We Are the New Orleans Preservation Society

What do you get when you mix a legendary jazz band with an array of musicians from across almost every genre and some timeless American jazz standards? A nearly perfect album that's sure to immediately grab listeners and keep them tapping their feet.

"Preservation" is a delight from start to finish. Chock full of jazz standards played by one of America's oldest jazz ensembles, "Preservation" isn't just a rich, flawlessly executed collaboration, it's also a benefit album.

For the unfamiliar, the Preservation Hall is a sacred jazz venue located in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Arguably the Fenway Park of jazz, the Preservation Hall has been home to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for nearly 50 years. "Preservation" is for the benefit of both the venue and its music outreach program. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band created a dream team of musicians for the album, which features collaborations with 20 different artists, from My Morning Jacket's Yim Yames to afropop Grammy-winner Angelique Kidjo.

Despite the vast variety of musicians, the album has a unified sound and attitude, a testament to the skill of both the collaborators and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. It's amazing to hear Pete Seeger, Tom Waits, and Andrew Bird perform on the same album without missing a beat.

The album kicks off with Andrew Bird contributing vocals and violin to bluesman Charlie Patton's "Shake It and Break It," one of the albums best performances. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band stomps through the standard with distinctive Dixieland flavor to spare. Bird's vocals are surprisingly perfect for the uncharacteristically ruckus song.

A standout among the album's more traditional contributors, bluegrass juggernaut Del McCoury gives a delightful performance on the bittersweet "After You've Gone." The 1918 standard is one of the most memorable cuts on the album. Another folk stalwart, Pete Seeger lends his seasoned touch to Irving Berlin's standard, "Blue Skies."

Tom Waits grunts his way through the Mardi Gras standard "Tootie Ma is a Big Fine Thing" in an album-stealing performance. Despite Waits's distinctive, guttural vocal style, he meshes perfectly with the band. "Tootie Ma" is perfectly executed by both parties. Waits gives one of the most energetic performances of his recent career, reminiscent of the exit romp of "Anywhere I Lay My Head."

Scottish singer/songwriter Paolo Nutini offers a mind-blowing vocal performance on "Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" that rivals Cab Calloway's original. 
Jason Isbell, formerly of Drive-By Truckers, tackles the blues standard "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" with great success. Isbell manages to give a strong performance that remains distinctive, an impressive task given how many times the song has been covered.

Yim Yames puts a twist on his usual reverb soaked vocal style by singing through a megaphone on "Louisiana Fairytale." The trick makes the vocal track feel like it's straight off an ancient jazz 78. Yames also contributes to "St. James Infirmary," one of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band's first recordings, on the deluxe edition.

Unconvinced by the plethora of big name collaborators who have lent their support to The Preservation Hall? The album benefits both The Preservation Hall and their music outreach program. Founded in the '60s, the Preservation Hall is a bastion of traditional New Orleans Jazz.

The hall was initially a gallery run by Larry Borenstein, who believed music would help attract customers. Music eventually took the forefront, and Pottstown native Allan Jaffe took the helm after moving to New Orleans. After taking over, Jaffe took The Preservation Hall Jazz Band on the road, naming it after the venue. The band released their first recording, "Sweet Emma and Her Preservation Hall Jazz Band," in 1964.

Deeply rooted in America's musical tradition, the Preservation Hall is now headed by Jaffe's son, Ben, who also contributes tuba to the band. The venue still hosts a variety of popular, nightly concerts, and the band still tours the world every year.

"Preservation" is sure to leave listeners in awe. A must for fans of jazz or Tin Pan Alley style (think Frank Sinatra meets Louis Armstrong), the album is likely to introduce a new generation to classic American pop music. Fans of Jamie Cullum, Nora Jones, and other crossover pop-jazz should pick up the album as an introduction to the roots of jazz. Diehard fans will enjoy the deluxe edition, which features extra songs by Seeger, Waits, and Yames.

"Preservation" is simply wonderful. The musicians don't miss a beat, the performances are remarkable, and the songs are timeless. Think you don't like jazz? This album will change your mind.