John Lennon Tribute Concert CD Out in November
Gary Graff / October 7, 2011
Patti Smith, Jackson Browne, Meshell Ndegeocello, Bettye LaVette and Aimee Mann are among the artists featured on "The 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute, Live From the Beacon Theatre NYC," which is due out Nov. 15. Proceeds from the 15-track digital album will benefit the Japanese Red Cross' earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.
The performances of Beatles and Lennon solo songs were recorded during the 30th annual Lennon tribute show, which took place Nov. 12, 2010. Browne performed "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" while Smith and guitarist Tony Shanahan played "Oh Yoko," Ndegeocello sang "God," Aimee Mann took on "Jealous Guy," and LaVette delivered "The Word," which she covered on her Grammy Award-nominated 2010 release "Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook." Taj Mahal, Shelby Lynne,Joan Osborne, Alejandro Escovedo, Keb' Mo', Martin Sexton and the Playing For Change Band are also featured on the album.
"John would have loved that Theatre Within has produced a special live album of his songs to benefit the Japanese Red Cross and the people still suffering from the tsunami and earthquake," Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, said in a statement. Theatre Within has presented the tribute concert since 1981, with Ono's support and endorsement.
The 31st Annual John Lennon Tribute concert is scheduled for Dec. 10 at Le Poisson Rouge in Greenwich Village; performers are scheduled to be announced soon.
Concert creator and producer Joe Raiola added that, "John's music and message continue to be a great inspiration to people everywhere, but he holds a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers, one that comes alive in a tremendously emotional way at each Tribute. We're so grateful to Yoko and to all of artists for allowing us to share the great performances from that special night with John Lennon fans around the world."
The album will be available via all major online retailers.
The full track list for "The 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute, Live from the Beacon Theatre NYC" includes:
Aimee Mann, "Jealous Guy"
Jackson Browne, "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away"
Patti Smith and Tony Shanahan, "Oh Yoko"
Meshell Ndegeocello, "God"
Alejandro Escovedo, "Help!"
Shelby Lynne, "Mother"
Martin Sexton, "Working Class Hero"
Joan Osborne, "Hey Bulldog"
Taj Mahal and Vusi Mahlasela, "Watching the Wheels"
Keb' Mo', "In My Life"
Taj Mahal with Deva Mahal and Steph Brown, "Come Together"
Bettye LaVette, "The Word"
Rich Pagano, "Power To The People"
The Kennedys, "And Your Bird Can Sing "
Playing For Change Band, "Instant Karma"