For nearly 15 years, musicologist/DJ/curator Kevin “Sipreano” Howes has been collecting, listening, and organizing the 34 tracks found on Native North America (Vol. 1), a compilation of Aboriginal music from Canada, the Northern U.S. and Alaska. The songs, ranging from peace-era protest folk to rock 'n' roll to traditional, were recorded between 1966-1985 by the likes of legendary Metis songwriter/filmmaker/activist Willie Dunn, Cree artist Morley Loon, Inuk singer songwriter Willie Thrasher, and many more. This collection of songs give a long-overdue sliver of light into a music movement that has been criminally left in the shadows for far too long.
Arawak Amerindian/Portuguese-Guyanese David Campbell's “Sky Man and the Moon”, paints your mind's eye with visions of ancient aurora borealis in true oral storytelling tradition, while Willie Dunn's “Peruvian Dream” features the hypnotic combination of Jerry Saddleback's chanting over big powwow drums.
Willie Thrasher's "Spirit Child" recalls his experience in the residential school system, mourning the loss of cultural identity with psychedelic and alt-country nuances. Included with the music is a beautifully constructed booklet, filled with bios and lyrics of each artist featured. Spiritual, historical, and cultural significance aside, these are simply really great songs that are finally having their time in the sun, or rather, giving us the light they've had all long.
★★★★★
