At the end of last month, I posted a blog about the venture called "Playing for Change" where a group of recording technicians travelled the world seeking out talented street musians and recorded them using mobile recording equipment and compiling it together in a studio.
(See "Playing for Change - A beautiful musical concept...."Posted on 30 August in my blog)
Here is the story of how it started. In 2002, Mark Johnson, Raan Williams and Whitney Kroenke wondered around America looking for talented singers and musicians. The producers of the concept simultaneously travelled around the world to places like South Africa, India, Nepal, the Middle East and Ireland in the same endeavor.
In California, Roger Ridley, was discovered singing "Stand by Me". His version was added to by a blind old man named Grandpa Elliott who has a remarkable, rich, warm voice. He is also an accomplished harmonica player.
Similar songs were used and different artists were allowed to interpret them in their special way. The result is spectacular.
Sadly, Rodger Ridley has passed away but the "Playing for Change" band has since travelled and performed in various destinations around the world.
The result is raw talent that can only be formed on the streets.
PFC, as its now called is dedicated to building music and art schools for children around the world and this concert, held in Brazil, was a sell out performance to that very end...
Enjoy the live version of Stand by Me performed here:
All links courtesy of YouTube.
For good measure, here is their version of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's "Teach your Children". The slide guitar player, Roberto Luti, playes an exilarating intro to the tune with his special technique. The voice of the beautiful Spanish singer Tula, from Barcelona, gives a richness and variety to the performance:
This whole concept is and inspiration and renews my faith in humanity.
Please play the links and enjoy. You will see many more suggestions in YouTube to listen to.
I hope you are as inspired as I am!
thank you so much for your post. where can i go to find out more about playing for change?
If you play the video I have posted, it will take you to YouTube. There are many tunes done there as street musicians and the link to my old blog will take you to the original one. The two I have posted here, will reveal many more performances top select and watch....Its great when the computer is connected to good sound too!
Also, to enjoy the whole thing, begin by double-clicking the link, in green, at the beginning of my post
Brilliant, thank you for your advice ... I have also been checking out the website http://playingforchange.com/ .
Are you involved with the organisation? It looks like they are doing some really exciting things around the world in education as well.
Sadly no. But the story inspires me very much
Stand By Me is such a great song and must get people to enjoy the moment through the music, forget about everything else for the moment other than the music. At least it does it for me.
It does that to me too @qsounds. Thanks for the comment