Playing for Change: Peace Through Music is playing on my local PBS (
ketc) right now. It is the most moving
music documentary I have ever seen. Rent it, buy it, watch it somehow. You'll recognize a very few of the artists; some are, no doubt, well-known in their own country, some are known to people who live near them, and some are probably only known to their own family. They range from rock stars and obviously classically-trained musicians to street washboard and kazoo players. Few, if any, have ever met each other. Many have never left their own country. A few have probably never left their neighborhood. Yet they are brothers and sisters.
Some reviews from Amazon users:
I have watched thousands of videos in my life; being in the music business; but I don't believe I have ever been so moved. This CD/DVD is a must buy. The concept from the filmmakers is both original and brilliant. Adding tracks and overdubbing them into one song took a lot of hard work and it was seamless.
Do yourself a favor and buy this CD/DVD. You will not be disappointed. Stand By Me will never sound the same by anyone else again.
I first became aware of Playing for Change when a friend sent "Stand By Me" the video to me in an email. I was moved from the very first note. Bringing the people of the world together is the key to finding World Peace and I applaud these musicians for taking the first step. Music is the international language and they have done a superb job with the songs on this album. You can not help but be moved to tears on "Stand By Me", Biko and the rest of the music will find a place in your soul and you will feel what it is to be one with the music, and through the music, one with the world. Please Playing for Change, give us more! I first learned of Playing For Change when the originator of this brilliant concept was interviewed on Bill Moyers' program several months ago. Two of the songs on this CD were played at that time and I was in love! Now the CD + DVD have been released. I've been able to hear and watch several of the other recorded tracks and been moved and inspired by each. It's a technological marvel with musicians from around the world blending their voices and instruments without ever being together. I have never been more moved or inspired! The musicians, from street players to some who seem to have been classically trained, blend in perfect harmonies and allow me to believe that it is possible that all people could do the same; if we just get together we can feel all right! But if that concept doesn't interest you, just listen for the wonderful music. Peace.
Playing for Change is something special. It is marked by the fusion of an incredibly diverse range of musical styles and artists into one coherent package. I never would have imagined that so many diverse instruments, musical styles, and voices could be put together to make music so beautiful.
The main strength of Playing for Change is the emphasis on the so-called street musicians and artists most people have never heard of. Sure, some of the artists are well-known within their genres (Bono, Keb' Mo', etc.), but the vast majority of the musicians on the album are not recognizable by most folks.
In fact, it's frustrating because some of the performers on the album are so compelling that I immediately wanted to buy their albums. The problem is that many of them do not have albums since they are street performers or virtual unknowns. For example, Grandpa Elliott, a Louisiana street musician, has to have one of the most inspiring voices I have ever heard. It was disappointing to find out that there are no readily available albums by this amazing talent.
The album is so good that it is ashamed there are only ten tracks. It would have been really nice to have more tracks, maybe perhaps a second disc of music. Yeah, that is probably greed on my part, but heck, this stuff is so good I want more.
The DVD that is included with the CD is a must-watch. Having a visual of the many performers and their instruments, in their native countries, definitely adds context and meaning to the music. Watching Rajhesh Vaidhya play the veena or seeing Clarence Bekker belting out his vocals enhances the overall listening experience. It was a great move to package the DVD with the CD.
Since receiving Playing for Change it has been playing virtually nonstop in my CD player. I literally cannot hear these songs enough. They illustrate that music is the ultimate universal language. Here is the total ratings from the 135 reviews -
135 Reviews
5 star: 125
4 star: 9
3 star: 0
2 star: 0
1 star: 1
Buy it here (and it's cheap!) from Amazon.Yes, I'm ordering it, along with another copy for a friend, and a book I've long wanted.
Some of the tracks on YouTube:
Stand By Me One Love War/No More Trouble Don't Worry Chanda Mama
AnswerPool.com 
