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| Two New CDs For New Orleans From Putumayo Two new CD releases, "New Orleans Playground" and "New Orleans Christmas", available from Putumayo World Music , will bring the sounds of the Big Easy into homes this season. A portion of CD sales will benefit the city's residents. Since Katrina, Putumayo has contributed more than $200, 000 to New Orleans musicians and other area relief efforts. The label has sponsored concerts with New Orleans artists, including the recent Clinton Global Initiative and Public Radio Program Directors conference. "New Orleans Playground" is a playful romp through the musical landscape of New Orleans, with kid-friendly tunes performed by musical luminaries including Dr. John, Kermit Ruffins, Fats Domino, Charmaine Neville and The Meters. A portion of the proceeds from "New Orleans Playground" will help the Louisiana Children's Museum create a New Orleans music exhibit. "New Orleans Christmas" will help brighten the season with holiday carols sung Crescent City style, featuring stars such as the Heritage Hall Jazz Band, Ellis Marsalis and Topsy Chapman. New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity will receive support for their Musician's Village project from a portion of sales of this new holiday CD. Putumayo is also producing a holiday benefit concert, children's events, and is launching music education programs in New Orleans elementary schools. A New Orleans Christmas special will be broadcast on 250 radio stations in December on NPR's nationally syndicated Jazz Set and the Putumayo World Music Hour. Dan Storper, Putumayo World Music founder/CEO, says, "New Orleans is one of the world's great cultural crossroads, and the children who grow up there are steeped in the music of the city. With its frequent parades and festivals, music can be heard in every nook and cranny", Storper is married to a New Orleans native and they are raising their own New Orleans kid in the city. Neville, who will perform at Putumayo events in New Orleans, says, "New Orleans music helped make me who I am. It gave me soul. All children should be exposed to music and to different cultures. Music helps children stay young and keeps old people feeling young." write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |