Since September of 2011, The 78 Project has been field recording a diverse group of musicians in locations all around New York City on a vintage Presto 1930s direct-to-disc acetate recorder. The Presto machine The 78 Project uses is the same model of device on which American folklorist and ethnomusicologist, Alan Lomax recorded his legendary field recordings between 1933 and 1942. Artists who participate in The 78 Project choose a song from the public domain that holds meaning for them and a unique location for their recording. They then perform their song in one take, recording directly onto acetate disc. Each recording is filmed and edited into a short webisode, released via The 78 Project's website.

The songs of The 78 Project: Volume 1 are beautiful pieces of the American musical tradition, many of which folks will already know, from classic ballads ("Red River Valley") to early 20th century pop ("A Little Love, A Little Kiss") cowboy songs ("Old Paint") to gospel and spirituals ("Glory, Glory", "The Wayfaring Stranger") to murder ballads ("Omie Wise", "The Railroad Boy (Cut Her Down)", "Banks of the Ohio") and more. The history of the songs is as deep and rich as the warm, complex sound of the grooves they were cut into, and the versions contained in this collection are part of a time-honored tradition, but also exciting and new.

The tracks were recorded in locations all around New York City, including hotel rooms, private residences, public spaces and even one alleyway. Because each track was recorded in its own unique location in one take onto a 78rpm lacquer disc using a very vintage 1930s recorder, they often contain sonic treasures and a magical, antique quality. The album is as much of an adventure to listen to as it was to make.

The 78 Project: Volume 1 is the soundtrack to The 78 Project web series, so fans can watch each recording from the collection being made in the beautiful, cinematic corresponding documentary video episodes here.