The Whole Music Experience

Mari Boine, courtesy of NorthSide (I wrote this article a decade ago.  I can't vouch for its accuracy since I have since learned more about Sami yoiks and music since 2003). Although the Sami (also Saami or Sàmi) are ancestors of the original Finn, (Finland), first discovered by the Romans around 10 AD, contemporary Sami people proves just as innovative and resourceful as their ancestors with a unique flare for modern technology. Both Sami art and music has flourished internationally. And the Sami people once tormented by the Christian church of the northern climes and the so-called civilized Swedes, Norwegians and other arctic dwellers, have proven that they are here to stay, both in Europe and North America. The Sami who once watched their shamans and drums burn during the inquisitions are back beating drums and performing yoiks (also joiks), a vocalization practice that is considered one of Europe's oldest living traditions. And similar to the circle that appears...

Power Songs Make You Strong Recently I encountered someone who wanted to know if punk music was good energy for a hard workout. After we discussed punk music and its lyrical content, intuitively I felt that there must be better music for an intense workout (physical exercise). I came home and without thinking much about it, I pulled out some new releases of Native American pow-wow songs. And the thought came to me that the warrior energy and heartbeat drum present in pow-wow and even round dance songs of the Native American people lends itself well to a powerful workout. The drum beat alone can drive a person through walking, running or other aerobic type exercise. Of course I am not an expert, so you will have to experiment on your own. However, I am listing some recent pow-wow recordings put out by Canyon Records with a brief description of the content on the recordings. For more information go to: http://www.canyonrecords.com Blacklodge's Watch This Dancer! features ...

Finnish Runo-Song According to renowned metaphysician Ted Andrews in his book, Sacred Sounds, "Every society, tradition, and religion has had teachings both magical and wondrous. The relaying and demonstrating of these wondrous teachings fell to individuals who were schooled in the natural and spiritual laws of the universe." (Andrews, 2001, 2003, p.ix). These were the ancient priests, priestesses, magicians, and shamans they we often hear archaeologists mention. Those of us who research the origins of music, also read about prehistoric flutes and drums. And every culture, both nomadic and sedentary has possessed some type of fiddle, lute, flute and drum--everything from shepherds flutes, oracles lyres and medieval harps. These ancient and not-so ancient cultures also possessed the knowledge of healing with the power of sound and words. Many of these healing words were embedded in myths and legends, such as the Finnish national treasure, the Kalevala or the Icelandic...