'Preservation, an Album Benefiting Preservation Hall and Its Music Outreach Program' set for release on Mardi Gras Day

[props4pops]

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 its 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, Bobby McFerrin, 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, 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."

- http://www.preservationhall.com/

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