Hat Hut Records

Hat Hut Records is a Swiss independent record label based in Basel, renowned for its groundbreaking releases in contemporary and improvised music. Founded in 1975 by Werner X. Uehlinger, the label built a reputation over five decades as one of the most influential independent imprints in avant-garde jazz and free improvisation, distinguished by a clear, almost austere visual language in its cover art that makes each release a collector's item. The catalogue spans classic jazz reissues and new improvised recordings, released across CD, LP and digital formats. Notable series include the 'Revisited Series' and the 'First Visit 50th Anniversary Series', with releases such as Kenny Dorham's 'Round About Midnight At The Café Bohemia To Matador' (2024) and Ellery Eskelin's 'About (or On) First Visit' (2025). Physical distribution and mail order are handled through a network of partners across Europe, the USA, Asia and Australia, while digital albums are available via Bandcamp. After half a century, the label entered a new era. Musician Marco von Orelli and communications specialist Melanie Imhof took the helm, aiming to carry forward the legacy of founder Werner X. Uehlinger with fresh ideas and renewed energy. They are joined by Swiss saxophone pioneer Co Streiff and long-time label companion Christian C. Dalucas. The label continues to stand for independent music and visionary artists, adapting to a rapidly changing music market and new ways of consuming music.

Hat Hut Records was founded in 1975 by Werner X. Uehlinger in Switzerland. From its base in Basel, the label became one of the most influential independent imprints in contemporary and improvised music, issuing groundbreaking releases across five decades. Its catalogue combined classic jazz reissues with new recordings by avant-garde and free improvisation artists, and its releases were consistently distinguished by a clear, almost austere visual language in cover art. Over the years, the label built an international distribution network covering Europe, the United States, Asia and Australia, and adapted to changing formats from vinyl to CD and digital. Series such as 'Revisited' and the 'First Visit 50th Anniversary Series' reflect its ongoing curatorial project. In 2024 and 2025 the label released albums including Kenny Dorham's 'Round About Midnight At The Café Bohemia To Matador' and Ellery Eskelin's 'About (or On) First Visit'. After half a century, Hat Hut Records entered a new era. Musician Marco von Orelli and communications specialist Melanie Imhof took the helm, aiming to carry forward the legacy of founder Werner X. Uehlinger with fresh ideas and renewed energy. They were joined by Swiss saxophone pioneer Co Streiff and long-time label companion Christian C. Dalucas. The label continues to stand for independent music and visionary artists while responding to a rapidly changing music market and new modes of music consumption.

• 2025

  Release of Ellery Eskelin's 'About (or On) First Visit' in the First Visit 50th Anniversary Series.

• 2025

  New leadership: Marco von Orelli and Melanie Imhof take the helm after 50 years.

• 2024

  Release of Kenny Dorham's 'Round About Midnight At The Café Bohemia To Matador' in the Revisited Series.

• 1975

  Founded by Werner X. Uehlinger in Switzerland.

Independent label for contemporary and improvised music, known for visionary artists and distinctive cover art.

• 2024

  Round About Midnight At The Café Bohemia To Matador

• 2025

  About (or On) First Visit

1. 1Hat Hut Recordshathut.com
2. 2Kenny Dorham – 'Round About Midnight At The Café Bohemia To Matador | Hat Hut Recordshathut.com
3. 3Ellery Eskelin, Trio New York – About (or On) First Visit | Hat Hut Recordshathut.com
4. 4Hat Hut Records Ltd.wikidata.org