The Nov. 22 Blue Note release “Higher Ground” will feature highlights from Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Hurricane Katrina benefit concert. The 15-track disc includes performances by Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis, Bette Midler, and James Taylor, among others.
The Sept. 17 concert and auction at New York City’s Frederick P. Rose Hall celebrated New Orleans’ musical history. Organized by New Orleans native Marsalis, who also serves as Jazz at Lincoln Center’s artistic director, the nationally televised program raised over $2 million.
Highlights on the recording include Shirley Caesar’s concert-opener, “This Joy,” Jones’ solo piano reading of Randy Newman’s “I Think It’s Going To Rain Today,” and Cassandra Wilson’s version of Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday” with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. All album sale proceeds will be donated to the Higher Ground Relief Fund, established by Jazz at Lincoln Center.
