A diverse actor who has appeared in numerous films including "13 Ghosts", "Finding Forrester", "Star Trek: Insurrection", "Scarface", Mimic and "Children of the Revolution", Mr. Abraham is one of the most highly-regarded actors of our time.
He was recognized with the Academy-Award for Best Actor in the film "Amadeus", which was also voted Best Picture, in 1984.
He tells us that he has a strong affection for the people of Sri Lanka, having worked in the country and experienced their warmth personally.
Our gratitude and heartfelt thanks to F. Murray Abraham, a wonderful person willing to give of his time, and considerable talents, to help us to complete the Children’s Home!
Nick Lowe
Respected songwriter, vocalist, musician, producer, wit, raconteur (and much more besides) has graciously agreed to the use of his stirring cry to humanity "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding," for the use in “AmmA”. Nick is a personal hero to both James and Sid, and his contribution will just help ensure that the correct tone is conveyed in the film.
For the uninitiated, Nick is a multi-faceted talent, he is known for his production work on My Aim is True, the debut album by Elvis Costello, which was released in August 1977. The production liaison was to last for Elvis' first five albums, and their working relationship has continued throughout the intervening years, with Nick guesting on bass guitar on several tracks on Costello's Brutal Youth album in 1994.
Latterly in 1977, Nick and Elvis starred alongside fellow Stiff Records artists such as Ian Dury, Wreckless Eric, and others as part of the legendary "Live Stiffs" tour. Nick also found time to produce records by fellow Stiff-ers The Damned, future Rockpile partner Dave Edmunds, and Costello's backing band on My Aim is True, Californian Country Rockers, Clover. Nick's career as a performer has run parallel to his success as a producer. He is an inspiration and a man of true talent and grace.
Trini Lopez is one of the world’s most beloved performers having rocketed to fame after being discovered by Frank Sinatra. Trini’s single "If I Had a Hammer" shot to the top of the charts and was the Number One hit in 28 Countries six months after its release in 1963. Now he lends his dynamic talents to the “AmmA” soundtrack with that same record-setting song.
His life story is amazing and makes for some great reading. He is an inspiration to all who aspire to do good things with their life.
Trini says, "I am a public servant", and he proves it by unselfishly giving his time and talent to many worthwhile causes such as The March of Dimes, Cancer Research Foundation, Diabetes Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Variety Clubs International, and many more.
Trini was honored on the floor of Congress in Washington D.C. "in recognition of his work on behalf of International relations," Trini has the honor of sharing prestigious company with Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra in being named Goodwill Ambassador for the United States.
Trini is a firm believer in the saying "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice," something he has practiced time and again.
Thanks Trini!
Trini tells us that his most recent release "Romantic and Sexy Guitars” is his 60th album!!!
Astrud Gilberto, known as "The Girl from Ipanema" and often referred to as "The Queen of Bossa-Nova", is an artist with roots firmly planted in Brazilian music. Her music has become an interesting combination of the sensual rhythms of Brazil and American Pop and Jazz.
Born in the Northeast of Brazil, in the state of Bahia, one of three sisters of a German father and a Brazilian mother, Astrud grew up in Rio de Janeiro. She immigrated to the United States in the early 1960s, where she resides since then.
Astrud was first introduced to the World at large in 1964 through "The Girl From Ipanema", the Grammy-winning recording with Stan Getz and her then-husband João Gilberto (the father of Bossa Nova). Astrud's recordings exposed the nations of the World to the sensuality of Brazilian music and to her unique vocal interpretations of American music, such as "The Shadow of your Smile", "It Might as well be Spring", "Fly Me to the Moon", "Look to the Rainbow" (from her album of the same title, with Gil Evans), "Love Story", etc...
Astrud's style has been a strong influence in contemporary music. Many artists have revealed the fact that they have been inspired by her musical style, among them: Basia (who recorded a tribute to Astrud, a song named "Astrud"), Sade, Sinead O'Connor, Michael Franks, Pat Metheney, and Suzanne Vega. Several "avant-garde" groups have also professed having Astrud as their "inspiring muse".
Astrud's work as songwriter has gradually but surely developed from a "side thing" in the beginning of her career, to an integral part of it, in the later years. Since the mid-eighties, her live shows featured a large number of her own original compositions, to which audiences have been just as receptive as they have always been to old standards such as "The Girl from Ipanema", "One Note Samba", or "Quiet Nights". Astrud Gilberto's 2002 "Jungle" album release, is a showcase of Astrud's songwriting, as it features ten original new compositions.
In April of 2002 Astrud Gilberto was inducted to the "International Latin Music Hall of Fame".
The Smithereens have recorded twelve full-length albums, containing songs we grew up with, songs we listened to on the radio, songs to which we know the words.
For more than 21 years, the Smithereens have been performing together and have proven themselves as one of the most exciting live acts in rock.
Pat DiNizio has donated an acoustic performance of their hit, House We Used to Live In. It is a poignant song which works well with the film as it is used during a montage of post-tsunami footage.
SunPalaceis the musical vision of vocalist/songwriter/musician Andriette Redmann.
SUNPALACE’s new, uplifting CD, Give Me A Perfect World, is ready for the world, and lovingly dedicated to Andriette’s late brother and gifted musician, John Redmann, who appears on the recording, alongside sister Marise Redmann. The record also features special musical guests, including Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel/Paul McCartney/Elvis Costello) on drums, percussion and backing vocals, Pat DiNizio (Smithereens) on backing vocals, Jane Scarpantoni (Springsteen/Lou Reed/REM) on cello, Mark Brotter (HEM) on drums.
The Chintamani Band is a group made up of volunteers of Food for Life Global – the largest vegetarian food relief organization in the world. Their light-hearted song “Vedic Hospitality” will grace the opening credits for “AmmA” setting a tone much different from typical documentaries.
