CD to benefit musicians hit by Katrina
Money raised from Memphis production will help them 'rise'

By David Williams
November 9, 2005

Hurricane Katrina relief efforts have been set to music with the new, limited-edition, compilation CD, Rise, on Memphis International Records.

Thanks to the donation of time and services by numerous companies in Memphis and elsewhere, all of the $20 purchase price goes to the cause.

Specifically, funds will go to the Grammy organization's MusiCares Foundation, which is providing relief to the hurricane-stricken musical community, part of which has repaired to Memphis as the Big Easy is rebuilt.

"Everybody really 'got it' and wanted to participate," said David Less of Memphis International. "It's all going to the right place, and hopefully it will do some good. ... It's a good record, too."

The CD, which will raise $50,000 if it sells out, uses thematically linked, existing songs from several labels, including locals Ardent, Madjack and Memphis International, and out-of-towners Artemis and Yep Roc. Tracks include Sid Selvidge's "Miss the Mississippi and You," Rob Jungklas's "The Holy Spirit" and Alvin Youngblood Hart's "Deep Blue Sea."

"Every record should tell a story," Less said, "but especially this one. The story is so dramatic."

Donations included production, pressing, master-use license and publishing, and design. Also, retailers are selling the CD without taking a commission.

Rise is available at numerous locations locally, including Automatic Slim's, The Beauty Shop, Cielo, Center for Southern Folklore, the clubs of Beale Street, Do, Goner Records, Huey's, Shangri-La Records, Spin Street and Tower Records.

The title song, "Rise," by Memphis International artist Louise Hoffsten, was inspired by the Asian tsunami.

"It's sad that the song now relates to two tragedies," Hoffsten said. "but I'm happy to do my part to help out by including it in this album."

The CD is the latest Memphis effort to aid displaced musicians. Other efforts have included instrument replacement, paid gigs on Beale Street for New Orleans performers, and benefit concerts.

-- David Williams: 529-2310


KATRINA BENEFIT CD

What: A limited-edition CD featuring Big Star, Jim Dickinson, the Iguanas and other musical acts.

Why: to raise money for the hurricane-stricken musical community.

Where: Available throughout Memphis, including Automatic Slim's, The Beauty Shop, Cielo, Center for Southern Folklore, the clubs of Beale Street, Do, Goner Records, Huey's, Shangri-La Records, Spin Street and Tower Records.

How much: $20, with all proceeds going to the cause