Search - American Indian :: Tribal Songs of the American Indian

The editors at the Madacy label did a nice job with this collection in choosing stirring, beautiful traditional music from various Native American cultures. Liner notes would have helped explain the significance and context of the different songs, but even without them the performances are highly enjoyable. Included are chants and dances from the Cherokee, Navaho, Sioux, and Comanche nations as well as a "Rain Chant," "Burial Chant," "Hunter's Chant," and other songs whose origins are not identified. Most of the songs present strong unison male voices backed by a large ceremonial drum. However, the whistles far in the background of "Dance of the Sun God" and "Chieftain Dance" add a delicate counterpoint, effectively evoking the mysteries of the natural world, the next world, and the meeting of the two. --Bob Tarte