Rolling Clones: Gimme Shelter

As we continue our look at covers of Rolling Stones recordings that I’ve titled as “Rolling Clones,” today’s remake is of global proportions. Playing for Change is an amalgamation of musicians from all over the world who collaborate digitally to release some amazing recordings. Mark Johnson has created the concept and produces the recordings with Enzo Buono. They travel the world recording the various artists using mobile multi-media gear.

The only artist on today’s selecting with whom I am familiar is Taj Mahal. The others, famous or not, I didn’t know – but they are all excellent musicians. Originally, released by The Rolling Stones on their “Let it Bleed” LP in 1969, it has become one of their most popular album cuts. Playing for Change’s 2011 rendition is dedicated to “all of lost, homeless, and forgotten people in this world.”

The players on this rendition included the following:

• Greg Ellis of Hollywood, CA – hand drums
• Venkat of Chennai, India – tabla
• Roberto Luti of Livorno, Italy – slide National steel bodied guitar
• Washboard Chaz of New Orleans, LA – washboard
• Roselyn Williams of Kingston, Jamaica – vocals
• A.S. Ram of Chennai, India – harmonium
• Sidney Santos of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – electric bass
• Tamika McClellan of New York City – vocals
• Mamady Ba Camara of Bamako, Mali – kora mamadou koyate
• Massamba Diop of Dakar, Senegal – djembe
• Sherieta Lewis of Kingston, Jamaica -- vocals
• Courtney “Bam” Diedick of St. Ann, Jamaica – drums
• Sean “Pow” Diedrick of St. Ann, Jamaica – keyboards
• Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars of Freetown, Sierra Leone – electric guitar and log
• Seenu M. of Chennai, India – santoor
• Taj Mahal of New York City – vocals and harmonica
• Andrae Carter of Kingston, Jamaica – electric guitar
• Char of Tokyo, Japan – acoustic guitar.