Creativity and artistic endeavors have a mission that goes far beyond just making music for the sake of music.
— Herbie Hancock
Of The Source/ Peace Sounds on the Green/Reverence for Life with Christa Awad/Wake Up Your Artist 24/Relaxation
Thank you for reading wherever you are, however you are doing today. I appreciate your precious eyes on these words 🙂
I’m up later than I should be wanting to write this before I sleep and then travel to see my mum tomorrow for her 70th birthday. What life – I remember her always gently creating moments of sanity and calm in the rush life can be. I’ve been reflecting on inheritance, values and values that ripen, and transform maybe through generations. Mum plays music too – you can hear her here on Oh Friends, from my next record. I thank her and my Cornwall Dad (Step Dad) he plays violin on that song too.
While Bella the cat is snorring beside me… may some of these words, stories, links and music be supportive for you.
Of The Source
I begin this journal page with news of a new project, Of the Source. Born from a friendship between Sophie Sakar (Philadelphia, US) and Kareem Ghandour (Stroud, UK) the project has grown to include me after I visited the two of them to set up a studio and help them work on some of their beautiful songs earlier this year. They met in a BIPOC buddhist group and write songs, ‘for the love of friendship, solidarity & liberation’.
A little film of some of our recoding with the song ‘Rise Up’ and a rehearsal extract of ‘Kuan Yin Hug’ – more soon…
Peace Sounds on The Green
My heartfelt thanks to all who came out for the Peace Sounds night in London in April and the artists who filled the Crypt with their beautiful sounds that evening: Of the Source, Melissa James, Monica Max West, Manu Farenzena, Joshua K and Nayar on the sound desk ❤
Those who sat diligently through the set and those who made some moved at the back, thank you – Peace Sounds has 3 album releases since it’s founding in 2012 – Peace Sounds 3 came out at the end of last year – visit peacesoundslabel.org to find out more.
Reverence for life With Christa Awad
Much appreciation for Buddhists Across Traditions for Milti-faith sharings on non-violence, justice and peace, Gaza/Palestine-Israel +30 other armed conflicts worldwide.
Speakers included Rabbi Jessie Rosenberg (Jewish Voices for Peace Rabbis for Ceasefire), Imam Qari Asim (Islam) and Marisela Gomez and Sister Peace (Plum Village). Hosted by Rehena Harilall, Victoria Mausisa and Nasreen Memom.
I had the honour of playing guitar for Christa Awad from Syria. Full recording of the evening here:
Wake Up Your Artist 24
The Wake Up Your Artist retreat was back in Germany this Spring. Larissa and I had the honour of being with 30 young adults for workshops on singing, movement, colours, poetry in the Plum Village Monastery there. On the last morning as part of our Art Activist day we did this…watch to come with us:
Relaxation
And lastly a relaxation on ancestors given my trip to my Mothers tomorrow – actually later today as we just past midnight, though that’s only clock time isn’t it? Good night friends
Joe
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Joe Holtaway 