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….

This entry was posted on Friday, July 11th, 2008 at 2:22 am and is filed under CD Project, Dalai Lama, Foundation, tibet. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.