Orenda: Native American Songs Of Life
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Artist:
Joanne Shenandoah
Label: Silver Wave Category: Music Average customer rating: Media: Audio CD Number Of Discs: 1 UPC: 021585091825 EAN: 0021585091825 ASIN: B00000C2HX Release Date: 1998-08-25 |
Tracks:
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Customer Reviews:
If you want your spirit touched............2006-08-16
real and beautiful.......2005-09-12
Stunning harmonies, haunting themes........2002-05-25
Joanne Shenandoah is a quietly powerful advocate for her musical and cultural heritage, which she represents on this disc with deep compassion. The album title means the oneness of all things, and the songs explore that theme in a few of its many components.
The album begins with the speaking voice of Lawrence Laughing describing the meaning behind the disc. We are here not just to live physically, but to be present and available spiritually. The final track brings this home in a most compelling way with lyrics (spoken in English by Shenandoah before they are sung in the native language) that emphasize our responsibility to stand up and be counted "in the spirit world." Like most good albums of its kind, this one represents life as a journey: "And when you are ready, O maker of life, I'll come home to you."
The female harmonies are simply stunning. Whether singing of love or friendship or reverence for life, they speak quietly but unmistakably to the central theme of the album --- oneness in different voices. A simple courtship dance, thoroughly accessible to children no less than to adults, is poignant in its simplicity and harmony.
Much recent "Native American" music has tended toward the New Age, and like artists in any genre, many Native American artists have sacrificed authenticity to make a buck. Not Shenandoah, at least not on this disc. The musical techniques are modernized, but the performers avoid catering to "pop" tastes and excessive sentimentality. Each tune is fresh, unique and purposeful, and Shenandoah uses rhythm as a complement to the music, not a substitute for it.
I recommend this as a first disc for anyone looking to begin exploring Native American themes through modern artists.
Speaks a Universal Language.......2002-01-08
And: Joanne Shenandoah speaks it fluently on this CD! - Kontemplatif +sympathetique y soothing. Let a healing sonic vibe wash over your being-ness. If you stop to listen - you'll hear a rare thing... a friendly message. - mrk (cornplanter -seneca)
Orenda Had An Effect On My Spirit.......2001-06-13
I happened to be sitting on the porch alone on a VERY dark night when the stars were out. I had my stereo beside me playing Orenda. The effect it had on my spirit was unreal. I don't know what it was, but I could feel SOMETHING... this is powerful music. Joanne, of Iroquois descent, is joined by Lawrence Laughing who is Mohawk; and their duets 'Passage' & 'Across The Sky' are the best Native songs I've ever heard. Shenandoah's voice is a rare gift - never faltering. This is quite simply the best Native album I've EVER heard, and I have over 200 albums.
ANYONE would be foolish not to get this album. You will not be disappointed!
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