Andrew Bird, Tom Waits, Jim James, Paolo Nutini, and Ani DiFranco are among the diverse artists who joined the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in New Orleans for this album benefiting the group’s time-honored home.
Proceeds from the project — which finds its cast of legendary and contemporary musicians tackling New Orleans classics — go toward Preservation Hall’s music-outreach program and upkeep. Also among the contributors are such established forces as Richie Havens, Dr. John, Pete Seeger, and the Blind Boys of Alabama.
The debut album from Monsters of Folk melds the considerable talents of M. Ward, Conor Oberst, and My Morning Jacket’s Jim James.
The Monsters moniker was given to the group by fans during a tour five years ago, and it fits: at nearly an hour, the debut feels nothing like a side project. With Bright Eyes’ Mike Mogis rounding out the quartet, M.O.F. perfectly balance each member’s distinct voice — as on sultry standout “Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.),” in which Ward’s honeyed growl plays beautifully off James’ falsetto. Read More »
