A little more Preservation Hall Jazz Band Info. Not only a tour but a new tribute record with many of our favorites.
So on February 16th, there will be a tribute record released by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band with folks like, Tom Waits, Andrew Bird, Merle Haggard, Blind Boys Of Alabama and many more. It is moments like this that make me feel that music is alive and well. Here is the press release…
A LANDMARK COLLABORATION BRINGING TOGETHER LEGENDARY AND EMERGING
ARTISTS INCLUDING PETE SEEGER, TOM WAITS, MERLE HAGGARD, JIM JAMES,
ANDREW BIRD AND MORE FOR A CELEBRATION OF NEW ORLEANS MUSIC
Over the last
year, more than 20 of American music’s most exciting artists traveled
to Preservation Hall in New Orleans to collaborate with the
Preservation Hall Jazz Band on classic New Orleans repertoire. The end
result is a timeless and joyous celebration of New Orleans music.
Proceeds from the sale of the project will benefit Preservation Hall
and The Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program. The album is set for
release on Fat Tuesday, February 16, 2010 in standard CD, deluxe
edition and double-LP collectible formats.
The mission of Preservation Hall, to showcase and nurture one
of America’s greatest indigenous national, cultural treasures – New
Orleans Jazz, is as important today as it was when Preservation Hall
officially opened it’s doors in 1961.
“Our community is deeply rooted in a tradition of using music to
rejoice, heal and overcome adversity. We play music at our funerals to
uplift our spirits during our deepest and darkest emotional moments,”
says producer Ben Jaffe, PHJB Creative Director and son of Preservation
Hall founders Allan and Sandra Jaffe. “My goal on this project was to
create new works steeped in the New Orleans Tradition with artists from
diverse musical genres and backgrounds who all share a mutual
admiration and deep appreciation for our cultural heritage.”
From Brandi Carlile’s take on the gospel classic “Old Rugged Cross” to Tom Waits’ arrangement of the earliest known recorded Mardi Gras Song, “Tootie Ma Is a Big Fine Thing,”
each artist was able to perform their interpretation of these classics
within the warm confines of Preservation Hall’s famous performance
space. Even New Orleans’ own legendary Louis Armstrong, who once said
“Preservation Hall, now that’s where you’ll hear all the greats,” is
transported through the decades and can be heard trading licks and
vocals on an updated version of his classic “Rockin’ Chair.”
The complete roster of artists includes: Louis Armstrong, Andrew Bird,
Terence Blanchard, Pete Seeger, Dr. John, Blind Boys of Alabama, Brandi
Carlile, Cory Chisel, Ani DiFranco, Steve Earle, Merle Haggard, Richie
Havens, Jason Isbell, Jim James, Angelique Kidjo, Amy LaVere, Anita
Briem, Del McCoury, Buddy Miller, Paolo Nutini, and Tom Waits.
Preservation Hall, located in the French Quarter just three
blocks from the Mississippi River, remains the intimate venue it
originally was when it opened in 1961 as a performance space dedicated
to honoring, celebrating and perpetuating New Orleans jazz. Originally
erected as a Spanish Tavern in the 1750s, Preservation Hall is a modest
French Quarter structure. The building has no running water or air
conditioning, and the only seating accommodations are six benches and a
few cushions strewn about the worn wooden floor. Its raw and
weather-beaten exterior remains unpainted.
A half-century later, Preservation Hall continues to ensure the
cultural legacy and the future of this beautiful tradition by allowing
young and old to collaborate together.
In the spirit of New Orleans, legendary and emerging artists donated
their time to travel to New Orleans to record this special compilation
album benefiting Preservation Hall and the Preservation Hall Music
Outreach Program.
PRESERVATION, was spearheaded by RED Distribution and MRI, who
approached Preservation Hall for their blessing and collaboration.
“We’re honored to be the driving force behind a tribute to this iconic
body of music and the mission to restore the legendary Preservation
Hall and its Music Outreach Program,” said Bob Morelli, president, RED
Distribution in announcing the album. “We hope this project continues
to keep philanthropy at the forefront of the music industry, and
restores faith that each of us can make a difference with just the
purchase of a single CD. We thank all the wonderful artists who
contributed their time and talent.” MRI’s Missi Callazzo adds “This
project really hits home and is very personal for us. Its important
that people don’t forget the significance of this great city and
musical tradition.”
You can go to the website http://www.preservationabenefitalbum.com/video.aspx ; and see a great video of the making of this album.