from Appleseed Recordings: Two years in the making, this fund-raising CD created by Appleseed Recordings and the national Give US Your Poor organization at UMass Boston’s McCormack Graduate School brings together established musicians, socially committed actors and currently or previously homeless musicians in a collection of mostly exclusive new recordings that address the ongoing crisis of homelessness in America. There are frequent collaborations between the stars, who donated their time and music, and their formerly or currently homeless brethren on songs that often reflect on existence without guaranteed lodging, food, and the simple necessities of human existence. Almost all of the profits raised by this release will be donated to organizations benefiting the homeless.

There is a broad spectrum of artists, genres and styles represented on Give US Your Poor that makes the CD a moving, engrossing, and enjoyable, as well as educational, experience. Among the high-profile performers: Bruce Springsteen and Pete Seeger; Jon Bon Jovi and Mighty Sam McClain; Madeleine Peyroux and Sonya Kitchell; Bonnie Raitt and Weepin’ Willie Robinson; Natalie Merchant, Michelle Shocked, and Jewel; Keb’ Mo’; Sweet Honey in the Rock; Dan Zanes; Buffalo Tom; opera singer Mario Frangoulis; and actor/activists Tim Robbins and Danny Glover.

The CD’s final track, “Here and Now” by Mark Erelli, was chosen for inclusion from among 775 original compositions by musicians submitted around the world to the Sonicbids Independent Artist Homelessness Songwriting Contest.