Of the artists that I have worked with this past year and those that continue to inspire me, Anthony Hamilton has a voice and persona that carries the torch for Soul Music. He has that fat rich incredible voice that holds up with the best of the traditional Soul singers of the 60’s & 70’s, yet is immediately accessible to a new generation and always fresh in his delivery, making him one of those rare contemporary artists creating records that could prove to be classics decades from now. He is also a humble and conscious person, 100% committed to the integrity of his music and work.
I am especially thankful to him for recording the title song I wrote for film Soul Men (Sam Jackson, Bernie Mac, Isaac Hayes), which was nominated for a this year’s Grammy’s. I knew when I wrote the song for Malcom Lee’s film - an original piece that had to sound like a classic Soul hit from the Memphis Stax Records (Sam & Dave, Wilson Picket) era of the early 70’s - that Anthony was the perfect voice to deliver that timeless sound. Being a prolific and successful songwriter himself, Anthony Hamilton almost never records songs by other people. With Soul Music, however, we hit a common note that resonated for both of us, the filmmakers and the audience.
The only other cover that I’ve heard Anthony perform recently was for the opening of a beautifully-made documentary called Soundtrack for a Revolution. Soundtrack tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music -the freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality. The film features new performances of the freedom songs by top artists, including John Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean, and The Roots; riveting archival footage; and interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders, including Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond, and Ambassador Andrew Young.
The freedom songs evolved from slave chants, from the labor movement, and especially from the black church. The music enabled blacks to sing words they could not say, and it was crucial in helping the protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence. The infectious energy of the songs swept people up and empowered them to fight for their rights.
Soul Music as a genre has evolved out of black spirituals - music that expresses from the soul. Since the 60’s, as a musical crossing between Gospel roots and popular R&B, the subject matter has broadened tremendously - from party & dance favorites to sultry love songs - but the essence of the style and the singers that have maintained the roots in their evolution and commercial appeal still has that uncanny ability to touch us deep in our own hearts and souls.
With the devastating tradegy in Haiti filling the headlines and drawing attention and much needed support from around the globe, I wanted to bring some more awareness to musicians and artistS who have either been doing ongoing work or are now joining forces to help one of the most desimated populations in the Western Hemisphere.
Most people know that musical superstar Wyclef Jean is of Haitian decent, but not everyone knows of his ongoing efforts to use his music and success to give support, rebuild and inspire his home country. In 2005, he established the Yéle Haiti Foundation which, in its firs 2 years of operation, provided scholarships to over 7,000 children in Haiti, following the devastation of Hurricane Jeanne. This past week, along with his uncle, Raymond Alcide Joseph - a political activist, journalist and Haitian Ambassador to the United States since 2005, Wyclef has been heavily campaigning for international aid for relief from the devastation of the earthquake. Wyclef, who has been a creative inspriation to the fans and the global music community with with his amazing musical talents and his conscious lyrics since his early days with the Fugees, is clearly walking the talk and rising to the call.
Other music and artist projects that have turned their focus to helping the Haiti earthquake relief programs include:
•Music For Relief is offering a compilation of unreleased music, available for free download on MusicForRelief.org. The site encourages donations, which will be divided equally among the United Nations Foundation, Habitat For Humanity, and Dave Matthews Band’s BAMA Works Haitian relief program.
•Artists For Peace and Justice is a relatively new organization with an advisory board of prominent celebrity activists, including Maria Bello, Madeleine Stowe, Charlize Theron, Oliver Stone and Josh Brolin. Founded by filmmaker Paul Haggis, the group originally sought to help build functional schools in impoverished regions in Haiti. Since the earthquake, they’ve directed all of their funds to recovery efforts with a focus on helping to rebuild schools, hospitals and orphanages.
I’m sure their are many other musicians and artists around the globe turning their energy and support toward Haiti at this time. As successful artists, we have the unique ability to not only provide support and create awareness, but to create a sense of inpsiration and hope by uniting people through the music itself.
A final note: Aside from those artists and organizations mentioned here, there are many dedicated people and organizations working tirelessly to bring relief to the crisis and, most importantly, to the children of Haiti. You can learn about many of them through a list compiled by the Huffington Post at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/12/haiti-earthquake-relief-h_n_421014.html.
I’m happy to announce the release of the new single “Be On Our Way” today, the featured song from the Weinstein Company/MGM release Hurricane Season. The song pays homage to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina and the spirit of New Orleans in an inspiring “Curtis Mayfield meets Tupac-like” blend of classic soul music and socially conscious rap; performed by Grammy Award winner Van Hunt, New Orleans’ born rapper Supervision, Buku Wise and singers from the original Hidden Faces.
Like all the artists and musicians involved, New Orleans has always held a special place in my heart and ranked high on my list of musical influences. Moved by that and inspired by the movie and the true story upon which it was based, I tried to capture those feelings, the spirit of New Orleans and the underlying message, in an original song that fully supported the vision of the filmmaker, Tim Story. The result? I’ll let you listen and judge for yourself.
Forest Whitaker’s Hurricane Season is based on the true and inspiring story of Al Collins (Whitaker), a high school coach,
Hurricane Season starring Forest Whitaker
who pulls together a group of high school basketball players - all left disenfranchised by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Against all odds, Colins learns and teaches the young men the meaning of perseverance and team spirit, leading them on to win the Louisiana State Championship. “Be On Our Way” underscores a pivotal montage through the challenges Al and his family must overcome, as their world gets washed away by the worse natural disaster in American history.
In addition to the creative opportunity, I saw the song and film as a chance to create an awareness campaign that could both remind millions of people of the struggle the people of New Orleans and the region are still going through as they try to rebuild their lives, and provide strength and inspiration for countless others around the world who are facing similar tragedies and challenges in their own lives. Finally, I wanted to directly help the people of the Lower Night Ward, the area most affected by the catastrophic event and where much of the film was shot. To help me with this, I reached out to my friend at Apple iTunes Store to release and help promote the single and Brad Pitt’s Make it Right Foundation, to be the recipient of the proceeds.
Make It Right has been active rebuilding New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward. They are committed to building 150 sustainable, affordable and high quality homes, while preserving the spirit of the community’s culture. Brad Pitt, Make It Right’s Founder, hopes that this project will be a catalyst for recovery and redevelopment throughout the Lower Ninth Ward and across the city of New Orleans. Through EarthTones, we are donating 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of “Be On Our Way” to Make It Right.
Be sure to check out the song and tell your friends about the campaign. ”Be On Our Way” is exclusively available at the Apple iTunes Store, starting today.
For more info about the song and campaign, go to http://earthtones.org/projects/be-on-our-way/
Musician and host of the show Spectacle on the Sundance Channel
During the Toronto production phase of Beat the World, I had the opportunity to be part of the live taping for this season’s premier of Spectacle - a music and interview show hosted by Elvis Costello. Because of the guests, and the scope of their positive influence in the world - both through their music and their socially conscious ventures, I thought it was appropriate to plug the show and participants here.
Not only was it a truly inspiring show because of the tremendous talent and legacy of host Elvis Costello, his house band - the Imposters, and renown guests Bono and The Edge, but because of the intimacy of the performance, the depth of the interview and the incredible music shared. Bono literally grew up admiring Elvis Costello. The two of them traveled so many of the same circles and carried some much mutual respect, that the interview and performances had a rare level of comfort and personal insight. They talked about old times and shared dreams and, with the backing of the original Imposters, performed each others’ songs - nearly all of them hits. It was a privileged and inspiring experience for all of us lucky enough to be in the audience at the Masonic Temple that night. If you think I am just biased because we are fellow Irishmen, I suggest you tune into the show on The Sundance Channel this Wednesday, Dec 9th, and see for yourself.
To cover all the humanitarian efforts of Bono would require far more than a blog. Dubbed “the face of fusion philanthropy”
Philanthropist & Singer for U2, Bono
by the New York Times, Bono has become one of the world’s best-known philanthropic performers. From Amnesty International, Keep a Child Alive and Greenpeace through to DATA, ONE, (Product (RED) and the Chernobyl Childrens Project, Bono and U2 have used benefit concerts, songwriting, public campaigning, special visits and fund-raising to promote a range of charities and activist communities worldwide, throwing a spotlight on the work of groups who are trying to make the world a better place.You can read more about his remarkable work at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bono#Humanitarian_work
Humanitarian and guitarist for U2
The Edge is currently focusing his humanitarian efforts on Music Rising, a charity that provides musical instruments to those who lost instruments in Hurricane Katrina. He also serves on the board of the Angiogenesis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving global health by advancing angiogenesis-based medicine, diets, and lifestyle.
Costello sits of the Advisory Comittee of the Board of Directors of the Jazz Foundation of America, and has been a featured performer in their annual benefit A Great Night in Harlem since 2006. Costello has donated his time working with the Jazz Foundation of America to save the homes and the lives of America’s elderly jazz and blues musicians including musicians that survived Hurricane Katrina.
It is really inspiring to follow such amazing talents who care as much about the state of the world as they do about their own careers.
December 8th marks the long awaited release of the film Hurricane Season and the featured single, “Be On Our Way”. Hurricane Season, directed by Tim Story (Barbershop, Fantastic Four), stars Forest Whitaker, Isaiah Washington, Courtney B. Vance, and rappers Bow Wow and Lil’ Wayne. The film is based on the true and inspiring story of Al Collins (Whitaker), a high school basketball coach, who pulls together an unlikely group of players - all left disenfranchised by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Against all odds, the young men learn the true meaning of survival and team spirit that carries them on to win the State Championship.
When I first learned director Tim Storyand the Weinstein Company were making Hurricane Season, I saw an opportunity to create both the song, “Be On Our Way”, and a campaign that could help people of the Lower Ninth Ward, who are still trying to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the worst natural disaster in American history. I brought together a group of like-minded artists (including Grammy Award winner Van Hunt, New Orleans’ born rapper Supervision, Buku Wiseand singers from the original Hidden Faces) to perform on the song.
It was a great experience working with the filmmakers, the Weinstein Co and the artists and I am excited that the song will finally be realeased as an iTunes exclusive single and serve as fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina. I hope you will download a copy of the song, check out the film and tell all your friends.
It feels very synchronistic that the weekend after I finished mastering our first CD in the Yoga Revolution CD series, five artists associated with the project appeared live in different settings in Los Angeles. Devotional singers Guru Singh (will be on the CD with special guest Seal) and Snatam Kaur (one of most angelic voices on the scene - performs a beautiful Irish folk song) appeared together in Huntington Beach on Friday. Reggae icon Ziggy Marley (featured on an acoustic version of “Love is My Religion”) appeared at the Nokia Theatre with the Playing for Change Band. Deval Premal (appears on a great remix of “Om Tare Tutare”) and David Newman (aka: Durga Das -songwriter for my remix of “Bathe In these Waters” performed by Donna De Lory) both performed in Santa Monica on Saturday night. I had a chance to see the shows and meet up with the artists, with the exception of David, and to thank them for participating in such an inspiring collection*. A musical event of equal note that I didn’t make it to was the 30th Anniversary of Michael Beckwith’s Agape featuring the renowned Agape Choir and Deva Premal. That’s a lot of inspiration music for one weekend and I must say I was - inpsired, that is.
* The Yoga Revolution CD (to be released in early 2110) features an incredible mix of original songs by well-known pop stars and international recording artists, all brought together to promote the benefits of yoga, music and a healthy and balanced lifestyle and to raise money for programming for at-risk youth. More info at: http://earthtones.org/projects/yoga-revolution/
I know I have plugged Mark Johnson’s playing for change enough to make it feel like I have a personal interest, but I can’t help but support such a beautiful expression of uniting the world through music. And, considering the amazing reach & impact it is having, I don’t think anyone can dismiss it’s significance. Today, just hours before going to see the Playing for Change band at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, with special guests Ziggy Marley and Toots and the Maytal’s, I want to share their contagious story and a video of tour highlights from www.playingforchange.com:
“The Playing For Change band features musicians from around the globe, many of whom appeared in the now ubiquitous “Stand By Me” video (which has been viewed on the internet more than 30 million times) including New Orleans based blues singer Grandpa Elliott and soul singer Clarence Bekker from Amsterdam. Momentum has continued to build for the project as founder Mark Johnson and the musicians of Playing For Change were just named “Persons of the Week” on ABC’s “World News Tonight with Charlie Gibson.”
Playing For Change has been one of 2009’s most unlikely and startling cultural phenomenons. Hear Music’s two-disc CD/DVD Playing For Change - Songs Around the World, released on April 28th, stunned the music industry selling over twenty-six thousand copies in its first week and landing at #10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Pop chart. This remarkable and unpredicted popular response has been driven by tens of millions of video hits, countless blogs and pure viral communication between fans and followers. The project’s deep emotional resonance, combined with the muscle of the internet and word-of-mouth has struck a profoundly enduring chord world-wide”.
Even if you can’t make the show, be sure to pick up a copy of the DVD: Playing for Change: Peace Through Music and the CD/DVD: Songs Around the World.
In my search for great consious Hip Hop artists to collaborate with on my new film project, Beat the World, I have had the pleasure of meeting, hearing and spending some time with K’Naan (at the Record Plant and Wiltern Theatre in LA, at the Harmony Festival in Sonoma and at his recent concert in Toronto). K’Naan comes from the war torn country of Somalia in a region sometimes referred to as “the river of blood”. He is son of a great poet (his father) and amazing Somalian singer (his mother). Despite his youth in years, the depth of his life experience and the insights he has gathered from surviving and rising above shine through in his music, his lyrics and his person with both power and poinancy. Even with his commitment to the message, I expect K’Naan will be a force to reckon with in the commercial world of Hip Hop as well, helping to re-confirm that there is a growing global audience for consious Hip Hop.
To give props to both K’Naan the the mix tape king JPeriod, and to share a very cool project they developed together, I wanted to pass along the following info and free music download. Thanks to K’Naan & JPeriod for carrying the torch. Enjoy the music!
Three weeks after introducing the first of their groundbreaking Messengers tributes, J.Period & K’NAAN presented their final offering in the remix series:The Messengers (Deluxe Edition), a long-play version of their epic trilogy, including previously unreleased bonus tracks and selected 12” singles. Taking hip hop fans on an unprecedented journey into the legacies of Fela Kuti, Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, J.Period & K’NAAN’s The Messengers has racked up over 85,000 downloads/plays in only a few short weeks online, making this mixtape a bonafide phenomenon, as well. Remixing and re-imagining the classic work of these legendary artists, The Messengersis already being called “one of the year’s best albums or mixtapes” by top hip hop journalists, including HipHopDX.com. The Messengers (Deluxe Edition) is available for free at http://www.jperiod.com/upload/knaan/jperiod-knaan-0922.zip
I had the pleasure of performing recently in Joshua Tree as part of an amazing first-time gathering called Bhakti Fest. It was a 3-day Woodstock-like event, only without the drugs or alcohol. Boring - you might think. But it was quite the opposite. In fact the energy, the food, the lectures, the ongoing yoga classes and the music were all extremely healthy and stimulating in the most positive ways. The leading groups (Jai Uttal, David Stringer, Donna DeLory…) mixing contemporary Western music with traditional India and spiritual music played back to back, around the clock, for the full 3 days, while people danced and celebrated the divine energy that that music is meant to evoke - love. It was one of the most relaxing yet amazingly inspiring love and joy-filled musical events I have been to in a long time. Personally, it was a good fulfilling and grounding experience before hopping on a 6am flight to the much more frenetic Toronto Film Festival.
Kirtan, in it’s most traditional form, is Vedic Mantra sung in the ancient language of Sanskrit to worship or invoke the divine spirit. Kirtan is typically performed in a call and response format. With many artists today giving it a popular music twist by infusing English lyrics, new melodies and contemporary music and song forms, it has become increasingly more prevalent in the West.
The amazing nature of the pure Sanskrit mantras is that each word and accompanying sound contains a very specific meaning and vibrational energy, that enters our system in a healing and energetically shifting way when we sing or listen to it. Prior to spoken language as we know it, in fact, mantra was used as a way to communicate feelings, ideas and energy between fellow human beings. The fascinating history of mantra and sound vibration as communication is another testament to the healing and transforming power inherent in music and song.
Following is a video of Western Kirtan Artist Jai Uttal (one of the headliners at Bhakti Fest) talking about his experience with Kirtan. For more info about the festival, check out http://www.westcoastkirtanyogafestival.com.
My search for prominent Brazilian artists to consider for the Beat the World soundtrack brought me to 2 more noteworthy groups. In Sao Paulo I met CIA, producer for the renown Racionias MC’s and, last night in Rio, Director Rob Adetuyi and I met with the key members of Afro-Reggae.
The Racionias MC’s have been noted for their conscious music and philanthropic activities, since their early years on Zimbabwe records. From the very beginning of their careers they’ve been active in their home state of Sao Paulo, performing benefit shows in juvenile detention centers, health clinics, youth sports programs, and samba schools.Racionias MC’s have also participated in the Ministry of Education’s ARAPensado e Educação (loosely translated as “The Rap Thinking and Education”) program, and the National Theatre’s Música Negra em Ação (Black Music in Action) project. During a 1994 show they were arrested for inciting violence, so they left Zimbabwe records and start their own label, Cosa Nostra. Sobrevivendo no Inferno (Surviving in Hell) sold 500,000 copies, and won them awards for Best Rap Group and Audience’s Choice at the 1998MTV Brasil Video Music Awards.
AfroReggae is a Brazilian cultural group from Rio de Janeiro. Forged out of the police massacre of 21 people in their local community in 1993, they have gone on to establish an international profile for their pioneering work in taking young people out of the drug/gang culture of Rio de Janeiro’s favelas. The AfroReggae band was formed from this movement, as oppose to the more typical model of a band creating a social organization. The brand that helps to fund their activity, Grupo Cultural AfroReggae, now runs over 70 projects across a range of disciplines including music, dance & theatre, circus, and radio & new media with over 3,000 young people in Rio de Janeiro. They also provide social support mechanisms for young people, guiding many into employment in Rio’s mainstream.AfroReggae balances the impact of high-quality performance with the importance of arts as a social process.
It is truly inspiring to meet such talented artists who are not only dedicated to creating great music but also committed to using the music and their prominence to transform the lives and opportunities of young people in need.
