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Canton, NY, Friday, February 08, 2008—After an unprecedented year-long recording tour featuring 504 musicians in 15 towns, North Country Public Radio has completed phase one of it’s UpNorth Music Project and released Music Heard UpNorth, a 3-CD set that highlights 40 of the best songs from the sessions. Music Heard UpNorth includes jazz, rock, blues, reggae, bluegrass, folk, celtic, gospel and more and is available for $20 at cdbaby.com or by calling NCPR at 877-388-6277.
The UpNorth Music Project is funded through a grant from the New York State Music Fund, administered by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. The fund was created when the New York State Attorney General’s Office resolved investigations against major record companies that had violated state and federal laws prohibiting “pay for play” (also called payola). The settlement agreement stipulated that funds paid by music businesses would support music education and appreciation for the benefit of New York State residents.
Phase one of the UpNorth Music project included travel throughout the region to record a wide variety of musical acts. Performances have been archived online on NCPR’s comprehensive UpNorth Music website www.upnorthmusic.org.
During phase two of the project audiences will be able to enjoy these artists through the newly released 3-CD set, on-air broadcast, podcasts, and a summer 2008 concert series that includes performances at the Norwood Village Green, Clayton Opera House, Asgaard Farm in Jay, NY and The Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls.
"When we started this project we knew the North Country was rich in musical talent, but the variety of music we encountered was exceptional. We’re excited to share this remarkable group of musicians with North Country music fans,” said Joel Hurd, NCPR production manager and UpNorth Music recording engineer.