Waits, James, More For Pres. Hall Benefit LP

Wait'll you get a look at the complete list of contributors, below...

By Fred Mills

Word arrives via PR Newswire that Tom Waits, Pete Seeger, Merle Haggard, Jim James, Andrew Bird and others have cut an album of "classic New Orleans" songs with the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Titled Preservation, the proceeds will be a benefit for Preservation Hall and The Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program in New Orleans.

The release date:  Fat Tuesday, February 16. Expect a regular CD and a deluxe edition; it will also be issued on vinyl.

In a statement, producer Ben Jaffe, PHJB Creative Director and son of Preservation Hall founders Allan and Sandra Jaffe, said, "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. 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."

Waits, certainly, is showing his admiration: his song selection is "Tootie Ma Is a Big Fine Thing," reportedly the "earliest known recorded Mardis Gras song."

The project is being pushed forward via Sony/RED Distribution. According to the PR Newswire press release, RED Distribution 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. "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."

The complete list of contributors:

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, Tom Waits