Magnatune and three-time Grammy-nominated producer and engineer David Bowles have teamed to present The David Bowles Signature Series featuring the work of innovative classical artists. The series will be ongoing and include exclusively produced albums from the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra's 25-year catalog of early music performances, as well as CDs from Harpsichordist Hanneke van Proosdij and Fortepianist Seth Carlin.

The series is produced with a singular goal and philosophy-- to give a well regarded producer and engineer absolute creative freedom to pursue his music ideas. "By granting David technological and artistic autonomy, the resulting music is exciting, distinctive, and of the highest quality" says John Buckman, founder and CEO of Magnatune "moreover, we wanted to make the work available to an international audience."

David Bowles has a long-standing track record producing and editing classical repertoire ranging from the 17th century to the music of today. He has been nominated several times for Classical Producer of the Year by the American Grammy awards, and has served on the audio engineering staff of the Aspen Music Festival. Bowles has produced recordings with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Houston Symphony, and Chanticleer.

Bowles considers the process of sound recording a creative one. "There are many challenges I face as a producer and an engineer" explained Bowles "different acoustics, different repertoire, changes in ambience, and, in the case of historically-informed performances, different instruments played by the same performer. The overriding challenge, however, is to create a convincing performance which will engage the listener's emotions as well as intellect."

Initially the series will offer several albums Bowles produced: Hanneke van Proosdij: "Harpsichord suites of Chambonnieres" and Seth Carlin: "Schubert - Music for fortepiano four hands", and "Schubert - Works for Solo Fortepiano."

Releases from the 25-year catalog of early music performances by the internationally renowned Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra are included in the series and available only through Magnatune. Bowles started producing Philharmonia's commercial recordings in 1996. By the 2001-2002 season, he took over the archival concert recordings as well.

Magnatune has released the following David Bowles' produced Philharmonia Baroque albums: Rameau and Leclair, Mozart Orchestral Works, and Two Beethoven Symphonies (forthcoming). "Scarlatti: Cecilian Vespers" is available on Magnatune, as well as a traditionally distributed CD through a partnership with Avie Records.

Called brilliant and adventurous, the San Francisco-based Philharmonia is lauded for its innovative approach to traditional early music forms, which refers to compositions authored from 1400 to 1700 during the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods of Western Europe. Using authentic instrumentation, the Philharmonia has given new life to the genre and was named "Ensemble of the Year" by Musical America in 2004.

"We are thrilled to be able to give our customers the opportunity to experience first-hand this wonderful music" Buckman enthused "with David producing and engineering the series, we are presenting the very best in musical quality and artistry."

Magnatune will be offering The David Bowles Signature Series albums through its web site at www.magnatune.com/artists/bowles/ both as perfect-quality downloadable albums, as well as CDs.

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Magnatune was formed in May of 2003 in Berkeley, California and is a growing internet record label where musicians can showcase and sell their own work. Music is available for listening or purchase in a variety of high quality formats, and the price range paid for the music is set by the buyer. The company takes its motto "we are not evil" seriously. To that end the purchase price is shared 50/50 with artists and Magnatune artists keep the rights to their music.