The Whole Music Experience

Blackfoot Confederacy Elders’ Vision Canyon Records Indigenous music falls under “purposeful music” so listening to the CD out of context (in my home), doesn't work for me.   For instance, I enjoy attending pow-wows, watching the dancers in their regalia dancing to the beat of pow-wow drums and passionate vocals, but listening to the music without the dancing and visuals doesn't work for me.   In addition, I'm a high-strung person who needs to relax so I prefer the Native American flute and softer recordings that closely fit my lifestyle.  (Note, I don't listen to rock music for the same reason). Having said all of that, I do support pow-wows.   I encourage the pride that Native Americans have for their traditions, culture, languages, and communities.   I admit as a non-Native I don’t get the nuances of tribal drumming and singing.  I wish that I did.   However, I feel moved by the beautiful sentiments to Native Ame...

Cheevers Toppah True Melodies Harmonized Songs from the Heart of Native America Canyon Records Native American traditional singer Cheevers Toppah (Kiowa/Navajo), captured my attention several years ago with his solo and collaborative efforts with Alex E. White and Nitanis Landry ( Harmony Nights , Canyon Records).   Similar to other Native American men vocalists, Toppah’s voice glides effortlessly between bass and baritone, while bringing soothing timbre to his harmonized songs.   As any singer will tell you singing a cappella and harmonizing with their self provides challenges, especially in the area of intonation.   Toppah’s training as a choral singer along with his years of honing Native American vocal traditions brings us a confident singer with a powerfully healing voice.   There are no shortages of healing voices on Canyon Records or among Native American musicians in general, Toppah joins the cream of the crop while also bringing his int...

Kevin Yazzie Love (Songs of the Native American Church) Canyon Records Porcupine Singers Alowanpi-Songs of Honoring Lakota Classics: Past and Present, Vol. 1 Canyon Records I’ve reviewed Dinè songwriter Kevin Yazzie’s CDs in the past so I’m going to give a brief review of his latest, Love (Songs of the Native American Church ).    Similar to another Dinè traditional songwriter Louis Gonnie, Yazzie’s vocals possess a strong spiritual resonance, especially when he sings in the lower register.   He offers 7 sets of songs or sung prayers to life, his family, his children, and to love. Unlike some peyote song recordings, the water drum and shaker don't sound jarring here, but still creates a sacred atmosphere in which the singer delivers his harmonized vocals.   I’m listening to the first song set as I type this review and I feel alert instead of spaced out.   I find this recording accessible and someone who has never listened...