In review--The Intimate World of Round Dancin'



World/Native American 
Wayne Silas, Jr.
Infinite Passion 
Canyon Records

Hey everyone, it’s that time of year for Native American round dances--a merry cycle of socializing, dancing, drumming and singing personal as well as, humorous songs.  A regular performer on the pow-wow trail and round dance circles, Wayne Silas, Jr. (Menominee/Oneida) brings us his newest collection of round dance songs, lullabies, and traditional women’s songs on Infinite Passion.  One minute he’s singing at the top of his lungs, another a moment he sings from the bottom of his heart with songs so sweet, intimate and tender that I feel like I’m eavesdropping on his family.  On the other hand, when his group of talented friends joins Silas, I feel like I dropped into a party.

My favorite songs lean on the slower melodic side such as Tha Mash Up which features polyrhythms, chimes, and vocal harmonies.  Pray, a duet with Veronica Keeswood also hits the spot as far as passionate vocals go and the lullaby that ends the recording (Super Kids) points out one of those tender, sweet and intimate moments I mentioned earlier.  And anyone expecting round dance humor will find that here too with She Texts Me, She Texts Me Not. But for some other woman, Yummy Whisper offers a sexy tribute. Many of the songs come with stories mentioned in the liner notes along with photographs of Silas’ children and of himself at a young age joining an adult drum group.  It’s probably more than you asked for or hoped to know as you venture into the inner world of Wayne Silas, Jr.  Boy, talk about wearing one’s heart on his sleeve!

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