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1 Giant Leap - What About Me?
Now you've got the hang of the show, this week's topic is how our childhood shapes our adult life. And it's a theme that proves very popular with the all star line up including Michael Stipe, Will Young and Maxi Jazz. Yet again the travelling producers have managed to capture not only great vocal performances from established acts, but evocative music from across the world. The Indian Flute, Egyptian Oud guitar's and South African harmonies provide the perfect backdrop for someone like Will Young, and even he is moved by the new sounds. Also very moving in the show are the discussions with various authors and philosophers on the subject of why we worry about things we have no control over? The power of music perhaps provides a solution and there's certinaly plenty of food for thought in 1 Giant Leap. This episode really does have an all star cast. Actor Tim Robbins, plus comedians Billy Connolly and Stephen Fry all make an appearance to discuss being vulnerable, and how it's more of a strength than people realise. Musically the theme is tackled with a simple guitar loop that k d Lang, Eddi Reader and Police drummer Stuart Copeland all add layers of sound to: it's a haunting piece that really capture the imagination. Of course there is a bit more travelling around the world for producers Jamie and Duncan including Mali, Hawaii and LA! Love is a tricky thing isn't it? As usual the boys are off around the world exploring different musical and social takes on relationships. Do we all confuse love with need (it's complicated OK) and how do we express that? By starting with some Brazilian Samba drummers and a melodic guitar riff from Mali the two producers have the basis of a song that shows both the ups and downs of being in love. Of course the voices of Maxi Jazz and Eddie Reader add some soul to the tune but it's the appearance of Michael Franti that makes it special Amazingly many musicians around the world respond to his passionate vocals including Chinese nose flutes and Japanese opera singers! The track is rounded off by a husband and wife duo from India adding their vocals to create a truly moving piece of world music. We all want something. Be it money, success or sex but are we seeking the right things? This episode explores whether we have lost sight of important things such as religion and enjoying simple things like our freedom. The music that accompanies the debate is of a faster tempo than usual, blending Bedouin beats, Chinese rap and some South American guitars. As usual the boys stumble upon all sorts of amazing sounds as they take on trips such as sailing down the Amazon and touring Indian villages. The stars are also willing to add to the track, with Alanis Morissette and Gogol Bordello adding specially written vocals. Are you scared of getting old? Another theme that unites mankind across the world is how we deal with being old. It inspires a more reflective blues song for this week that combines a Santana guitar solo over stunningly evocative harmonies from Mali and Tibet. And again the boys travel around the world to add to the track recording Brazilian beats and a Michael Franti bridge. Of course the show would not be complete without some profound insight in to getting old straight from the mouths of Bob Geldof and Frank Skinner no less! |
It's not often you get to travel the world recording music and talking to celebrities, but 1 Giant Leap have made it a full time job. Taking only a laptop and a video camera 1 Giant Leap producers Jamie Catto (Faithless) and Duncan Bridgeman (Take That producer) have had some amazing adventures.
