Dave Grohl has today (August 1) revealed details of Play, a new two-part mini-documentary, featuring a 23-minute original composition written, filmed and played on seven instruments by the Foo Fighters frontman.
Directed by Grohl, with help from Sound City/Sonic Highways collaborator Mark Monroe, Play is said to be a celebration "of the rewards and challenges of a life dedicated to playing and mastering a musical instrument."
The first part of the documentary opens with narrated behind the scenes footage featuring discussion of the love of playing music and the lifelong relationship with an instrument, and detailing the process and challenges of recording and filming this unique performance. The film then segues to the titular 23-minute, one-man-band instrumental recording on which Grohl plays all seven instruments on the track, all live.
Speaking about the project, Grohl said: “Watching my kids start to play music and learn to sing or play drums, it brings me back to the time when I was their age listening to albums, learning from listening… and when I take my kids to the place where they take their lessons, I see these rooms full of children that are really pushing themselves to figure this out. And even now, as a 49-year-old man, I’m still trying to figure it out… it’s not something that you ever truly master. You’re always chasing the next challenge, and you’re always trying to find a way to improve on what you’ve learned.”
Play is set to be released on August 10 via Columbia on digital download and streaming platforms. A limited edition vinyl will be made available on September 28.
Play will also boast an online interactive experience, giving the viewer/listener/participant the option of taking in the mini-doc and Grohl performance as is, focusing on one instrument, and/or downloading the Play sheet music. The online version of Play also includes a list of organizations where time, money and instruments can be donated to the cause—and places where musicians young and old alike can have the opportunity to play live music.
You can watch the teaser trailer below.
[Photo: Andrew Stuart]
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