has the record available as of today, and the physical CD will be in stores, including amazon, Songs for Tibet - The Art of Peace
Also Mark Pellington has just completed a video for The Art Of Peace Foundation:
There has been some discussion about what will be on the record. Well here is the track listing:
Disc: 1
1. Hide & Seek 2 (Imogen Heap)
2. Send Your Love - Art of Peace Remix (Sting)
3. Versions of Violence - Recorded in dressing room in Cologne, Germany (Alanis Morissette)
4. Belief (John Mayer)
5. Better (Regina Spektor)
6. We Are All Made of Stars - 2008 (Moby)
7. Making Noise (Damien Rice & The Cheshire Project)
8. More Than This - Campfire Take (Vanessa Carlton)
9. Nothing Fades- Kosen Rufu Version (Duncan Sheik)
10. Where Are You Going - Live in Barcelona (Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds)
Disc: 2
1. Song Of Sand - Great City Version (Suzanne Vega)
2. All The Good In This Life (Garbage)
3. Hope - Live for The Art of Peace (Rush)
4. Madonna On The Curb - Peace Mix (Jonatha Brooke)
5. In These Times - the Concord Mix (Joan Armatrading)
6. All My Mistakes - Featuring Tarira (Teitur )
7. Alive In The World (Jackson Browne)
8. Better Way - Live in Six Fours les Plage (Ben Harper)
9. The Heart Of The Matter Underlying Mix (Rupert Hine)
10. To Heal - and Restore Broken Bodies (Underworld)
The album is coming together. The outpouring of support from all corners of the earth and all aspects of the music industry has been incredible. We began the project in May and we will have a 20 track double album finished in nearly 2 months - completely unheard of in the music business. The unbelievable effort by so many artists, managers, studios, record companies etc has been breathtaking. Though the Olympics and Tibet are always at the front of our minds these days, I think I’ll just chat about all the amazing music we have received…
Duncan Sheik’s song is profoundly beautiful. His appreciation of Buddhist thought comes through clearly on this lucid new recording of “Nothing Fades.” Like so many others, his treatment of the song was exactly what we were hoping for – a recording where the strength of the words come shinning through and is supported by beautiful music. He knew exactly the song he wanted to record and its message is perfect.
We also received a recording that Rush just did a few weeks back for us at a concert. Alex Lifeson did a rendition of ‘Hope’ that really breathes and let’s you appreciate the subtleties of the composition. It differs from the studio version in tempo and tone. This was a fantastic contribution on so many levels (our only acoustic instrumental). Personally, I have been a huge Rush fan since my younger years when Alex ‘taught’ me how to play guitar by trying to imitate his playing for years by listening repeatedly to Rush albums. We received the song coincidentally when Rush was coming to town. I went to the show and got there right when they hit the stage. What a show – over 3 hours of amazing performances, one great song after another.
Suzanne Vega’s track is a contemplative and evocative song called “Song of Sand.” The music and words invite you to swim in a world with space that only Suzanne’s phrasing can create. Almost by what it doesn’t say, in almost a Haiku-like wisdom way, it begs the question, “What good can ever come from violence?” Suzanne is another voice I have had in my life/heart for many years and feel blessed to have on the album.
Teitur delivered an intriguing and nuanced song called ‘All My Mistakes.’ Besides having a wonderful message of finding positive perspectives, there are some treats that one doesn’t hear often. He is from the Faroe Islands, which is the most northern part of the UK, approaching Iceland, and he used a Faroese choir to accompany him. They have a very unique way of singing that is very hard to describe, but a delight to hear.
I have many of John Mayer’s albums and love them all. I was eagerly awaiting the track he was delivering and it is amazing. It is an acoustic version of ‘Belief’ that is energetic, bold and inspiring. Not much more needs to be said – it is perfect. It is getting late and still so many deadlines need to be achieved before the launch.
A few more tracks are coming in – it will be close to hit our deadline. Fingers crossed please…
Momentum for the project is really building. After Sting posted our press release this Wednesday, several major publications and news outlets called. We’ll be talking to them soon…very exciting. We have received amazing emails from all over the world. Many Tibetans and Tibetan groups have sent their support.
And the musicians keep coming!! If everyone delivers a track that wants to, it will be a double album…We’ll keep you posted. The next 2 weeks should very exciting regarding who will deliver what.
Regina Spektor has delivered a delicious acoustic piano version of ‘Better.’ Her beautiful lyrics and wonderful piano abilities accentuate her creative way of singing – with some nice surprises.
I spent the day catching up on news from Tibet. There have been many unpleasant things involving Tibet, China and the Olympics. This story, described by a monk who escaped, tells how Tibetan monks were killed randomly at their monasteries in retaliation for the protests that occurred a few months back in Tibet.
Story Here
The Chinese have jailed 1,000 Tibetan monks until after the Olympics for no reason except to ensure that there will be no ‘unrest.’ The Chinese government expects peace to result from treating a revered potion of the Tibetan population this way. It is a very shortsighted strategy that will backfire in the long-term. Story Here
A major source of unrest between China and Tibet stems from the Chinese government trying to convince its citizens that the Dalai Lama is a “Jackal in monk’s robes.” Of course nobody outside of China believes this, but since there is no freedom of speech and press within China, the government can tell its citizens that the Dalai Lama is evil and the Chinese government is well intentioned and benevolent. Some Chinese actually view the Tibetans as ungrateful for their ‘liberation’ and don’t understand their dissatisfaction. A whole generation of Chinese are being brought up on this view. It is a very tragic situation that will only breed unrest between China and Tibet. Story Here
This past week, Barack Obama said he will not attend the opening of the Olympics. This is the opposite opinion of President Bush, who will attend. President Bush believes that it would be an insult to the Chinese people not to attend. The Dalai Lama agrees with President Bush’s position. The Dalai Lama believes that the Olympics will be a great source of pride for the Chinese people, who have also suffered much under Chinese rule and live without many freedoms. He always distinguishes between his ‘Chinese brothers and sisters’ – the citizens of China – and the Chinese government’s policies, which he opposes. I would not like other people to think that my government’s policies are a direct reflection of my own beliefs. We should afford the Chinese citizens this same courtesy. Boycotting or denying the Chinese citizen their accomplishment of hosting the Olympics will cause the opposite reaction that boycotters hope to achieve. Due to their lack of freedom of press and speech, Chinese citizens have no idea why other countries would shame them by not attending the opening. The average Chinese citizen has very little access to anything true about Tibet. The resulting reaction from a boycott, as was the case with the attacks on the torch, would allow the Chinese government to raise nationalistic fervor and radicalize the Chinese citizens even more against the Dalai Lama and Tibet. We must work to find a Middle Way’ and raise awareness of the lack of freedoms by all those under Chinese rule. But how does one support the Olympics, the athletes, the Chinese citizens while still opposing Chinese policy in Tibet? Let’s have a think….Story Here
We are working feverishly to complete the “Songs for Tibet – The Art of Peace.” The outpouring of support by so many people has been overwhelming. Droves of people have donated their time and effort to the project to make it a reality…in just 2 months! The artists, their management, record companies, lawyers, graphic + web designers, numerous volunteers etc, etc. Today, the Jacobson Howard Gallery in NYC and Underworld offered to host our press conference and release party in August! It will take place in tandem with Underworld’s amazing ‘Beautiful Burnout’ art exhibit. An incredible and beautiful gesture by all.
Many of us understand in our guts that something major is going on, that Tibet, the Dalai Lama and their way of life is precious and in jeopardy. But nobody knows what they can do to make a real difference. This project, as potentially insignificant as it may be in effecting true change in China, gives people a voice, a vehicle to allow their hopes and prayers to have a means of expression.
The Buddhist concept of ‘dhana’ (charity) echoes often in my mind with this project. Dhana, according to Buddhist tradition, not only enables the recipient to prosper materially, but it transforms the humanity of the giver. Dhana help us recognize our interconnected nature and the deeper happiness that arises from compassion for others. The outpouring of effort by so many for a cause much bigger than our selves has been humbling. I think I can speak for many involved that we have been profoundly transformed by the process of our small contributions to “Songs for Tibet - The Art of Peace”.
Tibetan prayer flags are written with blessings and hung outside for the winds to blow compassion and happiness to all of humanity. This album is a prayer flag – prayers and blessings from scores of people involved to make this album to be carried by electronic winds.
Before I go to bed & begin another 16 hour day of controlled chaos, the music…
We envisioned an acoustic, ‘not overly produced,’ album that would allow the words and emotion of the songs to speak to the listener at a heart level. The subject matter and clarity of the song was most important to us as well as hearing the human center from which the music emerges.
Sting was one of the first people to deliver a track for the album. Without hesitation he wanted to help and knew the song he would contribute. This is in the midst of his world tour with The Police! I thought it was going to be impossible, but thought it worth asking at least. Sting worked with Rupert Hine, the inexhaustible producer of the album, to create an incredible Latin-vibe version of, “Send Your Love.” Jorge Strunz (of Strunz and Farah, who I have been a long time fan for 20 years) did an amazing job on the guitar. Within 5 seconds of hearing the song, I was in love.
Tomorrow will hold new adventures, I am sure. New artists keep coming on board daily. More on this as they sign up….
has the record available as of today, and the physical CD will be in stores, including amazon, Songs for Tibet - The Art of Peace
Also Mark Pellington has just completed a video for The Art Of Peace Foundation:
There has been some discussion about what will be on the record. Well here is the track listing:
Disc: 1
1. Hide & Seek 2 (Imogen Heap)
2. Send Your Love - Art of Peace Remix (Sting)
3. Versions of Violence - Recorded in dressing room in Cologne, Germany (Alanis Morissette)
4. Belief (John Mayer)
5. Better (Regina Spektor)
6. We Are All Made of Stars - 2008 (Moby)
7. Making Noise (Damien Rice & The Cheshire Project)
8. More Than This - Campfire Take (Vanessa Carlton)
9. Nothing Fades- Kosen Rufu Version (Duncan Sheik)
10. Where Are You Going - Live in Barcelona (Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds)
Disc: 2
1. Song Of Sand - Great City Version (Suzanne Vega)
2. All The Good In This Life (Garbage)
3. Hope - Live for The Art of Peace (Rush)
4. Madonna On The Curb - Peace Mix (Jonatha Brooke)
5. In These Times - the Concord Mix (Joan Armatrading)
6. All My Mistakes - Featuring Tarira (Teitur )
7. Alive In The World (Jackson Browne)
8. Better Way - Live in Six Fours les Plage (Ben Harper)
9. The Heart Of The Matter Underlying Mix (Rupert Hine)
10. To Heal - and Restore Broken Bodies (Underworld)
The album is coming together. The outpouring of support from all corners of the earth and all aspects of the music industry has been incredible. We began the project in May and we will have a 20 track double album finished in nearly 2 months - completely unheard of in the music business. The unbelievable effort by so many artists, managers, studios, record companies etc has been breathtaking. Though the Olympics and Tibet are always at the front of our minds these days, I think I’ll just chat about all the amazing music we have received…
Duncan Sheik’s song is profoundly beautiful. His appreciation of Buddhist thought comes through clearly on this lucid new recording of “Nothing Fades.” Like so many others, his treatment of the song was exactly what we were hoping for – a recording where the strength of the words come shinning through and is supported by beautiful music. He knew exactly the song he wanted to record and its message is perfect.
We also received a recording that Rush just did a few weeks back for us at a concert. Alex Lifeson did a rendition of ‘Hope’ that really breathes and let’s you appreciate the subtleties of the composition. It differs from the studio version in tempo and tone. This was a fantastic contribution on so many levels (our only acoustic instrumental). Personally, I have been a huge Rush fan since my younger years when Alex ‘taught’ me how to play guitar by trying to imitate his playing for years by listening repeatedly to Rush albums. We received the song coincidentally when Rush was coming to town. I went to the show and got there right when they hit the stage. What a show – over 3 hours of amazing performances, one great song after another.
Suzanne Vega’s track is a contemplative and evocative song called “Song of Sand.” The music and words invite you to swim in a world with space that only Suzanne’s phrasing can create. Almost by what it doesn’t say, in almost a Haiku-like wisdom way, it begs the question, “What good can ever come from violence?” Suzanne is another voice I have had in my life/heart for many years and feel blessed to have on the album.
Teitur delivered an intriguing and nuanced song called ‘All My Mistakes.’ Besides having a wonderful message of finding positive perspectives, there are some treats that one doesn’t hear often. He is from the Faroe Islands, which is the most northern part of the UK, approaching Iceland, and he used a Faroese choir to accompany him. They have a very unique way of singing that is very hard to describe, but a delight to hear.
I have many of John Mayer’s albums and love them all. I was eagerly awaiting the track he was delivering and it is amazing. It is an acoustic version of ‘Belief’ that is energetic, bold and inspiring. Not much more needs to be said – it is perfect. It is getting late and still so many deadlines need to be achieved before the launch.
A few more tracks are coming in – it will be close to hit our deadline. Fingers crossed please…
Momentum for the project is really building. After Sting posted our press release this Wednesday, several major publications and news outlets called. We’ll be talking to them soon…very exciting. We have received amazing emails from all over the world. Many Tibetans and Tibetan groups have sent their support.
And the musicians keep coming!! If everyone delivers a track that wants to, it will be a double album…We’ll keep you posted. The next 2 weeks should very exciting regarding who will deliver what.
Regina Spektor has delivered a delicious acoustic piano version of ‘Better.’ Her beautiful lyrics and wonderful piano abilities accentuate her creative way of singing – with some nice surprises.
I spent the day catching up on news from Tibet. There have been many unpleasant things involving Tibet, China and the Olympics. This story, described by a monk who escaped, tells how Tibetan monks were killed randomly at their monasteries in retaliation for the protests that occurred a few months back in Tibet.
Story Here
The Chinese have jailed 1,000 Tibetan monks until after the Olympics for no reason except to ensure that there will be no ‘unrest.’ The Chinese government expects peace to result from treating a revered potion of the Tibetan population this way. It is a very shortsighted strategy that will backfire in the long-term. Story Here
A major source of unrest between China and Tibet stems from the Chinese government trying to convince its citizens that the Dalai Lama is a “Jackal in monk’s robes.” Of course nobody outside of China believes this, but since there is no freedom of speech and press within China, the government can tell its citizens that the Dalai Lama is evil and the Chinese government is well intentioned and benevolent. Some Chinese actually view the Tibetans as ungrateful for their ‘liberation’ and don’t understand their dissatisfaction. A whole generation of Chinese are being brought up on this view. It is a very tragic situation that will only breed unrest between China and Tibet. Story Here
This past week, Barack Obama said he will not attend the opening of the Olympics. This is the opposite opinion of President Bush, who will attend. President Bush believes that it would be an insult to the Chinese people not to attend. The Dalai Lama agrees with President Bush’s position. The Dalai Lama believes that the Olympics will be a great source of pride for the Chinese people, who have also suffered much under Chinese rule and live without many freedoms. He always distinguishes between his ‘Chinese brothers and sisters’ – the citizens of China – and the Chinese government’s policies, which he opposes. I would not like other people to think that my government’s policies are a direct reflection of my own beliefs. We should afford the Chinese citizens this same courtesy. Boycotting or denying the Chinese citizen their accomplishment of hosting the Olympics will cause the opposite reaction that boycotters hope to achieve. Due to their lack of freedom of press and speech, Chinese citizens have no idea why other countries would shame them by not attending the opening. The average Chinese citizen has very little access to anything true about Tibet. The resulting reaction from a boycott, as was the case with the attacks on the torch, would allow the Chinese government to raise nationalistic fervor and radicalize the Chinese citizens even more against the Dalai Lama and Tibet. We must work to find a Middle Way’ and raise awareness of the lack of freedoms by all those under Chinese rule. But how does one support the Olympics, the athletes, the Chinese citizens while still opposing Chinese policy in Tibet? Let’s have a think….Story Here
We are working feverishly to complete the “Songs for Tibet – The Art of Peace.” The outpouring of support by so many people has been overwhelming. Droves of people have donated their time and effort to the project to make it a reality…in just 2 months! The artists, their management, record companies, lawyers, graphic + web designers, numerous volunteers etc, etc. Today, the Jacobson Howard Gallery in NYC and Underworld offered to host our press conference and release party in August! It will take place in tandem with Underworld’s amazing ‘Beautiful Burnout’ art exhibit. An incredible and beautiful gesture by all.
Many of us understand in our guts that something major is going on, that Tibet, the Dalai Lama and their way of life is precious and in jeopardy. But nobody knows what they can do to make a real difference. This project, as potentially insignificant as it may be in effecting true change in China, gives people a voice, a vehicle to allow their hopes and prayers to have a means of expression.
The Buddhist concept of ‘dhana’ (charity) echoes often in my mind with this project. Dhana, according to Buddhist tradition, not only enables the recipient to prosper materially, but it transforms the humanity of the giver. Dhana help us recognize our interconnected nature and the deeper happiness that arises from compassion for others. The outpouring of effort by so many for a cause much bigger than our selves has been humbling. I think I can speak for many involved that we have been profoundly transformed by the process of our small contributions to “Songs for Tibet - The Art of Peace”.
Tibetan prayer flags are written with blessings and hung outside for the winds to blow compassion and happiness to all of humanity. This album is a prayer flag – prayers and blessings from scores of people involved to make this album to be carried by electronic winds.
Before I go to bed & begin another 16 hour day of controlled chaos, the music…
We envisioned an acoustic, ‘not overly produced,’ album that would allow the words and emotion of the songs to speak to the listener at a heart level. The subject matter and clarity of the song was most important to us as well as hearing the human center from which the music emerges.
Sting was one of the first people to deliver a track for the album. Without hesitation he wanted to help and knew the song he would contribute. This is in the midst of his world tour with The Police! I thought it was going to be impossible, but thought it worth asking at least. Sting worked with Rupert Hine, the inexhaustible producer of the album, to create an incredible Latin-vibe version of, “Send Your Love.” Jorge Strunz (of Strunz and Farah, who I have been a long time fan for 20 years) did an amazing job on the guitar. Within 5 seconds of hearing the song, I was in love.
Tomorrow will hold new adventures, I am sure. New artists keep coming on board daily. More on this as they sign up….
