Welcome to Ampersand Records USA
Great new music from legends and upcoming stars!

New Releases! Virtuosos of the 5 string Banjo!

Ampersand Record proudly introduces two new banjo CD's from two of the world's greatest pickers! Thompson Picks features amazing, never before released recordings from Bobby Thompson, super picker from the hit television show "HEE HAW" and creator of the melodic style banjo. Thompson Picks is a MUST HAVE, destine to become a collectors item!
His protege Steve Lutke (who is one of Bobby's favorite banjo players along with Bela Fleck) recently completed his latest CD entitled Appalachian Uprising. Steve simply redifines the meaning of Hard Drive!
WARNING!!! We recommend when purchacing these CD's you also buy a new CD player... (your current one will burn out)

Appalachian Uprising "Up Close"!
Check out banjo wizard Steve Lutke on film, as he performs 12 songs from his latest CD and other new pieces. Banjo players will marvel at his virtuosity- music lovers will enjoy his songs. Steve also talks about technique, influences and other interesting stories including his many Hee Haw experiences with Bobby Thompson. If you like Bobby Thompson, Earl Scruggs and Bela Fleck, then you will become a fan of Steve's. This DVD is rated TOP QUALITY for sound and picture! Only $24.98!

"Originals" by Vassar Clements!

Sign up for "ORIGINALS now, pay later & SAVE!
Anyone that's heard Vassar agrees that he is one of the most important musicians of our time. And in his latest CD entitled "ORIGINALS", Vassar performs his music with the power trio he has toured with since 1990 (Bob Harris & Joe Dye). Also featured is special guest Steve Holloway of Riverdance and recording artist Lucy Clark. "This is the best my fiddle has sounded" said Vassar. Well, it's no wonder. You should hear what he's playing! This in our opinion is the best album he's ever recorded!

"ORIGINALS" will be shipping soon- available to you now at a special discount price of just $9.98! Sign up for "ORIGINALS now, pay later & SAVE!

Hear a cut off "ORIGINALS!"
Download the "Windjammer" MP3 (4.5MB) for FREE (just Right-click on a PC, CTRL-click on a Mac and save the linked file to your hard drive)

See Vassar perform in the studio!

View in either QuickTime (23.9 MB) or Windows Media Format (11.2 MB). Intended to be viewed using a broadband (DSL or Cable Modem) connection because of their larger sizes. Click on the icon of your preferred video format to view the clip.
QuickTime Windows Media

Coming Soon- Vassar & Johnny!

We are currently working on an historic CD featuring fiddle legend "Vassar Clements" & King of Texas Fiddler's "Johnny Gimble"! This is the first time both VIOLIN ICONS have recorded an album together! Johnny picks a lot of his jazz style mandolin while Vassar does his super bow swing/bluegrass thing. Along with Vassar & Johnny is session virtuoso Joe Dye (on bass and pedal steel), Bob Harris (first place winner, Guitar Player International's "Ultimate Guitar Competition," acoustic flatpicking style 1992), Lucy Clark (session vocalist who was discovered by jazz and popgreat "Les Paul"), and Dick Gimble (session great- yes, Johnny's son!) We'll keep you posted on the progress!



Mike Auldridge & Jim Heffernan!

Dobro legend Mike Auldridge and squareneck master Jim Heffernan were in the Ampersand studios recently to record an all new slide guitar CD. Mike Auldridge as you may know was the dobroist for the legendary "Seldom Scene"- the group that revolutionized Bluegrass! Jim Heffernan is one of the top session musicians that played with IBMA's vocalist of the year "Larry Sparks", country music great "Joe Diffie", and superstar "Brad Paisley". This album is sure to create a buzz in the music scene!



Kenny Lockwood!
Although relatively unknown (but not for long), Kenny Lockwood is a tremendous singer/songwriter in the Folk/Acoustic styling. His first album "Tin Angel" was well received in the folk community and also featured James Taylor's backup vocalists David Lasley and Arnold McCuller, along with electric guitarist Duke Levine from Mary Chapin Carpenter keyboardist
Alain Mallet from Paul Simon, and drummer Michael Levesque who recorded with David Bowie. His Latest CD features an all acoustic Bluegrass lineup of fiddle virtuoso Travis Wetzel, 1999 National mandolin champion Anthony Hannagan, dobroist Jim Heffernan, Bob Harris/guitar,
Joe Dye/bass, and banjoist Kevin Church formerly of the Country Gentleman.

Download a preview cut off Kenny Lockwood's new acoustic release for FREE
(just Right-click on a PC, CTRL-click on a Mac and save the linked file to your hard drive)

Go Behind the Music- A new Music Reality Series!
Ampersand Records USA is going on Nationwide Television! Yes, we finally did it, after 5 years of trying! We have figured out the secret of how to get on prime time television without begging or paying a lot of money!

When did lip-synching become acceptable entertainment?  Why does sex appeal outshine raw talent?  How are best-selling artists losing money when record companies are making millions?  The music industry's focus on profits has left behind real artists with real musical ability. The next generation of talent is looking for alternative ways to share their music without sacrificing their authenticity.
That alternative is a new television series combining the big break aspect of American Idol, an insider's perspective like MTV's Making the Video, and a 5-time Grammy nominated artist. Ampersand Records USA, is a brand-new reality show scheduled to debut this summer! A twist on the reality show genre, Ampersand Records USA, features real artists, real music, and real studio footage. 
Documentary-style footage of a record being produced is featured alongside emerging artists and their CD's. The first episodes of Ampersand Records USA”focus on Grammy nominated musician, Vassar Clements, and every week follows the drama of cutting a hit single. Vassar has performed with the likes of Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, The Grateful Dead, and many other accomplished artists. Viewers are taken behind the scenes to see what it takes to make it in the music industry. In addition to Vassar, rising stars are also featured, giving the audience the first chance to listen and purchase up-and-coming music. Take part in reality show history... don't miss the debut of the new show, Ampersand Records USA- coming soon!

And there's more!
Check back often for the latest FREE Music Downloads, free music lessons, tips and video instruction by famous session musicians, vocal and recording workshops, contests,
free CD's, new exclusive releases, music business info, Artist advertising & promotion,
recording seminars, songwriting tools, Nationwide Television Advertising,
employment & money making opportunities...you name it!

For the music Fan
The Ampersand Record Label features a small but talented group of musical acts that have both made it big and are on the way up. FREE Music Downloads- almost every artist was kind enough to agree to give a song mp3 to you, so make room on your IPod! Please check back for more free songs updated on our site regularly!

For the student
If you are looking to play an instrument or to improve, check out FREE LESSONS/ WORKSHOPS/MUSIC INSTRUCTION. We will soon be adding a new video taught by famous session pros almost every week- so please check back often!

Learn how to record like the pros
The price of owning a home studio has come way down in recent years, making it possible for almost anyone to record a CD themselves. But how do you know what to buy and more importantly, how to make your music sound great? Ampersand Records will be releasing a complete line of Recording Instructional Videos that will show you step by step, how to get the most out of a small home studio. Our staff has a combined 90 years of experience in recording and will also be able to personally help you with recording questions and solutions.

For the aspiring Artist and musicians
If you're trying to make a name for yourself in the music business, Ampersand Records USA is a great place to get promotion and publicity! Since May of 2005, Ampersand has been visited by more than 11,000 guests (radio & TV publicity yet to kick in)! So if you're sick and tired of the other major labels closed door policies, and/or begging cousin Vito from Atlantic City (who thinks he's in the music business) to get you in, then check this out.....We actually want to hear your music and encourage you to send in your stuff!  No, you don't have to grant your first born, in fact, Ampersand Records USA is the first Nationally publicized record label to pay Artists 100% of the profits!!! Say it again... ONE HUNDRED PERCENT!  This also includes CD sales for all the television advertising we do Nationwide. So if you have a CD to sell and need advertising or are looking to make one, you should seriously consider direct contact with us first before you sign your rights away with "Bendover Records".
Sell YOUR CD with Ampersand

Music........
is the universal language that is meant to be shared with all. We encourage
you to participate with us- let us know how we can improve or help you out.
Please e mail us with your comments/suggestions or questions to:
info@ampersandrecordsusa.com

Record Labels make money- Ampersand makes music.