You know, being a hard core Rolling Stones fan I thought nobody would ever beat Keith, Mick, Charlie and Bill at their own game. I was wrong. Albeit difference, this version matches the original and it gives me goosebumps.
This Gimme Shelter cover was made by Playing for Change – the amazing people who put together the tear-jerking cover of Stand By Me back in 2009.
Like Stand By Me and the rest of that original album, Gimme Shelter was recorded by unknown artists in a virtual worldwide street studio all around the world. It all starts with the base percussion, which is recorded first and sets the rhythm to it all, played by Greg Ellis in Hollywood. Then, the track flies all over the world, where other artists use it to play their own parts of the song.
There’s Roberto Luti in Italy on steel guitar, Washboard Chaz in New Orleans adding more percussion, and then Roselyn Williams fires up her amazing voice to sign Jaggers’ lyrics from Kingston, Jamaica. From there, it just keeps getting better and better. At the end of the process, those parts get remixed in a central studio to make the cover you are listening to now. Or the cover I’m listening to now, because I have it on a loop. I just can’t have enough of it.
Go learn more about Playing For Change’s new album and how you can help their cause here.
I tell you love, sister, is just a kiss away.