When Neil Young Meets Preservation Hall Jazz: A Cultural Collision Worth Hearing

Neil Young's 'Like a Hurricane' Gets a Jazz Makeover

It's a rare thing when you hear a song that was already a masterpiece rewritten and elevated by another artist. But that's exactly what happened with My Morning Jacket and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band's cover of Neil Young's "Like a Hurricane." This isn't just a tribute—it's a cultural collision, a conversation between two distinct worlds: the raw grit of rock and the refined soul of jazz.

"We felt like teaming up with Preservation Hall Jazz Band would add some magic to this track... we hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed playing it!"

— Jim James, My Morning Jacket

Their rendition appears on Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young, Vol. 2 – Out of the Blue, a companion album to last year's Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young Part I, both released to benefit the Bridge School—a California-based nonprofit co-founded by Young and his ex-wife Pegi to support children with speech and physical disabilities.

A New Kind of Emotion

When My Morning Jacket took the stage in New Orleans, they didn't just bring their signature psychedelic rock sound—they brought something unexpected. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band joined them at Marigny Studios for a live recording session that captured not just the melody but the very soul of the song.

While Young's original version is built on the power of a guitar solo and its thunderous impact, this version strips away some of the raw aggression to reveal something more introspective. Jim James's vocals carry an unusual sadness, one that resonates differently with listeners who've grown up with the song's more aggressive cousin.

Then there's the brass section. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band doesn't just back the song—they breathe life into it in a way that's impossible to ignore. Their solos add texture and color, turning what was once a storm into a gentle but powerful breeze.

Why This Matters

This isn't just another cover album—it's a tribute that understands the weight of legacy. Neil Young has always been more than a songwriter; he's a storyteller whose work spans genres, moods, and decades. To hear him interpreted through jazz is like seeing an old photograph transformed by time—still recognizable, yet completely new.

The Bridge School benefits from these projects, sure, but beyond that, there's something deeply personal about how music can be reinterpreted across generations and styles. It speaks to how art never truly dies—it just evolves, often in ways we don't expect.

Other Artists Join the Conversation

The rest of the album is filled with equally fascinating interpretations. Lucinda Williams brings a raw vulnerability to "Don't Be Denied," while Ann Wilson gives new life to "Walk With Me." Peter Frampton teams up with John Jorgenson for a classic rock-meets-bluegrass hybrid on "Heart of Gold," and Modest Mouse delivers a shimmering take on "Barstool Blues" that sounds like it could have been recorded in a different decade entirely.

Each artist adds their own voice to the conversation, but none quite as poignantly as My Morning Jacket and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Their collaboration is not just a reimagining—it's a respectful homage that challenges listeners to hear something familiar with fresh eyes.

The Beauty of Collaboration

What makes this particular cover so compelling isn't just the music—it's the story behind it. The fact that My Morning Jacket, a band known for its expansive soundscapes and emotional depth, chose to partner with Preservation Hall Jazz Band speaks volumes about how deeply they respect both Young's legacy and jazz traditions.

This kind of cross-pollination happens in music all the time, but rarely does it feel so organic and necessary. The two acts blend seamlessly, each contributing their strengths to create a whole that feels greater than its parts. The result? A haunting reminder that creativity doesn't live in isolation—it thrives in dialogue.

What's Next for the Heart of Gold Series?

The second volume, Out of the Blue, will be followed by Volume 3 – Into the Black, featuring artists like Ben Gibbard, MJ Lenderman, and RAC. The series continues to grow in both scope and significance, each release another testament to Young's enduring influence.

These aren't just covers—they're cultural moments, musical reflections that ask us to reconsider how we think about the songs we love and what they might mean to others. In an age where everything feels recycled, this kind of respectful innovation feels like a breath of fresh air.

Final Thoughts

As I listen to My Morning Jacket's jazz-infused take on "Like a Hurricane," I'm struck by how music transcends its original form. It's not about replacing the classic; it's about exploring new pathways through familiar terrain. And that's exactly what this collaboration achieves.

So if you haven't already, give it a spin. You might just find yourself moved in ways you didn't expect—and perhaps even discover a new appreciation for how different genres can come together to tell one powerful story.