Playing For Change recruited musicians across the globe for its latest Songs Around The World video, an uplifting take on Steve Miller Band‘s classic “Fly Like An Eagle”. Chief among the collaborators are Miller himself, Dumpstaphunk keyboardist Ivan Neville, and musicians from five countries.
Playing For Change is a global multimedia company dedicated to unifying the world through the power of music, filming musicians in their natural environment and combining their talents for the innovative Songs Around The World videos. As Prasad Rahane opens the video on his sitar, this version is immediately set apart from the title track to Steve Miller Band’s 1976 album. As Lenny Kravitz drummer Franklin Vanderbilt comes in, however, this recording hangs onto some faithfulness with its funky beat. The Roots Gospel Voices of Mississippi joins Miller as he sings, “Oh there’s a solution,” emphasizing the song’s inherent message of hope. At the end of the track, Miller ad-libs his own message, “I wanna send a message / To every boy and girl / I wanna send a message / About the world/ You gotta build it up / Instead of tearing it down / You gotta build it up / Make the world turn ’round”
“So much is at stake for humanity in today’s world, it is difficult to create a message that is positive and inspirational,” Miller said. “To help unify the world through the power of music is my greatest dream. Performing a new version of ‘Fly Like an Eagle,’ with such talented people from around the world is a humbling experience.”
Check out the full Playing For Change recording of “Fly Like An Eagle”, featuring Steve Miller, Ivan Neville, Prasad Rahane, Franklin Vanderbilt, the Roots Gospel Voices of Mississippi, Rupak Dhamankar (tablas), Vasti Jackson (electric guitar), Claire Finley (bass), Kȧtsica Mayoral (percussion), Quiana Lynell (vocals), Baboulaye Sissokho (kora), and Sofia Viola (charango). Learn more about Playing For Change here.
“Fly Like An Eagle” ft. Steve Miller | Songs Around The World | Playing For Change
Fans of Dumpstaphunk can catch Ivan Neville throughout Live For Live Music’s Fest by Nite series of late-night shows in New Orleans during Jazz Fest. The keyboardist is scheduled to face off against Robert Walter at this year’s edition of Worship My Organ with Adam Deitch and Skerik, and partake in the Crescent City Classics all-star tribute to New Orleans funk featuring members of The Meters, Dumpstaphunk, Lettuce, Galactic, and more. Check out the current Fesy by Nite schedule and stay tuned for more after-show announcements. Find tickets to Worship My Organ and Crescent City Classics.
