The foundation for Essential Arts Concepts, Inc. was established in the early 1990's by saxophonist and composer Ned Otter, and drummer George Coleman Jr.. No newcomers to the music, Mr. Otter came up through the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Red Rodney and his mentor and compatriot George Coleman. George Coleman Jr. is the son of legendary tenor saxophonist George Coleman. Mr. Otter and Mr. Coleman Jr. have gained a hard-earned reputation for their artistic depth, personal integrity, and their dedication to the self-empowerment of artists.

Over the past fifteen years, Mr. Otter and Mr. Coleman Jr. have produced more than fifty performances by their ensembles and those of their colleagues-- including legends George Coleman, Harold Mabern and Jamil Nasser at venues throughout the New York City metropolitan region. In addition, EAC has begun to establish a touring network in Europe. To handle increased performance and educational activity--and to provide proactive alternatives for artists trying to navigate the Jazz business--Mr. Otter officially formed Essential Arts Concepts (EAC), Inc. in 2001. Within months, EAC attracted the attention of a team of innovative, decidedly-activist professionals with proven track records in management, internet commerce, production, publicity, fundraising, not-for-profit business strategy and community-oriented arts programming. To capitalize upon the expertise of this support team--and to create options for some of the living masters of the music--EAC is already working to create performance, recording and educational opportunities for emerging and established artists alike.

EAC has produced successful pilot workshops in 2002 at The Stella Adler Conservatory in New York City and at musical institutions in Bologna, Ferrara, Bondeno, and Forli, Italy. EAC offers workshops in instrumental technique, improvisation and composition, and EAC Teaching Artists can meet the needs of students at the beginning, intermediate, advanced and professional levels. Typically, EAC workshops are offered in conjunction with a performance or residency by the Teaching Artist's ensemble.

In addition, EAC oversees the activities of Two And Four Recording Company, a new label dedicated to artist empowerment and equitable business practices. Distributed in the USA by City Hall Records, Two And Four has three releases to date--Danger High Voltage by George Coleman's New Octet, and So Little Time and The Secrets Inside by Ned Otter. Two and Four will release follow-up albums by both ensembles in early 2003. Two and Four Recording Company is redefining the relationship between artists and labels, and enables EAC artists to retain complete artist and economic control over their recordings.