Contour Records was founded in 1994 by attorney Keith R. McKinley and vocalist/composer Ruth Naomi Floyd, Contour Records began as a shared vision: to give musicians the freedom to create, collaborate, and explore musical and cultural boundaries

Founded in 1994 by attorney and artist consultant Keith R. McKinley and visionary vocalist and composer Ruth Naomi Floyd, Contour Records was born from a shared commitment to artistic authenticity and creative freedom. The label was established not merely as a business, but as a sanctuary for musicians to create without compromise, free from the constraints of commercialism and driven by a deep passion for meaningful expression.

From its very first release, the label became the home for Ruth Naomi Floyd’s genre-defying  discography-a bold  fusion of jazz idioms with profound explorations of theology, history, and social justice. That creative ethos continues today.

Contour Records has proud produce and released music by a community of artist who defy categorization and pursue excellence with depth, integrity, and innovation, including  flutist & composer James Newton, pianist & composer James Weidman, and drummer & composer Mark Prince.

More than a label, Contour is a canvas-a place where freedom, conviction, and artistic craftmanship converge in sound   

From its inception, the label served as the recording platform for Ruth Naomi Floyd’s discography of music that explored themes of theology, social justice, and beauty in the language of jazz. The label has also served as a recording home for several musicians Ms. Floyd collaborates with who also defy genre boundaries and strive for musical excellence grounded in depth, integrity, and innovation. The label has proudly released recordings from flutist and composer. James Newton, pianist and composer, James Weidman and drummer and composer, Mark Prince/compathgi