Iñez - Chris Velan & Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars

In 2002, Chris Velan accompanied friends and first-time filmmakers, Banker White and Zach Niles, to West Africa. Their goal was to make a documentary film that explored a humanitarian crisis from the perspective of a musician.

They met the original members of Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars in a remote refugee camp in Guinea and the ensuing film called, "The Refugee All Stars" - shot over three years - tells their inspiring story of struggle and survival through music in a time of horrific war.

Since the film's release in 2005, the band has returned home to Freetown and gone on to become a celebrated international touring act.

In August 2010, Chris, Zach and Banker reunited with the All Stars in a Boston studio to record Chris' song, "Iñez."

Category:

Music

Tags:

• chris velan
• Inez
• Diner
• Sierra Leone
• Refugee All Stars
• Solidago
• Fables for Fighters
• We Own TV

[elhamo21]

This is so great. I love the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, and it's wonderful to listen to your collaboration! Saw you at the Atrium @ Lincoln Center last night. Loved the show and have been listening to your music all morning at work today!

[ChrisVelan]

@elhamo21 Thanks for reaching out. I'm glad you were there last night. I had a blast playing for everyone.

[ChrisVelan]

Thanks. I appreciate it. I'm a fan of that Claude F.

[bad420fish]

Wow. I'm impressed.

but I can't say I'm surprised, as i've been moved by so much of your music, but damn chris. this is beautiful. you just don't stop do you? haha

see ya in 2011. all the best.

Jake

[ChrisVelan]

@bad420fish I try not to. I'm worry what might happen if I do. Thanks, Jake.

[menobass]

chris please tell me when this CD is coming out!!! i need it!!!! amazing track, amazing story... much respect my musical brother...

[ChrisVelan]

@menobass New album is coming out Feb 8, 2011 - But this song probably won't be on it. It's its own special thing. Glad you like it.

[RichardWagner1]

The white guy with the beard is channeling Paul Simon.

[countrysweets]

Very nice!!

[Zygoner]

Excellent Chris. (BTW, used to work with Claude F., who's since moved on from where we met.) I love the Paul Simon influence - Perhaps an influence, but definately has your mark on it with the tempo-switch bridge. Good on ya! And fantastic musicians united :)