Photo via Eric Krasno’s Official Facebook

Today, Feb. 24, Grammy-award-winning musicians Eric Krasno (guitar) and Stanton Moore (drums) announced the forthcoming release of their debut LP, Krasno Moore Project: Book of Queens, due March 17 via Concord Jazz. The duo has also shared a preview of the new covers record, “Stay High,” featuring Cory Henry. 

Krasno Moore Project: Book of Queens was recorded at the fabled Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, N.Y., mixed by Jim Scott (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Wilco), and is a spirited salute to women in music. The new collection of nine soulful covers finds the duo embracing numbers recorded by Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse, Brittany Howard, Peggy Lee and more. 

On the record, Krasno and Moore are joined by celebrated organist Eric Finland on multiple tunes. In addition, Book of Queens features guest appearances by Branford Marsalis, Robert Randolph and Henry. The latter is included in today’s single release, “Stay High,” which was delivered by Howard on her critically acclaimed 2019 solo debut Jaime. 

“When Stanton and I got together and decided to make a record we knew we wanted to focus on a concept that we both believed in,” offered Krasno via press release. “With the help of our wives (Lauren and Lauren), we started discussing a few ideas and agreed that a tribute to our favorite female singers and songwriters would be perfect. There are so many amazing songs to choose from spanning every genre and every era. Stanton and I zoned in on songs that had the right melodies and moods for an organ trio format. As soon as we started adapting the songs, adding grooves, and making demos with Eric Finland (organ/keys) we knew we had something special.” 

Moore adds, “With this record, we wanted to create an album that we would be proud to play for our wives…something that we could listen to while making dinner or hanging on the beach. Our goal was to assemble a collection of songs that created an instant vibe from beginning to end, and could be enjoyed with family and friends time and time again.” 

Krasno and Moore first crossed paths in the mid-‘90s. At the time, Krasno was enrolled in college in Northampton, Mass., and Stanton frequently passed through the area while on tour. Krasno had become a fan of Stanton’s drumming and, eager to make an impression, gave him demos of his latest guitar work. Stanton popped on the CDs and realized Krasno’s ability was more than promising. Krasno continued to found Lettuce and Soulive, while Moore founded Galactic and Garage-a-Trois. Through their projects, the two have shared stages countless times over the past 25 years and foraged a friendship. 

Pre-save/order Krasno Moore Project: Book of Queens now. Stream “Stay High” below. 

Krasno Moore Project: Book of Queens:

1. You Know I’m No Good

2. Nobody’s Baby

3. Slow Burn

4. Lost Cause

5. Stay High feat. Cory Henry

6. Fever feat. Branford Marsalis

7. A Natural Woman

8. Carried Away

9. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free feat. Robert Randolph