BLUE TOM PAYS TRIBUTE TO ROYAL STUDIOS - April 21, 2011
Blue TOM and High Water Records joined forces to produce a one-of-a-kind musical tribute in honor of Willie Mitchell's Royal Studio's for it's contribution and tireless dedication to Memphis music and musicians.
Proceeds from the star-studded event went to benefit the Music Maker Relief Foundation, an organization that provides emergency support and professional developemenet for elderly blues musicians in need.
Check out video highlights from the event with performances by Dominique McClellan, Victor Wainwright and Barbara Blue. Enjoy!
U of M CCFA News & Notes
U of M Recording Blues in Black & White Benefits Music Maker Relief FoundationThe University of Memphis’ blues, jazz and gospel record label High Water Records and student-run Blue T.O.M. Records have collaborated for a rare blues album benefiting needy local musicians.
Blues in Black & White, which was released in December, features 10 cover songs managed by the University’s Music River Publishing company (BMI). It was recorded and produced by Music Industry Program students and local musicians. The CD, which benefits the Music Maker Relief Foundation (MMRF) is also intended to raise awareness for the High Water catalog and bring attention to the plight of elderly musicians throughout the region.
While the High Water recordings have been distributed for the past 20 years, they didn’t always get maximum exposure. Recently the songs have spiked in popularity, appearing in Craig Brewer’s Black Snake Moan as well as in international films and commercials.
“A few CDs in the catalog were being sold through a third party distributor, but nothing was being done with the rest of the songs,” says senior music business major Nick Black, who was president of Blue T.O.M. during the project. “Some of the songs are absolutely amazing, too.”
“About halfway through the recording of everything, which was done entirely by students, we all realized that this could be something big, and we all agreed to find a cause that our new album of covers could stand behind,” Black notes.
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