The Friday Fillip
Remember the 60s?
Well, I do, and not just in flashbacks, either. It was all about — well, it was about a lot of things, most of which never did get finished. But that’s okay because some of those things are of an eternal nature: peace, love, and music come to mind. And these are brought to my mind again by the work of an outfit that I stumbled across quite a while ago now and at that time hurried past, the way one does on the internet. But as also happens on the internet, what goes around comes around (what on Earth is that cliché supposed to mean?!) and I found the organization again recently, just in time to pass it on to you while the summer kumbaya season is still upon us.
Playing for Change | Peace Through Music organized and filmed a bunch of musicians around the world singing inspirational (but good) songs, each in their own locale and cut together seamlessly into coherent wholes. Many of these are available on video on the PFC site and YouTube, and the lot is available as CDs or DVDs on the website. The lead item — their big hit — is Stand by Me, embedded below. Gotta say that Grandpa Elliott is my fave on this one.
And there’s more, lots more. Some of my picks would be: Bob Marley’s One Love; their very first effort, Pierre Minetti’s Don’t Worry (here Tula rocks), and a folk tune from Chennai, Chanda Mama. But pick your own when you roam through the YouTube collection and explore the filmed live concerts on the PFC site.
Peace to you Simon. Thanks for sharing
I sometimes wish that I could have enjoyed the 60’s, but then I’d be somewhat older! That being stated, one cannot deny the power of music to inspire and unite people. It has opened many doors and relationships for myself, personally. The past decade’s hiphop movement and culture is recent evidence of this. Here in Halifax, the first local Hopscotch festival is starting, showcasing and highlighting the influence and culture of hiphop in our society. There are timeless pieces of music and art that should never pass out of memory. Playing for Change is a great example of this phenomena. Thanks!
We are thoroughly enjoying the kumbaya season out here on the west coast and are pleased to bring you Bobby McFerrin’s demonstration of the power of the pentatonic scale.
Enjoy!
I just watched “One Love”. A perfect note for starting the weekend and making sure I slow down to smell the roses this hectic summer.
*Namaste*