Western N.C.’s own charity compilation

Over the years, the music industry has helped produced some stirring and riveting compilation albums benefiting important and deserving causes. These albums have not only aided certain charities by raising funds and spreading awareness, but have also propelled the careers of certain musicians, and even entire genres of music.

Some of the more well-known charitable CD’s include the Red Hot series, benefiting AIDS research, which gave us “Red Hot + Blue” and “No Alternative.” The “A Very Special Christmas” series continues to raise big money and support for the Special Olympics since its debut in 1987, and musicians themselves received a benefit platform in 1993 with the “Sweet Relief” album, which donated money to uninsured musicians in need of health care. Even as recently as the “Hope For Haiti Now” CD, which created a stir among music insiders for the speed it was put together and all the good that came from it its inception, have become notable and respected releases. There is no doubt that music can heal, if not by the music itself, but by the funds it generates and the knowledge it permeates into society.

In May of 2010, musician and Western Carolina University grad Matt Williams decided he needed to be a part of the greater good. While sitting in with Greensboro, N.C.’s, Holy Ghost Tent Revival at the Band Together Concert for Charity in Raleigh, Williams was inspired to use his talents and enlist the help of other regional artists and bands to create their own compilation for a non-profit organization. Through his own record label, Mended Heart Records, Williams’ partnered with the Raleigh-based Band Together N.C., to raise funds and awareness for select charities through events that showcase and support musical talent. The idea of a CD quickly materialized, so Williams set out to recruit musical groups that represented a diverse assortment of genres that could appeal to a wide-ranging audience.

Unlike other charity compilations, Williams wanted a unique album in that all of the tracks were recorded in the same studio for the same cause. So over a few months time, 14 different bands traveled to The Eagle Room, an impressive recording studio located in Weaverville, N.C. (near Asheville), and recorded either new material or rearranged older tunes, all of them unreleased and exclusive to the project. That was not the only tie that bound the CD together; all of the bands that were chosen to participate were connected whether it was by sharing a stage together on tour or common members. The idea of a musical family clearly resonated with Williams and his vision is evident in the final product.

“This project is truly special,” Williams said. “The artists all delivered magic in the studio and the music speaks for itself. There is an abundance of heart on this record.”

The album is an inspiring collection of talented artists with production values set at the highest levels. The music flows from one genre to the next without sounding too forced; it’s almost like the 14 bands made one album together. Ranging from folk, rock, instrumental, soul, jazz, reggae, bluegrass, indi-pop and even hip-hop (definitely check out Agent 23’s contribution) the lively combination of styles will please music lovers of all backgrounds as each band offers their own unique flair and passion in each performance.

Asheville group The Archrivals offers up “Rock Show,” a bouncy opener that hooks listeners immediately and leaves them wanting to hear more. The gentle sway of Moses Attwood’s soulful “Garden of Eden” is a touching ballad that evokes a gruff Ray LaMontagne minus the whispery vocals. The ragtime-like harmonies on Holy Ghost Tent Revival’s explosive “Young Black Hair” can be felt through the speakers—the band seems to be having a wild party all while maintaining their impeccable musicianship.

The head bobbing jam created by the remarkable WNC-based Vertigo Jazz Project is followed by the smooth groove of Uncle Mountain’s “Borderline,” a fan favorite that showcases the talent of this trio. Standout cuts on the album are plentiful and hard to nail down, but the bluesy “Put it Outcha’ Head” by Western North Carolina’s Aaron “Woody” Wood sounds like Appalachian-meets-Delta Blues ala’ Robert Johnson—raw and sincere, Woody must have made a deal with the devil to get his voice and guitar to sound as remarkable as it does.

Williams, Mended Heart Records, and Band Together have done a great job putting this CD together. All sales revenue will go directly to 2011 charity partner, Alliance Medical Ministry, which is no doubt a commendable cause worthy of donations by purchasing the album.

Mended Heart’s Band Together Compilation for Charity (2011). For ordering information, visit www.mendedheartrecords.com or download the album from iTunes.