Various

With all proceeds benefiting the Tibetan Health Initiative, listeners have a compelling reason to seek out this diverse compilation. Founded by Oscar winner/Indian actress mauler/punch line Richard Gere, Healing the Divide is a noble organisation helping marginalised communities across the world, particularly exiled Tibetan monks and nuns. On September 23, 2003, the group held a concert in NYC and, as this recording suggests, it was a truly eclectic evening. Beginning with a special address from his holiness the Dalai Lama, the night moves seamlessly from the Gyuto Tantric Choir’s innovative chants to a dizzying raga by Anoushka Shankar. Kora player Foday Musa Suso accompanies Phillip Glass on "The Gambia,” a gentle yet stirring soundscape. Irreverent, humble and accompanied by the Kronos Quartet and bassist Greg Cohen, Tom Waits steals the show, powerfully re-imagining "Way Down in the Hole” and revealing a delightful rarity in "Diamond in Your Mind.” However odd, Healing the Divide is a great gift for open-minded listeners and, more importantly, those Tibetans suffering in exile.