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The Best Native Music of 2013

12/23/13

2013 was another good year for Native music. Established young talents Derek Miller and Samantha Crain put out excellent albums; Frank Waln, Leonard Sumner and Nataanii Nez Means embodied the bright future of Native hip hop; and DJ trio A Tribe Called Red continued to define their own genre of “pow wow step” dance music. But those are just a few of the reasons listeners had to celebrate. We asked several of the music cognoscenti to offer their selections for the best of the best.

Janet Rogers’ Picks for Best of 2013

Albums

1. Derek Miller, Blues, Vol. 1. Hot, rough, sexy blues (official site)
2. George Leach, Surrender. Twelve years in the making and every note was worth the wait. (official site)
3. A Tribe Called Red, Nation II Nation. They have created new territory just for dancing. (official site)
4. The Johnnys, Rock. A generous offering of the Thinking Man’s Metal Music (official site)
5. Patricia Cano, Songs from Tomson Highway’s The (Post) Mistress. Sultry vocals with perfect pitch. (indiepool)

Tracks

1. Wanbdi, “Bones” from Where the Fishes Go. Blues inspired female truth (bandcamp)
2. Ghostkeeper, “Horse Chief! War Thief” from Horse Chief! War Thief! Original! Metis nerd punk (bandcamp)
3. A Tribe Called Red ft. Northern Voices, “Different Heroes” from Nation II Nation. Inspired dance track, commands me like a puppet (official site)
4. Jasper, “Inglorious” from Inglorious (EP). Righteous political rock anthem of our times. (reverbnation)
5. Nick Sherman, “Drag Your Words Through,” from Drag Your Words Through. Back-to-basics good music. (official site)

ICTMN contributor Janet Rogers is host of Native Waves Radio CFUV 101.9fm and Tribal Clefs CBC 90.5fm.

Frank Waln’s Picks for Best of 2013

Albums

1. A Tribe Called Red, Nation II Nation. This record is powerful, political and spiritual. ATCR is legendary. (official site)
2. Leonard Sumner, Rez Poetry. These songs are so fresh with a unique blend of musical influence scatted all throughout. Leonard Sumner carves out his own genre with this classic album. (official site)
3. Samantha Crain, Kid Face. Equal parts Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Danger Mouse, this album’s haunting melodies and introspective lyrics will pull you in and never let go. (official site)
4. Dark Water Rising, Grace & Grit: Chapter 1. Heartfelt and dynamic, this album shows Charly Lowry delivering flawless vocals backed by a talented band. DWR mixes southern charm with Indigenous sensibilities in an album that is sure to win your heart over. (official site)
5. Fawn Wood & Dallas Waskahat, Blessings. Powerful, feel good music from one of the best female vocalists out, regardless of genre or ethnicity. (Canyon Records)

Tracks

1. Angel Haze, “A Tribe Called Red.” An aggressive punch to the gut from two of the best Indigenous acts out right now. She honors her Indigenous heritage without exploiting it on this monster of a song. (official site)

2. Tall Paul, “Taurus the Bull.” Channeling sound of classic Midwest MC’s, Tall Paul flexes smart lyrical commentary all over this grim track, proving why he is one of the best Indigenous MC’s to ever touch a microphone. (official site)
3. Scatter Their Own, “Taste the Time.” A beautiful ode to protecting one of the pillars of life, water. Memorable riffs, smart lyrics and a concept that is uniquely Indigenous. The music video rocks too. (official site)
4. Nick Sherman, “Wrong Side of Town.” Nick Sherman is one of the most talented Indigenous songwriters we’ve heard in a long time. This song is warm, relatable and beautiful on many different levels. (official site)
5. George Leach, “Carry Me.” A larger than life sound and great vocal performance push this song into the realm of commercial cross over success. (official site)

Frank Waln is a NAMA-winning hip hop artist.

Vincent Schilling’s Picks for Best of 2013

Albums

1. Frank Waln, Born Ready. Fearless story-telling, symphonic hip-hop from the Rosebud Sioux Reservation. (official site)
2. Inez Jasper, Burn Me Down. A fun and enlightening mix of traditional sounds with contemporary dance music and uplifting vocals. (official site)
3. Nataanii Nez Means, 2 Worlds. Without holding back Nataanii attacks his hip hop tracks fearlessly and covers topics such as AIM, Rez issues and his own father Russell Means. (Bandcamp)
4. Samantha Crain, Kid Face. Amazing folk vocalist with a powerhouse of emotion for a young artist. Watch out for this one. (official site)
5. A Tribe Called Red, Nation II Nation. An immaculate blending of traditional drum song and electronic beats to include dubstep, electronica and even sirens. (official site)

Tracks

1. Nataanii Nez Means’, “The Radical” from 2 Worlds. A gorgeous hip-hop tribute featuring the words of Russell Means (Bandcamp)
2. Tara Williamson, “Come to Me” from Lie Low. Soft vocals, melodic tunes, #1 artist on Native trailblazers June Jamz (official site)
3. Frank Waln and Cody Blackbird, “Hear My Cry” from Born Ready. Traditional infused with Hip Hop with vocals from Both Waln and Blackbird.(official site)
4. Christa Couture, “You were here in Michigan” from The Living Record. Though the album released in 2012, this track, with a folky and catchy melody, had definite staying power long into 2013. A brilliant song. (official site)
5. The Johnnys, “On the Wrong Damn Side of the Law” from Rock. Fun rockabilly-ish gesture-invoking readily playable great music. (official site)

Vincent Schilling covers entertainment for ICTMN and his weekly Native Trailblazers radio show.

Jason Morgan Edwards’s Picks for Best of 2013

Tracks

1. Saving Damsels, “Sweet Girl” from Find My Way. JJ Otero’s signature soul-searching and poetic lyrics really shine through on this particular track from the band’s 2012 release. (official site)
2. Twang Deluxe, “NWO- New Waylon Order.” Pays homage to one of the Navajo trio’s main musical influences, Waylon Jennings. Be sure to look for their debut album in 2014. (facebook)
3. Miracle Dolls, “NeverMind” from Guns n Thieves. The Miracle Dolls solidify their strong foot-hold as the leading Native presence on the alternative/indie rock stage. (official site)
4. Raye, “Drink Me Dry.” This newcomer is lighting up both LA and NYC with her distinctive style and sound. It’s hard not to feel the joys and pains of loves found and lost while listening to this poignant melody of giving all you have inside to that special someone. (reverbnation)
5. The Plateros, “A Motherless Child.” The Plateros continue to lead the charge for classic rock and blues fans. Infusing time-honored riffs with their unique stylings, the Navajo cousins continue to push forward, breaking new musical ground with each performance. This song puts the band’s singing, song-writing and playing on full display. (official site)

Jason Morgan Edwards is a photographer based in New Mexico who writes about music for ICTMN.

5 Pow Wow/Christmas- Style Treats That’ll Bring Santa Into Your Kitchen

Tsawaysia.comRachel, left, with her daughter and niece finished a longhouse gingerbread House. So can you! — Tsawaysia.com
Rachel, left, with her daughter and niece finished a longhouse gingerbread House. So can you!

Vincent Schilling, 12/21/13, Indian Country Today Media Network

Now that we are at the height of the Christmas and holiday season, all of those little Elves and Santa will surely be making their way into your kitchen to sample some of those Christmas snacks and goodies.

Not wanting to disappoint our dear readers, in this light, we are introducing a few luscious holiday treats “Native and Pow Wow Style.”

Enjoy the Native deliciousness!

1. A Gingerbread Longhouse

In the midst of the Squamish Nation (about 40 miles North of Vancouver), Alice Guss took the time to teach Rachel, her daughter, and her daughter’s friend to create an amazing Gingerbread Longhouse (pictured above). The template was created by Alice’s brother Rick.

“We’ve been doing this for a long time. We put candy on the longhouses and blinking lights to make it look like fire,” said Guss. “I just did a workshop for seven-year-olds, and they piled so much candy on the roofs [that] the roofs started to collapse!”

2. Healthy Snack Bites (Healthy? Yes, and Yummy!)

86Lemons.com

Using earthly, fun-food treasures, such as sunflower seeds, agave and cacao powder, you can have an easy and cholesterol-free snack bites to offer Santa.

He’s eaten so many cookies, he’ll probably be appreciative!

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup each: raisins, coconut and sesame seeds
2 tbsp. each raw agave nectar and cacao powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Steps – Food process Sunflower seeds and raisins until coarse, add agave and cacao powder. Roll into a golfball-sized ball, coat with coconut or sesame seeds and chill.

See 86Lemons.com.

3. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

TwoPeasandTheirPod.com

Wait a minute, do we even need to add a description here? I was a sucker at Pumpkin chocolate! Add the word “cookie” and the show is over. Sign me up!!

The recipe’s from TwoPeasandTheirPod.com. Turns out, there is a healthy, and even healthier version. It’s a win-win, YUM!

I am preheating my oven…now.

Complete recipe, here: TwoPeasandTheirPod.com

Even healthier, cholesterol free version, here: TwoPeasandTheirPod.com

4. Chocolate Fry Bread

PhoenixNewTimes.com

In 2011, Laura Hahnefeld of the Phoenix New Times named Chocolate Fry Bread from the Fry Bread House as one of the top 100 Favorite Dishes of 2011.

I don’t know about you, but I think Santa would come running full-speed to come get a taste of this one!

5. Nopalitos (Cactus) Salad

Last but not least, a “guilt reliever” dish.

Not wanting to “over-sweet” your Christmas or holiday season, let’s at least throw in a salad to offset some goodie calories. Not just any old salad, but a cactus salad, that’s a pretty cool indigenous-themed dish!

Nopales are the edible cactus leafs or pads that are cultivated in the mountainous areas near Mexico City. It is also known as prickly pear and, surprisingly, can be found at many specialty grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market.

Check out the full recipe, which includes Nopales, onion, tomato, cilantro, jalapeno, avocado and lime, at WhatsCookingMexico.com.

Support local Native Artists Dec 21-22, Daybreak Star Art Mart

View, Learn About Bald Eagles on the Skagit River

Everett, Wash. Dec. 16, 2013—It’s time to head over to the Skagit River and see one of the largest wintering populations of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Visitors can view and learn about them from volunteers with the Eagle Watchers Program hosted by the US Forest Service. Three viewing stations with off-highway parking along North Cascades Highway 20 provide spotting scopes and binoculars to help you see the birds up close. Volunteers will staff stations Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 21-Jan. 26.

Eagle Watcher stations are located at Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport, Sutter Creek Rest area (milepost 100) and the Marblemount Fish Hatchery. Look for the yellow signs. View a map showing the viewing sites and learn more about Skagit River wildlife. Call 360-856-5700 ext. 515 for more information.

Eagle Watcher Harry Otta at the hatchery.

The Idle No More Video You Missed: Native Kids Drumming and Smudging

Source: Indian Country Today Media Network

Nearly a year ago, the Indigenous Action Movement coordinated a protest at the Peace Arch on the U.S.-Canada border. “It’s a peaceful, prayerful action … a ceremony with smudging, drumming and singing,” Kat Norris, spokesperson for the group, told ICTMN. “Every time we have to cross a border, it hits our hearts. It only reminds us of what we once had.” The gathering was focused on Indigenous women, but had a strong youth element to it. Video director Dave Wilson set out to capture the spirit of Idle No More’s future: Young people from both countries united by a cultural pride, and a willingness to question the status quo.

Entitled “Idle No More: The Next Generation,” the video was produced by Natives Brodie Lane Stevens (Tulalip) and ICTMN contributor Gyasi Ross (Blackfeet), and uses the song “Letter to My Countrymen” by the Minneapolis-based rapper Brother Ali, who has collaborated with Wilson in the past. The clip was posted to the RockPaper Jet YouTube page on January 9,

Santa and Sirens

Tulalip Bay Fire Dept. annual Santa Run and food drive

Santa and the family of Christina Leea singing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Article and photos by Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News

Tulalip Bay Fire Department brought a little Christmas cheer to the neighborhoods of Tulalip. A parade of the department’s two fire engines and ambulance had Santa riding along on an engine, jumping off to pass out hugs and candy canes to kids from one to ninety-two, all the while trumpeting horns and blasting sirens to let people know that Santa had come to town.

Kids and their families lined the streets on December 14^th and 15^th as Santa rolled through with his firefighting elves. The children’s faces lit up as soon as they saw him, or maybe that was from all the lights decorating the fire engines. A few times Santa and his elves joined families for a chorus of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Passing neighborhood traffic didn’t seem to mind Santa parading down the street, many times passing cars stopped to join the holiday festivities.

The Holiday Santa run started at 5pm each day and lasted five hours, all the while collecting food and monetary donations for the Tulalip Food Bank. Santa and his elves filled the ambulance with donations over the course of the weekend.

There are many photos of Santa visiting children and their families. To view them please visit tulalipnews.com, or see our new facebook page; search Tulalip News.

Link Wray: Native Musician nominated for the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame

Source: Powwows.com

Pioneer of Distortion. Champion of the Power Chord. Rockabilly Legend. Link Wray is well-known as a musical force. This Shawnee artist created an enduring legacy that climbed the charts, influenced popular culture and permeates movies and tv soundtracks throughout the decades. Link Wray has been inducted into the Native American Music Hall of Fame, Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Washington (DC) Area Music Association,Southern Legends Hall of Fame and many more. Now, Link Wray fans have the opportunity to vote to place this performer in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Link Wray has been named as one of the 100 GREATEST GUITARISTS by Rolling Stone magazine. In addition, this profound musician has been featured in the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the Native American Indian ”Up Where We Belong” exhibits in both Washington DC and New York City.

PULP FICTION, INDEPENDENCE DAY, DESPERADO, THE SOPRANOS, BLOW and many other movies and tv programs have incorporated Wray’s music into their soundtracks. Link Wray has influenced Jimmy Page, Neil Young, Iggy Pop, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Pete Townshend, Dan Auerbach and countless thousands of other musicians the world over.

“Rumble”, “Raw-Hide” and “Jack the Ripper” are representative of Link Wray’s distinctive sound. ”Daddy was such a proud Native American man,” states his daughter Beth Wray Webb, “and he was always proud of the music he made and determined to make music his way.” To vote for this Native American artist to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, visit http://www.rockhall.com/inductees/nominees/link-wray/ and cast your vote.

M-PHS Winter Concert Dec. 17

MARYSVILLE — The Marysville-Pilchuck High School Winter Concert will kick off at 7 p.m. on Dec. 17 in the M-PHS auditorium.

This holiday event will feature the school’s award-winning concert choir, symphonic band, wind ensemble and jazz ensembles.

The musical selections are set to include seasonal favorites such as Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” and Leontovych and Wilhousky’s “Carol of the Bells,” as well as classical selections from Johann Sebastian Bach and more contemporary pieces from Harry Belafonte.

As always, musical performances at M-PHS are family events and free to the public.

2013 Christmas Celebration Saturday, December 21st

Christmas Treats All Day! Quil Ceda Creek Casino

Complimentary photos with Santa’s helpers at the main east entrance from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM!

25 Days of Christmas Cash

$67,000 in Hot Seats

Join the 25 Days of Christmas Cash giveaways every day thru Christmas Eve in December starting at noon. There will be a $250 cash winner every two hours, every day! On Christmas Day there will be ten (10) winners of $2,500 each every two hours.

Players must be present to win. Card activation required between 12:00 PM (noon) and 12:00 AM (midnight) on all drawing dates, except Christmas Day between 6:00 AM and 12:00 AM (midnight). All winners will be drawn by virtual selection through the player tracking database. Must be 21 and over.

As Long As The Rivers Run: An Original Musical Play About Salmon And The Indians Who Love Them

Please join Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theatre on Sunday, December 15th for a performance of As Long As The Rivers Run, an original musical play by Roger Fernandes (Lower Elwha Klallam) about the historical and contemporary relationship between salmon and Northwest Native peoples. Reception and refreshments following, all are welcome.