The sale of the album will fund the restoration and renovation of Peter Tosh's Mausoleum in Jamaica. It will also fund the construction of a free medical clinic, library, and the completion of the Peter Tosh Museum.
Several months ago, Malott created the INSTRUMENT'S FOR THE YOUTH program, joined in his efforts by such companies as Peavey Electronics, Shure U.S., C. F. Martin Guitars, Ahead Drum Sticks, SIT Strings, Musician's Friend, Silvertone Guitars, Conquest Cables and others.
Instrument's for the Youth provides free musical instruments to underprivileged and impoverished children. Several major recording artists have already stepped forward to support the program's efforts including Keith Richards, Billy Joel, Christina Aguilera, Paul Stanley (Kiss), Gladys Knight, Paul Anka, Bush, Third Eye Blind, Jimmy Buffett, Backstreet Boys, Seal, Chrissie Hyndes, Diane Shuur, Charlie Daniels, John Kay (Steppenwolf), Michelle Branch and others.
The program has received praise from Nelson Mandela and the prime ministers of both Canada and Trinidad. Both the Tosh Tribute Album and Instruments for the Youth program have been featured in reports by MTV, VH1, Rolling Stone, CNN Headline News, USA Today, Good Morning America, ABC World News, and others.
In 2003, Malott was awarded the prestigious Worldwide Ambassador's Association's, Humanitarian Award with honors for his Tosh Project and Instrument's for the Youth projects.
The project has just released a reggae compilation CD entitled, Put My Faith in Jah. This album features tracks from major reggae performers including Peter Tosh, Toots & the Maytals, Half Pint, Luciano, Joe Higgs, Pablo Moses, Mikey General, Peter Broggs and others. This album was released and marketed as a limited edition release and only 1000 CDs were manufactured, which quickly sold.
Now, the program's creator wants to stray away from having his Instrument's for the Youth program exclusively associated with reggae music. Malott has now announced plans to release a jazz compilation album to benefit his Instrument's for the Youth program.
Malott is currently looking for jazz tracks to include on this jazz compilation release which will be limited to only 1000 copies.
Malott plans to have tracks from a few major jazz performers and is most particularly targeting his two music idols: Jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, whom Malott has idolized since his early teens and who has played a major inspiration to Malott's own playing, and singer Lou Rawls.
The release, yet to be titled, is expected to come out in July 2004.
Artists interested in contributing a track to this release are encouraged to send in material for review to: Instrument's for the Youth Jazz Project
3376 Preakness Court
Marietta, GA 30062
For more information contact All About Jazz.
