Over the years, songwriter/producer extraordinaire Quincy Jones has done a lot of charity work, top of the list being We Are The World, which has raised over $60 million since its 1985 release. Fastforward two decades and Jones was back at it again, organizing a multi-artist concert that raised money for the We Are The Future child centres, a group that aids children in conflict and post-conflict cities worldwide. Held on 16 May 2004 at the Circus Maximus in Rome, and attended by an estimated one million people, the performance rightfully earned comparisons to Live Aid.
While there’s no denying that some of the world’s biggest musical names are present, these aren’t exactly the most captivating or entertaining live performers. As such, quite a bit of the DVD drags (that is, unless you’re an absolute fanatic of, say, Take 6 or Josh Groban). However, there are several highlights, two of which include Carlos Santana on a reading of Watermelon Man with Herbie Hancock, and a set-closing medley of Oye Como Va, El Pito and Sunshine of Your Love.
