New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ The Project) As Arizona's Attorney General during the 1990s, Grant Woods used indictments, lawsuits, and legislation to upset the status quo. Now, instead of government, the former Arizona top prosecutor is turning to music to create change.
The Project, a collaboration of Arizona musical all-stars performing 10 of Woods' original songs, will be released May 17, 2015. Performers on The Project, who all volunteered their time, include Nils Lofgren of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, Gin Blossoms guitarist Scott Johnson, Lawrence Zubia of the Pistoleros, Al Ortiz,
Francine Reed, Ray Herndon (both touring with
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band), Michael Nitro, Alice Tatum, Walt Richardson, Blaine Long, Mindy Harris and Hans Olson.
Woods, who served as Arizona Attorney General from 1991 to 1999, calls The Project an effort to change his home state's national image. All profits from The Project will benefit the Arizona School for the Arts.
"Arizona has a rich music history that is diverse and inclusive, but unfortunately that has been overshadowed by numerous controversies," explains Woods, who remains a high profile political and community leader in the state. "Once word spread about The Project, musicians and singers jumped at the chance to be part of this effort to showcase Arizona talent and change our image. This has been a labor of love for everyone involved."
"I was thrilled to be part of this and love the music." - Nils Lofgren
"This album is fun and the music is great. It is a tribute to our history of amazing music from Arizona." - Lawrence Zubia
"I can't get enough of this album. It's Arizona and it's Americana - roots, rock, gospel, reggae, country - it's what we are all about." -
Danny Zelisko, longtime Valley concert promoter
"We are honored to have these amazing musicians come together to validate arts in Arizona and support tomorrow's great Arizona artists." - Leah Fregulia Roberts, Head of the Arizona School for the Arts.
A benefit concert will be held Friday Sept. 18, 2015, at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix. All available musicians who performed songs for The Project will participate, along with surprise guests. Tickets will be available for only $22 plus applicable fees starting May 18th at https://phoenix.ticketforce.com/.
Follow The Project on Facebook and Twitter, and learn more about it at www.theprojectaz.com.
