Unreleased Jim Morrison Poem on Charity Compilation

A previously unreleased Jim Morrison spoken-word recording will be part of 'Prayer Cycle 2: Path to Zero,' an upcoming genre-bending album that's due May 10 via Across the Universe Records. The LP -- produced by Jonathan Elias -- is a mix of devotional music, electronica, orchestral, spoken word, rock, vintage radio samples and more.

According to a press release, Morrison's rare poem was recorded by the Doors' late producer Paul Rothchild and describes the plight of the Native Americans "whose land was violated during the creation of the atomic bomb in Los Alamos, New Mexico."

Elias met Rothchild while scoring a film for which Rothchild was the musical supervisor. From there, a discussion began concerning Morrison's poetry, with Rothchild revealing he had a previously unreleased recording of Morrison's work. Bootleg or unauthorized versions have existed but this marks the first time the poem, referred to as 'Moonshine Night' after its opening line, has been officially released.

"I cleared the rights through his family, and their current manager," Elias said of the Morrison recording. "It means a great deal to me to be able to use his work, as a fan and someone who has a profound respect for his legacy."

The Morrison contribution is included in the track 'Fallout,' which also features Sinead O'Connor, Robert Downey Jr. and System of a Down's Serj Tankian.

The six-song benefit album features an eclectic array of artists with proceeds going towards Global Zero, an organization dedicated to nuclear disarmament. Additional artists include Sting, Korn's Jonathan Davis and Yes frontman Jon Anderson, as well as world music artists Angelique Kidjo and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

"'Path to Zero' is a classically influenced set of world prayers, inspired by the survival of hope in a world living under the shadow of nuclear threat," said Elias, who produced 1999's 'The Prayer Cycle' album featuring James Taylor, Alanis Morissette, Perry Farrell and Linda Ronstadt, among others.

Courtesy of Spinner.