Tom Burns - From Record Collector to Jazz Label Owner

Welcome to The Stereo Image!  Host Mike Jones talks with creative and interesting people about how music fits into their lives.  As the music director for Penn & Teller for over 20 years, Mike has met and discussed music with dozens of interesting characters over the years.  Even though he's dedicated his life to music, he realized that there is much to discover from discussing how music shapes and influences people.

Our first episode is with the owner of Mike's record label, Tom Burns.  Tom lives near Denver, Colorado and makes his living not just from jazz records but also from comic book collecting.  In this conversation, Mike Jones interviews Tom Burns, the owner of Capri Records, discussing his journey through music, from early influences to starting a jazz label. Tom shares insights on the jazz community, the importance of music in life, and his unique perspective on listening habits and the intersection of music and comics.

Takeaways

• Tom's early exposure to music came from his mother's love for swing-era artists.


• He discovered jazz at 17, which captivated him and changed his musical direction.


• Tom started collecting records at a young age, focusing on instrumental music.


• His passion for music led him to start a jazz label, Capri Records.


• The jazz community has been incredibly supportive of his endeavors.


• Tom emphasizes the importance of allowing musicians to express their creativity.


• He believes that music adds significant meaning to people's lives.


• Tom's love for comics parallels his passion for music, both being forms of art.


• He enjoys listening to a variety of music, including guilty pleasures.


• Tom reflects on the impact of music on personal relationships and community. 

Check out Tom's record label: Capri Records