Random Chance Records DID begin by chance. Randomness may or may not be involved. I was working on a book about the life of blues mandolinist James "Yank" Rachell (Blues Mandolin Man, University Press of Mississippi, 2001) and began thinking about some of his old LPs that were out of print. It was a shame they weren't available. So I got the idea of finding out who owned the rights and putting them out myself. In the process of doing this I inadvertently created a record label...after all I needed a bar code, web site, advertising in blues magazines, etc. Then I started getting sent demos from artists. I just kept taking the next step.

Unfortunately, the licenses I bought for two Yank Rachell albums have long expired, but his work is still available on Bob Koester's great Delmark label. Fortunately, I've kept the label going and have released some really good blues, jazz, latin, world and whatever CDs. The music business environment is nearly impossible, but the hardy indy labels that live more for love than money are still hanging on.

Rick Congress
Top Dog and Janitor
Random Chance Records

Press

Martin Lang - Bad Man Review by Mark Baier
December 20, 2020
Bad Man is one of the most completely authentic Chicago Blues recordings to emerge in years...

Rick Congress: Give Blues & Jazz A Chance
Blues.Gr, July 18, 2014
Producer/writer/activist Rick Congress (of Random Chance Records) talks about the mission of Jazz & Blues...