After 40 years and over 600 recordings released by some of Canada’s finest musicians, Justin Time Records founder Jim West steps down from his role to focus on his management firm, Wild West Artist Management. The Montreal-based label will now be owned by Nettwerk Music Group, a respected Canadian music company with offices in Vancouver, New York, London, Los Angeles and Hamburg. They also house their own record label, publishing house and artist management firm.
Prior to founding Justin Time Records in 1983, West started his music management career in the 1970s as a road manager for Canadian rock band Mahogany Rush. However, when West heard pianist Oliver Jones play at Montreal’s Biddles Jazz Club, it served as the inspiration for him to start a record label as a way to amplify Canadian music. Oliver Jones’ Live at Biddles was the first record released on Justin Time Records in 1983.
Since then, Jim West has launched the careers of musicians such as Diana Krall and Ranee Lee. In addition to Jones, Justin Time Records has also been home to musicians such as Oscar Peterson, the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, Bryan Lee, Lorraine Klaasen, Halie Loren, David Murray, Carol Welsman and hundreds of other Canadian and internationally known artists.
“In thinking about the transition for Justin Time, it was important for me to find a home that could carry on the deep-rooted traditions practiced by the label – an artist-first mentality and great music people at the helm,” says West in a statement. “We are extremely fortunate to have the Nettwerk Music Group as the new owners and custodians of our work.”
Nettwerk COO & President, Simon Mortimer-Lamb also echoed West’s sentiments. “Jim West’s visionary leadership of Justin Time Records has left an indelible mark on Canadian music history,” he says, “The rich catalogue of music he has nurtured, produced and released over the years represents some of the genre’s finest Canadian and global artists. It has been a pleasure working with Jim over the past several years, and it is an honour for the Nettwerk team to continue the legacy of Justin Time Records.”
Justin Time Records celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023 with an anniversary compilation album featuring some of their best recordings. West has been recognized and celebrated as a champion of Canadian music including an appointment to the Order of Canada in 2022.
The label’s current artist roster includes Christine Jensen, Barbra Lica, Hilario Duran and Oliver Jones.