PHOENIX (May 14, 2015) — 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 today. Performers on The Project, each of whom volunteered his or her 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 and Ray Herndon (both touring with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band), Michael Nitro, Alice Tatum, Walt Richardson, Blaine Long, Mindy Harris and Hans Olson.
The Project is available beginning today on iTunes and on Amazon. The album art was featured on the NASDAQ billboard in New York’s Times Square today (see image, above).
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. The Project was produced by Cindy Standage and recorded at Sean Cooney’s 3 Leaf Recording Studio in Phoenix. The album is being released on Bright Angel Records and will be available for purchase on iTunes, CD Baby and other online music outlets.
- “I was thrilled to be part of this and love the music.” – Nils Lofgren (pictured with Grant Woods)
- “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 $22 plus applicable fees beginning May 18th at phoenix.ticketforce.com.
Follow The Project on Facebook and Twitter, and learn more about it at www.theprojectaz.com.
