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Showing posts from April 20, 2008

In Review---Bright Lights from the Southwest

Jay & Tinesha Begaye Night of Northern Lights Canyon Records Navajo veteran singer Jay Begaye and his 19-year old daughter Tinesha (Navajo-Cree), celebrate the Northern Lights with an electrical collection of round dance songs. Lakota flutist Anthony Wakeman also contributes his talent to Nights of the Northern Lights. While Jay offers impressive vocal, songwriting and drumming talents to this disc, Tinesha shines here with her powerful vocals and round dance song writing skills. She brings feelings of joy and brightness reflective of her youth. And some of you might recall Tinesha's debut CD, Rhythms of Love which was recorded 3 years ago and reflected on her teen years. Jay and Tinesha's story that appears in the liner notes adds warmth to this recording. The actual tracks reflect on both the spirit and secular worlds embellished by hearty vocals and the beat of the round dance drum. Anthony Wakeman contributes flute to Tinesha's Little Brother (dedicated

In Review--Snow, Tulips & Harmony

The Wailin' Jennys The Lincoln Theatre Mount Vernon, Washington Friday, April 18, 2008 While tulips bloomed throughout the valley, snow fell from the April sky, and tourists crowded country roads, Winnipeg's The Wailin' Jennys set loose dazzling harmonies. The quartet's debut performance in Skagit Valley drew a capacity (sold-out) enthusiastic audience. The Jennys delivered one immaculate tune after another, with a few hearty side trips tossed in. I doubt anyone left The Jennys' Lincoln Theatre performance disappointed. Members of the Jennys', Ruth Mood (soprano vocals, accordion, banjo, guitar), Heather Masse (alto vocals & standup bass), Nicky Mehta (mezzo-soprano vocals, trap drum, harmonica, guitar) and Jeremy Penner (mandolin and fiddle) performed music--not easily categorized. Perhaps we can invent a new genre called human music. The musicians performed new work and traditional songs, as well as, favorites from their recordings, 40 Days an