Nonesuch to Release Hurricane Benefit Album

Musicians across the country have done so much already to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, but Nonesuch Records is now helping out, too. The label is releasing a benefit album of newly-recorded songs featuring artists of all genres from the New Orleans music community. Funds from the record, titled Our New Orleans, will be donated to Habitat for Humanity to help those affected by Katrina.

The album will be recorded over the course of a month, in several one-day sessions in cities across the country, and will be released on Nov. 22. Recording began late last month with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (pictured), Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Dr. John and the Wild Magnolias in New York City. Buckwheat Zydeco recorded in Memphis on Oct. 3, with Ry Cooder producing, and Randy Newman and other artists will contribute tracks later this month.

Originally Published October 13, 2005