In a never-before-heard-of collaboration, major jazz labels Blue Note Records, Concord Music Group, Mack Avenue Music Group, Nonesuch Records, Universal Music Group, Verve Label Group and Warner Music Group have joined hands to offer a compilation of unreleased music. Part of the proceeds earned from the album will go toward the Jazz Foundation of America’s Musician’s Emergency fund, which supports musicians who have been affected by COVID-19 shutdowns.
Joe Petrucelli of JFA shared, “The Jazz Foundation of America deeply appreciates the artists, songwriters and label teams who contributed to this project with such compassion and generosity. As pandemic restrictions continue to lift, we recognize that musicians will face a particularly lengthy recovery. They were among the first to be hit by the effects of the crisis and will be among the last to achieve a true sense of normalcy or stability. We and our partners are here for the long haul.”
Among the featured artists are Herbie Hancock, Joshua Redman, Christian McBride, IRMA and LEO, Cécile McLorin Salvant and more. The highly hailed pianist Herbie Hancock commented, “I'm honored to be part of this meaningful project that supports the important work of the Jazz Foundation, who has always been there for musicians going through tough times. They have been an especially critical resource for the community during the pandemic, helping those in need of medical care, putting food on the table and paying their rent.”
While the album supports musicians across the industry, it also commemorates the artists whose lives were lost to the pandemic and throughout the year, including Wallace Roney and Jimmy Heath. The collaboration illustrates the camaraderie among labels and musicians, tying together the talents of a roster of stars to support the people who have brought the world together through music.