Search - Ulali :: Mahk Jchi

Chris G.
Reviewed on 8/24/2006...

I saw them live and bought their CD right then. They were just getting well known, and had a little table they sold CDs from after their set. They're very nice folks, as well as very talented. Here's info from their website, and it sums them up pretty well:

Founded over fifteen years ago, Ulali was the first Native women's group to create their own sound from their strong traditional roots and personal contemporary styles. They created a new genre of "Native American" Music and inspired the creation of other Native women's groups.

Known for their unusual harmonies and wide vocal and musical range, Ulali's sound encompasses an array of indigenous music including Southeast choral singing (pre-blues and gospel) and pre-Columbian (before the borders) music. With their beautiful yearning and powerful voices, they drum, rattle and stomp. Breaking the stereotypes of Native women, Ulali is political, romantic, and humorous. Their live performances, which uniquely address Native struggles and accomplishments are energetic, informative, and educational.

Nacia O. (BluGlass) from HOLLY SPRINGS, NC
Reviewed on 8/7/2006...

I saw Ulali live in Washington DC at the opening of the Museum of the Native Americans in the Smithsonian and loved them so much, I ordered their album, but then my friend bought me a copy, so I had two. This one absolutely new, still in wrapper! Native American music with incredible harmonies and simple instrumental accompaniment. Very compelling.

Please say there will be more!

Jessee J. | Cincinnati, Ohio | 04/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whether or not you're acquainted with Native American music and traditions, if you love music, and if you appreciate the power of the human voice, you should have this album in your collection.



As the liner notes will tell you, "Ulali" means "songbird," and the name could not be more appropriate for this trio of singers. The vocals are wonderfully clear and liquid, with crisp enunciation and tight, flawless harmonies. Of all the tracks on the CD (and there really isn't a bad one), I particularly enjoy the rattle songs (rolled together into Track 2) and "Going Home." If you enjoy singing (especially in the safe privacy of your car, as I do), you'll love the rattle songs. There's something about the vocabs, and about not worrying about English lyrics, that seems to open up both voice and breathing in much the same way as playing a flute - it's downright euphoric. I've driven through many a scenic mile in North and South Dakota with these songs blasting, and me singing my head off, and I've known few finer moments.



This is one of the few modern Native American albums on which I enjoy the English songs as much as the native-language songs. I usually enjoy the latter better, but "Going Home," "Maybe," and "Necklace of Broken Hearts" have such poignant lyrics, delivered with such power and feeling (especially on "Going Home") that they are just as transcendent. Ulali definitely has a chip on their shoulder (evident in "Museum Shelves" and in "All My Relations") but not so much that white listeners like yours truly feel unwelcome. I would love to know the meaning of the lyrics of "Mahk Jchi" - it's such an incredibly powerful and moving song, with harmonies that cascade like waterfalls.



My only complaint is that there aren't any more Ulali albums out yet! The world needs more music like this, so come on, gals, get busy!"

Mahk Jchi CD by Ulali

Susanne Lederer | Australia | 02/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Excellent second hand CD I love it. I do feel however that the prices charged by Amazon for a new copy are extreme and I believe this may be unfair to the artists and be limiting the sales for them."