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…

Tags: alex lifeson, duncan sheik, john mayer, olympics, Rush, suzanne vega, Teitur, tibet

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