Welcome to
Viaphon Records
A long established independent music record label since 1958
The heritage of the Viaphon record label spans from the traditional jazz of the late 1950s and early 1960s to the contemporary electronic music of today. Rooted in an era defined by artistic experimentation and expressive improvisation, the label draws inspiration from the warmth of analog recordings and the timeless sophistication that shaped modern music culture. At the same time, Viaphon embraces the evolution of sound, engaging with contemporary electronic music where innovation and technology continually redefine creative boundaries. By bridging the soulful authenticity of classic jazz with the forward-thinking energy of today’s electronic music landscape, Viaphon cultivates a distinct musical identity that honors its roots while exploring new sonic horizons.
Artists
Alpha Contact
Martin Ley - Solo electronic music artist with recordings from 1979 to 1989 released in 2026. Recorded at Decca Studios London and at his own studio.
Record Release Catalogue
Produced 5 albums of material with 4 being released in 2026. 1 currently remaining un-released. Worked closely with Grammy Award Winning Sound Engineer James Lock of Decca Records. Produced and recorded some arrangements of Charles Aznavour tracks titled New Fashioned Way & Jigsaw Man for Chappell Aznavour..
26-02-2026 Latest Release - Dream '87 EP
3 Tracks of atmospheric ambient electronic music. Recorded during a live performance in 1987. Music is available to stream now:
https://music.imusician.pro/artist/alphacontact/releases
Music videos you can watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@alphacontact
Eggy Ley
Derek William "Eggy" Ley was a British jazz musician ( soprano and alto saxophone, vocals ) and radio producer. He is one of the first British soprano saxophonists in jazz.
A Diverse Career as Musician, Composer and Producer
He founded his own traditional jazz band, which in August 1955 received a long residency at the New Orleans Bar in Hamburg. Until 1962, he remained with his band performing in different locations in Germany and Scandinavia, recording several records, also with Benny Waters, for different labels, of which the Blues for St. Pauli became a hit in Germany. He played regularly with his band in London, but also produced for Radio Luxembourg. Between 1969 and 1983, he produced for the British Forces Broadcasting Service. He also recorded with Cy Laurie and in 1982, he founded his band Hot Shots. As a pioneer in British jazz, with his bands and performances documented in the National Jazz Archive, underscoring his lasting impact on the genre.
Viaphon Record Label Founder
Founded in 1958 for releasing his own recordings over 30 years.
Learn MoreMartin Ley
Son of Derek "Eggy" Ley following in his father's footsteps playing traditional jazz on trombone. British musician and performer on keyboards and jazz trombone; synthesiser and computer music programmer; and audio engineer who worked at Decca Records and CTS Studios, London.
Electronic Music
He started in electronic music in 1979 with a weekend course sponsored by Yamaha run by the late Mike Beecher from EMR. He bought his first synthesizer (Micro Moog) just before Christmas in 1979. In the 80’s he composed and performed 5 albums of electronic music under the name "Alpha Contact" while also being a band member of two 80s synth pop bands "Twilight Passion" and "Picnic at the Whitehouse". In the 90’s and early 2000’s he composed and performed electronic music under the name “Syonix” and continues to do so under that name.
Jazz
Martin started playing trombone in brass bands and orchestras and achieved grade 8 RSM. Martin began sitting in on jazz gigs playing just a few numbers which led to getting booked for entire gigs.Then he joined the Downhome Jazz band recording 5 albums on the Viaphon Record Label.
Syonix
Martin Ley continuing his evolution of compelling electronic music and technology combined to produce experiences beyond the perception of your senses. Recorded at CTS Studios London, The Programming Suite in Basildon and at his own studios.
Martin in the new millennium
At the turn of the 21st century he embarked on his voyage to the destiny ~ Ultraeon with his latest work "Cryosphere". This track featured on his album "Meltdown" with obvious references to the global climate, albedo effect and influence from Albedo 0.39 the Greek electronic composer Vangelis.
TBC Latest Digital Release - Japan Single
Release date for streaming platforms to be confirmed.
Record Release Catalogue
Two albums due for release in 2026.
Twilight Passion
UK Electronic Synth Pop Band from Essex. Twilight Passion was formed in Summer 1981 by Martin Ley, Mark Cresswell and Mike Paterson. They started recording in Martin's bedroom! Then in 1986 made some recordings at CTS Studios London and from 1988 The Programming Suite in Basildon.
Electronic Synth Pop Music
In 1988, they wrote and recorded their first single MEG 1. At around the same time they also worked closely with major Essex Discos such as Hollywood in Romford and TOTS in Southend-On-Sea where they created a unique piece of art music for the renowned laser light show.
Record Release Catalogue
Their forthcoming triple vinyl album - Minor Surface Irregularities is due for release soon... This limited release will not be available on digital platforms.
The Downhome Jazz Band
The band was formed in 1971 by Bill Jenkins based in Essex, with a conventional TRAD line up of cornet, clarinet, trombone, bass, banjo and drums.
Their lively performances captured in these recordings
Their style is based on early Chris Barber but they have their own slant on things. They entertain their audience with added fun and humor. They are good friends who love playing jazz so they are always visibly enjoying themselves which is infectious to the audience..
Record Release Catalogue
They produced 5 CDs between 2001 and 2010 on the Viaphon Record Label.
Eggy Ley's Hotshots
From 1983 Eggy leading his own Hotshots, a band that reflected everything he valued: camaraderie, swing, and fun. Their shows were tight but never rigid — the kind of music that kept feet tapping and spirits high.
Record Release Catalogue
They produced 3 vinyl records between 1984 and 1987 on WAM, Veloce and Viaphon Record Labels.
EC4 Maxi-Single
Released in 1984 by Viaphon Records and Recorded Live:
Dans Le Rues D'Antibes
Hard Time Blues
E.C.4.
That's My Weakness Now
Big Ben Blues
Eggy Ley's Jazzmen
From 1955 to 1962 Eggy Ley and his Jazzmen toured extensively in Germany and recorded for Columbia, Sonet, Brunswick, Delta and of course Viaphon too.
Germany Calling
Eggy Ley contributed original compositions and arrangements to the British jazz scene, particularly through his leadership of ensembles like Eggy Ley's Jazzmen.
As bandleader, he shaped the repertoire of these groups by adapting traditional jazz standards for soprano saxophone-led performances, evident in recordings from the late 1950s and 1960s.
During a 1958 tour of Germany with Eggy Ley's Jazzmen, he recorded for the Delta label, producing tracks that showcased his blending of traditional dixieland with emerging modern jazz sensibilities, including self-published works that influenced the British trad jazz repertoire.
The 1959 EP “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik mit Eggy Ley” features his interpretive arrangements of classical themes reimagined in a jazz context.
Growing Popularity in Europe
A key recording from this period was the flexi-disc single by Eggy Ley's Jazzmen, featuring "Hotter Than That" backed with "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey," released on the German Delta-Ton label. This track highlighted his spirited interpretations of classic jazz standards and contributed to his growing popularity in Germany. In 1959, the band released the single "Summertime" (backed with "Indian Love Call") on Columbia, a cover that showcased his smooth soprano tone and further solidified his presence in the European market.
