In keeping with the need to be short and sweet for a few days I continue on with the theme of gratitude. I just finished watching the incredible film "Genghis Blues" for the third time, which- as it says on the cover- "no fiction film could possibly have dreamed up this wonderful story." It is the story of the late great blind blues musician Paul Pena, who discovers Tuvan throatsinging and a whole new world opens up to him. It is so joyful and heartwarming in so many ways while being poignant and bittersweet at the same time- just the way life is.


I am grateful to Richard Feynman and Ralph Leighton for being the first to bring the awareness of Tuva to the west, to Paul Pena for having the openness and willingness to follow a dream with no knowing of where it would lead him, and to Adrian and Roko Belic who had the guts to follow through on their dream and make this amazing film, virtually straight out of college instead of trying to do something sensible and boring! Also to all the people who supported Paul Pena and traveled with him to Tuva on this magical journey, and to beautiful Kongar-ool Ondar whose heart was wide open.

Music transcends languages and cultural barriers. It brings people together who might otherwise be worlds apart. It creates community and communicates love and brotherhood where words fail.

Here are just a few of my favorite movies about the power of sound and music to unite and to heal:

Genghis Blues- The story of blind Chicago-based bluesman Paul Pena, his personal discovery of Tuvan throat-singing and his ensuing visit to the Republic of Tuva, a tiny country on the northern edge of Mongolia.


Tuvan shaman dancing near Kyzyl

1 Giant Leap: In short, watch the video below. This is one short excerpt- absolutely exquisite. Musical duo Duncan Bridgeman and Jamie Catto traveled to Asia, Africa and India recording tracks on their laptops and then having other brilliant musicians from around the world laying more tracks over them and interviewing fascinating minds such as Kurt Vonnegut, Tom Robbins, Dennis Hopper and many others- a blend of philosophy and music. Music unites individuals, cultures and minds. Music brings out people's inner innate joy. Watch the movie and clear the room so you can dance your way through it, because you will want to!

The Story of the Weeping Camel: A most surprising and fascinating documentary. A nomadic Mongolian family's newest camel colt is rejected by its mother. As a last resort, after trying everything they could to get the mother to accept her newborn, the family brings in a musician to perform a very special ritual.

If you've already seen all three of these films contact me- there are many more I can recommend! What am I going to do tonight? Get out my flute and my drum, clear some space in my living room and watch 1 Giant Leap again!