'Concert for Bangladesh' continues to aid country

By: Jon Carrelli

Posted: 10/28/05

The concert for Bangladesh was held Aug. 1, 1971 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Ravi Shankar, world renowned sitar player, dreamed up an idea where music stars would come together to play a benefit for the refugees of Bangladesh. The benefit concert was the first of its kind, predating Live Aid and other charity events. Shankar called upon his friend George Harrison, who he had mentored during Harrison's time with The Beatles. After a brief discussion, it was decided that Harrison would lead the event. Harrison then began calling upon all his musician friends asking if they could contribute their talents to the benefit. Throughout the month of June and into mid-July, Harrison convinced such superstars as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Leon Russell and Ringo Starr to join the benefit.

Two concerts took place Aug. 1, 1971, one at 2:30 p.m. and the other at 8:00 p.m. Both concerts sold out quickly as fans waited diligently outside the venue days ahead of time. In the end, the concert itself raised $250,000 for the refugees of Bangladesh. However, this does not account for profits garnered from the film and the concert recording release.

On Oct. 25, 2005, Apple Films, in conjunction with Rhino Records and the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF, reissued both the film and album for The Concert for Bangladesh. Although the presentation of the legendary event is quite simple, the techniques used in the production of both were groundbreaking. The concert was captured on 16mm film, which only held 15 minutes of footage until the reel had to be changed. This 16mm edited film was then converted to 70mm film with the help of the masters from Hollywood's golden years. Director Saul Swimmer and a film crew of over 20 captured the incredible magic of the Concert for Bangladesh.

For the recording of the concert, Harrison brought in producer Phil Spector, who had recently produced Harrison's triple-LP masterpiece All Things Must Past. The eccentric Spector utilized his wall-of-sound technique for the recording of both shows. The large ensemble found on stage required over 44 microphones and Spector managed to cram all that sound onto three vinyl records for Bangladesh's concert recording release in December of the same year. The recording has since been remastered, but some believe that the process has the background vocals buried in the mix. Regardless, The Concert for Bangladesh soundtrack recording is a wonderful piece of history that sonically documents the energetic, heartfelt performance.

In addition, The Concert for Bangladesh film released in 1972 captures the proceedings in a simple, brilliant way. The newly reissued film comes in standard and deluxe versions. Both versions include the full-length film, a new documentary on the event, previously unseen performances, a photo gallery and four mini features that detail the creation of the film, album, album artwork and recollections from concert day. The deluxe edition comes in a sturdy orange box reminiscent of the 1971 LP release. Also included are ten photo postcards, a reproduction of a concert poster, a 60-page booklet of photos, an Apple Records sticker and a reproduction of Harrison's hand-written lyrics for his song "Bangladesh." One can purchase either version at any fine record store knowing that every dollar of their purchase will be donated to UNICEF programs for Bangladesh and other countries.

The 99-minute feature film is chock full of highlights; every song performance is unique and highly electric. Ravi Shankar begins the performance with an awe-inspiring 17-minute plus raga. He is joined onstage with Ustad Ali Akbar Khan on the Sarod, Ustad Alla Rakha on the tabla and Kamala Chakravarty on the tamboura. Shankar's ragas have a meditative quality and hypnotizing quality as a result of his amazing musicianship.

Next, Harrison takes the stage with "Wah Wah" from All Things Must Pass. "Wah Wah" has the distinction of being one of the most joyful tunes ever written and is given a high-powered performance. Jim Horn's Hollywood Horns and the soul choir assembled by Don Nix back Harrison.

The sheer number of people on stage is maddening; they provide an uncanny force behind Harrison as he performs. Harrison is also backed by Beatle-era friends Billy Preston on keyboards, Klaus Voorman on bass and Ringo Starr on drums. Leon Russell also lends his talents on keyboards and bass, while Starr is supplemented with Jim Keltner on drums. The guitar ensemble includes the then-recluse Eric Clapton and Taj Mahal guitarist Jesse Ed Davis, as well as Tom Evans, Pete Ham and Joey Molland from Badfinger. Other members include Apple label mate Mike Gibbins of Badfinger, Carl Radle and Don Preston.

After two soulful performances of "My Sweet Lord" and "Awaiting On You All" from Harrison, Preston takes the stage in fine form. His whirlwind performance of "That's the Way God Planned It" is absolutely astounding. Preston gets so excited that he dances all across the stage and pounds out the chords with ferocity he could never display during the sessions for The Beatles' Let It Be album.

"It Don't Come Easy" is sang by the lovable Starr and Harrison plays his mysterious "Beware of Darkness" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," which needs no introduction. Following a band introduction, Russell takes the helm as he charges through an inspired medley of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Young Blood." Next, Harrison does a gorgeous duet with Ham on "Here Comes the Sun," and this is all before Bob Dylan takes the stage. Dylan, who hadn't played in concert much since his 1966 motorcycle accident, was a little weary of getting in front of large crowd. Thankfully, Dylan decided to go through with the performance, which is highlighted by "Just Like A Woman" from Blonde on Blonde; he is joined on stage by Harrison, Russell and Starr.

After a few more graces from Dylan, Harrison closes out the set with "Something" and "Bangladesh," a song specially penned for the occasion.

The Concert for Bangladesh is arguably the greatest thing music ever did for the world. It inspired many people supplement the efforts of UNICEF, whether they took up collections or held similar benefit concerts. If you go trick-or-treating this year, follow George and Ravi's lead and don't forget your UNICEF box! Donations can also be made on UNICEF's website at www.unicef.org.

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5/5 Triangles
The Concert for Bangladesh
Geogre Harrison, Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton
Directed by Saul Swimmer
Apple Films