As Arizona’s Attorney General during the 1990s, Grant Woods used indictments, lawsuits, and legislation to upset the status quo. Now, instead of government, the former Arizona top prosecutor is turning to music to create change.

The Project, a collaboration of Arizona musical all-stars performing 10 of Woods’ original songs, will be released today. Performers on The Project, each of whom volunteered his or her time, include Nils Lofgren of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, Gin Blossoms guitarist Scott Johnson,Lawrence Zubia of the Pistoleros, Al Ortiz, Francine Reed and Ray Herndon (both touring with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band), Michael Nitro, Alice Tatum, Walt Richardson, Blaine Long, Mindy Harris and Hans Olson.

The Project is available beginning today on iTunes and onAmazon. The album art was featured on the NASDAQ billboard in New York’s Times Square today.

Woods, who served as Arizona Attorney General from 1991 to 1999, calls The Project an effort to change his home state’s national image. All profits from The Project will benefit theArizona School for the Arts. The Project was produced by Cindy Standage and recorded at Sean Cooney’s 3 Leaf Recording Studio in Phoenix. The album is being released on Bright Angel Records and will be available for purchase on iTunes, CD Baby and other online music outlets.

“Arizona has a rich music history that is diverse and inclusive, but unfortunately that has been overshadowed by numerous controversies,” explains Woods, who remains a high profile political and community leader in the state. “Once word spread about The Project, musicians and singers jumped at the chance to be part of this effort to showcase Arizona talent and change our image. This has been a labor of love for everyone involved.”

A benefit concert will be held Friday Sept. 18, 2015, at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix. All available musicians who performed songs for The Project will participate, along with surprise guests.

Tickets will be available for $22 plus applicable fees beginning May 18th atphoenix.ticketforce.com.

Follow The Project on Facebook and Twitter, and learn more about it atwww.theprojectaz.com.