[4] Larry Weinstein was inspired to film September Songs after he heard Lost in the Stars: The Music of Kurt Weill.
The cast of consists of the Brodsky Quartet, William S. Burroughs, Betty Carter, Nick Cave and Spanish Fly, Elvis Costello, Kathy Dalton, Bob Dorough, Charlie Haden, PJ Harvey, David Johansen, Lou Reed, Mary Margaret O'Hara, The Persuasions, Stan Ridgway, Ralph Schuckett, Ellen Shipley, Teresa Stratas, the Brodsky Quartet, the Y Chamber Symphony.
[5] Two artists reprised their performances from Lost in the Stars: The Music of Kurt Weill: Lou Reed recorded a second version of "September Song", and Charlie Haden re-recorded "Speak Low" with new arrangement by Fred Hersch and archived voice of Kurt Weill singing the song added.
Betty Carter was originally slated to appear in the first album, but scheduling issues precluded her inclusion.
Elvis Costello and Brodsky Quartet were asked to record "Lost in the Stars" as Willner had seen them performing the song as an encore while on tour.