Grant Woods: Arizona's former Attorney General turns songwriter with new album

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May 14, 2015, 10:00 ET

PHOENIX, May 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As Arizona's Attorney General during the 1990s, Grant Woods used indictments, lawsuits, and legislation to upset the status quo. Now, instead of government, the former Arizona top prosecutor is turning to music to create change.

"I was thrilled to be part of this and love the music." - Nils Lofgren of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band pictured with Grant Woods, Arizona's former Attorney General turned songwriter on new album "The Project".

The Nasdaq board even loves The Project, pictured in NYC at Times Square yesterday.

The Project, a collaboration of Arizona musical all-stars performing 10 of Woods' original songs, will be released May 17, 2015. Performers on The Project, who all volunteered their time, include Nils Lofgren of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, Gin Blossoms guitarist Scott Johnson, Lawrence Zubia of the Pistoleros, Al Ortiz, Francine Reed, Ray Herndon (both touring with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band), Michael Nitro, Alice Tatum, Walt Richardson, Blaine Long, Mindy Harris and Hans Olson.

Woods, who served as Arizona Attorney General from 1991 to 1999, calls The Project an effort to change his home state's national image. All profits from The Project will benefit the Arizona School for the Arts.

"Arizona has a rich music history that is diverse and inclusive, but unfortunately that has been overshadowed by numerous controversies," explains Woods, who remains a high profile political and community leader in the state. "Once word spread about The Project, musicians and singers jumped at the chance to be part of this effort to showcase Arizona talent and change our image. This has been a labor of love for everyone involved."

"I was thrilled to be part of this and love the music." – Nils Lofgren
"This album is fun and the music is great. It is a tribute to our history of amazing music from Arizona." – Lawrence Zubia
"I can't get enough of this album. It's Arizona and it's Americana – roots, rock, gospel, reggae, country – it's what we are all about." – Danny Zelisko, longtime Valley concert promoter
"We are honored to have these amazing musicians come together to validate arts in Arizona and support tomorrow's great Arizona artists." - Leah Fregulia Roberts, Head of the Arizona School for the Arts.

A benefit concert will be held Friday Sept. 18, 2015, at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix. All available musicians who performed songs for The Project will participate, along with surprise guests. Tickets will be available for only $22 plus applicable fees starting May 18^th at http://phoenix.ticketforce.com/.

The Project was produced by Cindy Standage and recorded at Sean Cooney's 3 Leaf Recording Studio in Phoenix. The album is being released on Bright Angel Records and will be available for purchase on iTunes, CD Baby and other online music outlets.

Follow The Project on Facebook and Twitter, and learn more about it at www.theprojectaz.com.

Media Contacts:

Michael Jensen or Erin Cook
Jensen Communications
626-585-9575e
[email protected]

David Leibowitz
(602) 317-1414
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150514/216018

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150514/216019

SOURCE The Project