Help Finish Charlie Gabriel's Legacy Album!

My name is Branden Lewis. I met Charlie Gabriel (who just celebrated his 89th birthday) six years ago when I joined the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Charlie has a book of original music, most of which has never been recorded and existed only in his mind. We've been talking about this music ever since I've known him, and six months ago we finally began the process of recording these songs.

Up until this point, I have invested personal funds in this project, which included:

• Studio Fees (recording/mixing)
• Musician fees
• Recording day catering & transportation
• Videographer to document the process

This is a passion project and a legacy project for Charlie. We of course hope to find some publishing and placement opportunities, but the crowded entertainment space makes monetizing projects like this tricky. In order for it to come to life WE NEED HELP. We are asking for funds to finish the project and also to help recoup a part of my initial investment.

As a thank you for your generous donation, we have some exciting things to offer you, which are listed below. We know that we have friends out there who would love to help bring this music to the world!

Even if you can't make a contribution, please share with friends & family. In addition to raising funds for the project, this GoFundMe is also aimed at generating pre-sales of the album, limited edition merchandise, and most importantly to bring public awareness to and generate hype for this CLASSIC album of 10 of Charlie Gabriel's original songs (plus 1 special bonus track)!

Where we are at now:

We started recording this body of work in January 2021, about a month after Charlie had been fully vaccinated. This album features some of New Orleans finest musicians, and a few appearances by the legendary Ms. Dee Dee Bridgewater. The album was produced with the help of Academy Award winner Donald Markowitz and recorded at the esteemed Esplanade Studios in New Orleans. All of the songs have been recorded, but that is just the first phase of producing a project like this.

Where we would like to get to:

We would love to get this finished and released before the end of the year. At this point we still need to finance the following ASAP:

• Mixing & Editing
• Mastering
• Cover art
• Vinyl & CD production
• Marketing & Promotion

As mentioned, I've personally financed this project so far. It has been important to me that Charlie's music is recorded the way he intended. I've reached the limit of my personal funding, and asking for your help this way will allow Charlie and I to maintain creative control and ownership. That's where YOU come in!

We want to thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts for helping bring this important contribution to Black American Music to life!

Album Lineup:

Charlie Gabriel

Dee Dee Bridgewater

Branden Lewis

Herlin Riley

David Torkanowsky

Mark Brooks

Ricardo Pascal

TJ Norris

Connor Stewart

Craig Klein

Producers:

Donald Markowitz

Branden Lewis

 

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to your GoFundMe