On Wednesday night 200 musicians came together in concert to show how they can save the world through the global streaming event. Peace through Music: A Global Event for The Environment.
With appearances Tedeshi Trucks, Cat Stevens/Yusulf Islam, Black Pumas, Jack Johnson, John Paul Jones, Mikey Hart (Grateful Dead/Dead & Co), Zakir Hussain, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Sara Bareilles, Slash, The Lumineers, You can find out more about The Playing For Change FoundationIn conjunction with the United Nations, worked with filmmakers Mark JohnsonAnd Sebastian RobertsonAlso, director/co-writer Robin MoxelyAn hour-long musical event was created that serves as a call to arms, a fundraiser for their partners in change, and a celebration of the joys of life.
The stunning visuals of hundreds upon hundreds of locations across the globe, combined with masterful audio mixing, make what must have been a nightmare of filming and editing look seamless and almost dream-like. Narrated by Robbie RobertsonAnd Sir David AttenboroughThe film is free from divisive critiques on exploitation or capitalism, and instead focuses on the things that we can do together to heal our fragile eco-system.
If you’ve seen any of the Playing For Change clips, you will know the basic concept of their clips. It features musicians from many disciplines playing the same song from different locations. It is inspiring to see so much diversity in styles and voices, all from the same perspective.
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The film’s first focus is on the idea of cultures sharing their perspectives independently. Parallels between Hopi Indian beliefs regarding the sacredness and use of water are reinforced by a Maori proverb. The message throughout the film’s runtime is simple: it is time to act on environmental problems. Always now.
The film does highlight some positives, such that a New Zealand river was granted the legal rights that any human being would have. The changes are most detrimental to those who profit the least from the destruction of the environment for profit.
The project also includes a focus on working with Indigenous peoples to share their sacred knowledge and heal the Earth. Collective action, guided by passed-down wisdom, is a key part the plan. However, like all things that need to be done in this capitalist society it will require financial support. Peace Through Change is a gift for the world, but without financial support it will not be realized.
Before we get to the best musical moments in the film, let’s take a look at the list of charitable partners the Playing For Change Foundation has teamed with to help. Click on to go to the next page Conservation International, American Rivers, World Wildlife Fund, REVERB, and Playing For Change FoundationTo donate to worthy, respected organizations, visit their websites. Let’s move on to the next part.
Peace Through Music doesn’t waste time showcasing its epic collaborations, starting with the opening drums/percussion piece featuring Mikey Har and Zakir Hussain. Giovani Hidalgo, Sikiru Adepoju, Taufiq Qureshis Mumbai Stamp, Taal Mantra Mumba Dhol, Manengue Hidalgo, Noel Rosado, Fazal Qureshi, Students Of Allarakha Institue of Tabla With vocals from the La Perla Singers.
Drum Dialog Zakir Hussain
Next, the sweet and soulful Black PumasGet stellar support from Slash, Tony Kanal, Roberto Luti, Christian Nieves, Sofia ViolaLinker, Sherieta Lewis & Roselyn William, Ed Kabotie. Bayakanda Kinshasa. Maldonado. The Pocket Queen. Keico Komaki. Kylie Jim. Mayla Valentin., and percussionist Sivuca Colors, their hit single.
Colors Black Pumas
Sara BareillesShe has previously worked with Playing For Change and was able to join by to help her record a song dedicated to the initiative. Abel Mafuleni Harare. KeicoKomaki. Roberto Luti. Courtney Djedrick. Claire Finley. Robin Moxey. Sherieta Williams & Roselyn Wils. Ehsan Karaimi. Mermans Moengo. Chris PierceFor a truly global rendition
Sara Bareilles, Playing for Change
Led ZeppelinThe most well-known rendition is When The Levee Breaks. John Paul JonesThis version’s heart is yours to enjoy. Derek TrucksAnd Susan Tedeshi, Pete Sands and Ella Marja Eira, Sikuru Adepoju, Stephen Perkins. Nakeitha Clark & Davey Chegwidden. Mermans Moengo, Buffalo Nichols. Ben Lee. Alfredo Arce. Mihirangi. Drums Of The Pacific.It was both an obvious as well as a wise decision.
John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), When The Levee Breaks John Paul Jones
Since Taj MahalAnd Toumani DiabatQueen Bee was created by Claudette to bridge African Blues and African Instrumentation. It only makes sense that the legendary bluesman should be joined by the likes Bassekou Kouyate, Safe Diabate, Mamadou Diabate, Lopake Colo jr., John Cleary, Ben Harper, Paula Fuga, The Phantom Blues Band, Jake Shimabukuro, Yu Hatakeyama, Ayane Unema, Pancho Amat, Louis Mhlanga, Roberto Luti, Carlos MiyaresTake a look at musical fusion and play the Sax.
Toumani and Queen Bee Taj Mahal
It’s not clear if The Lumineers received the Pick a gazillion talent musicians to work alongside from around the globe memo or not. But they put together a stellar version Bright Side all on their own.
Bright Side The Lumineers
Mana Maoli Collective YouthGives Jack JohnsonBetter Together is a joyful, playful energy that welcomes all contributions Isa Najem Cindy Harcha, Paula Fuga and Keiko Komaki, Washboardchaz, Paco Soto & Afro Fiesta Leiana Hooikaiki & KamahaoThronas Lee Oskar(War),Tony Braunagel Claire Finley Roots Voices of Mississippi, MishCatt Mateo Aupitre
Jack Johnson: Better Together
It’s hard to imagine a better song to end a call to global unity than Yusulf Islam/Cat Stevens peace Train. This song was previously featured in a Playing For Change partnership. So it is only fitting that the artist is present to create a stunning world-wide rendition of his heartfelt classic. See what else we have! Ghassan Biumi, Rahat Ivayat Ali, Avadhoot Lall, Keb Mo (Carolina Chocolate Drops), Eric Appapoulay Eric Yeboah Roots Gospel Voices Of Mississippi Silkroad, Baaba Maral, Joshua Amjad Pat Simmons, James Hutch Hutchinson Olodum, William BartonAnd Adrian Buono Watch the video below to hear this famous call for hope, change and transformation.
Peace Train Yusuf / Cat Stevens
Scientists believe that Earth has entered the Anthropocene age in which humans are the major force shaping and stewarding the planet. Recent climate catastrophes such as tornadoes and hurricanes are proving that we have not done a good job at our most important work. These issues can only be solved if we all work together. This collection of songs perfectly illustrates how we can be more than the sum of our parts when we come together.
For more information visit Peace through Music: A Global Event for The EnvironmentPlaying For Change, in partnership with United Nations, has produced the following: Here.
