the album leaf - for jonathan

The film "For Jonathan" was created as a simple requiem for a friend, and a gift to a family that had just lost their son to cancer. The film is a seven-minute portrait of Jonathan Hicks, a close childhood friend of photographer/filmmaker Chris Bennett.
Jonathan died at age 23, after being diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer called Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor. The film, shot entirely in Super 8mm, is of Jonathan and was filmed near his hometown of Lafayette, Indiana. It was filmed a few months after Jonathan had been diagnosed with cancer, still in good health and spirits.

After Jonathan passed away in October 2000, Bennett combined the footage of Jonathan with footage of clouds and landscapes. This, Bennett said, was to create an "ethereal portrait of Jonathan" which could serve as a keepsake for his friends and family. Bennett sent this film to various musicians in hopes that each would write a song that could serve loosely as "soundtracks" to the images he had created. The finished project became this beautifully combined compilation of songs all exclusive to this release, each honoring Jonathan's life and spirit.

The music from various genres lend themselves perfectly to this compilation. From the electronic beats of The Album Leaf and Mikael Jorgensen or the beautifully orchestrated piece from Dave Fischoff and the sometimes almost painful tones of bands such as Ativin and Jessica Bailiff, each song is a completely different take on the complex subject of death and loosing a close friend. The diversity of the music has made it hard to pigeonhole where exactly this compilation should be filed, but it has also attracted the interest of music lovers from all backgrounds.

Proceeds from the sales of this CD will be donated in Jonathan Hicks' honor to the Children's Inn, located in Bethesda, MD. This served as Jonathan's "home away from home" while he received treatment from the National Institute of Health for two and a half years. This beneficiary was chosen by Jonathan's father. You may find out more about this wonderful place by visiting the website at childrensinn.org.

you can purchase the CD here...
http://www.interpunk.com/item.cfm?Item=49948&

Category:

Music

Tags:

• the
• album
• leaf
• Jimmy
• LaValle
• Tristeza
• Blackheart
• Procession
• GoGoGo
• Airheart
• The
• Locust

[sidnee123456]

is there any way you could possilly send this song?

ive tried to download it, but it doesnt seem to work.. if you can't thats fine.

[dearsomeone]

try the iTunes store .... 99 cents ..... it's worth every penny.

[bizarreoutsider]

Beautiful video. What's the title of the sort of cathartic and cinematic track?

[dearsomeone]

'for jonathan' by the album leaf

[capnkirktm]

some of the best music i have ever listened to. keep making it... i will keep on listening.

[conejwsr]

The Gods (and I mean any one you can think of) have blessed this place we call earth with such beautiful music, and have given the gift to some to create. The Album Leaf is one

[setrnyma]

thanks for posting the story in detal. i have never thought of the background of "Jonathan" until now. however, this song is tranquil and pondering.

[Anumeric8]

How could you dislike this? You must have to be some kind of asshole! This is an all around great piece! Thank you for the post!

[Nerdicusable]

Songs like this are what make me want to change the world. Sometimes through life you will be discouraged, believing that you can't make a difference in a world where so many others have tried and failed. Then you see videos like this, and witness the happiness and positive thinking of a young man despite seeing his last days. It's a strong enough emotion to keep me going, to conquer all agony and sorrow in the world. What a powerful song to put with a powerful theme. Best of wishes.

[kniffenkniffen]

I don't understand who could watch this video and then hit dislike. It's beyond my comprehension to disrespect the dead in that way.

[wareaglehp]

this settles my soul.... 

[iiimissyouu]

from waht album is this song