February 2005 was a resounding success. The Boston Globe ran a feature article about my project, and that resulted in packed gigs. Scott Menhinick really took the time to get to know me and my work, and gives me great insight in the presentation of my music. Thanks, Scott!
—Chuck Gabriel (Bassist/Composer and Educator)

iC promoted my debut recording as a leader and a live performance in New York, resulting in reviews in major publications like DownBeat and the New York Times among many others. My experiences were positive and I would definitely work with them again in the future.
—Jason Roebke (Bassist/Composer)

iC has quickly moved 482 Music from a label known mostly in Chicago to a consistent presence in national jazz media, both in print and on-air. This higher profile has created a foundation upon which the label is already building a solid reputation not only within the trade but also among established artists around the world—a very important position for us to find ourselves in.
—Mike Lintner (482 Music)

I've trusted iC with a variety of pivotal responsibilities since late 2002, ranging from the development of my own Web site content and booking materials to the design of Playscape's print ads and the exclusive press and radio promotion of all its recent releases. Everything changed for us from the moment we called and explained what Playscape was about and what our needs were as iC senses the pulse of what a label like ours demands. Our connection to jazz journals, writers/critics, radio, and the general public is direct and clear. The relationships they helped us build have opened the doors for a strong presence now and for the future. As we approach our 5th anniversary in October 2004, the label has a defined focus and direction regarding its artists, music and message.
—Michael Musillami (Playscape Recordings)

Scott Menhinick at Improvised Communications is a fabulous publicist…one of his chief talents is to get musicians thinking about long range goals.
—Ran Blake (MacArthur-winning Pianist/Composer and Educator)

What I like most about working with Improvised Communications is their ability to build a promotional campaign specifically tailored to the individual artist's needs. They proposed a very reasonable budget for promoting my latest CD and targeted the specific journalists and radio stations interested in my music. The result was simply great—wonderful reviews in the major jazz magazines and many #1 spots on jazz radio station play lists. This is the way to go for independent artists and record labels!
—Garrison Fewell (Guitarist/Composer and Educator)

The Boston Globe will feature me in a special article on November 12th. Your publicity works!
—Jorrit Dijkstra (Multi-instrumentalist and Composer)