Singer shares his talent and culture with audiences

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When Dene singer Leonard Adam entertains his audiences, he is accomplishing much more than providing them with a pleasurable sound. Adam, who writes his own material, sings stories learned from his grandparents who raised him in the northern Saskatchewan community of Uranium City. The family lived a traditional lifestyle, working a trapline and immersing themselves in their culture, and Adam's devotion to those memories shows through in his music.

But there's more-he also sings all his songs in his Dene mother tongue. "Before I begin a song, I take the time to explain to my audience what the words mean and the origin of the song," he said. He believes that by sharing his culture with audiences of mixed heritage, he can promote cross-cultural awareness of the Dene people. "And our stories can only be told in our Native language, so it wouldn't be the same if I sang them in English," said Adam, who now lives at Fond du Lac.

Adam's music is a fusion of country, pop and rock and appeals to a vast audience. "Young and old alike seem to like my music and my message. The words of the Elders speak to everyone, their experiences, their view of the present situation," he said. He feels privileged to have been raised by caring Elders who took the time to tell him the ancient legends and stories of the past. And he feels an obligation to preserve the past through his storytelling.

He and his wife Dorothy have been happily married for many years and are raising a family of four, daughter Shannon, and sons Lynn, Dakota and Dene, ranging in age from three to 13 years. "They are a constant source of inspiration to me. Without them my first album, The Spirit Flies, would never have been written and recorded," he said. Dorothy supports and assists her husband with his career and he acknowledges her contribution to his success.

Adam has performed throughout Canada in various entertainment venues, although he sings only in lounges and bars when necessary. He feels that the cultural content of his work can best be appreciated in a quiet setting where there are few distractions. "Youth conferences and festivals are great places to perform. When people can listen to the message I bring they are inspired and appreciative, and they seem to really enjoy it."

He plays guitar as he sings and has formed a three-piece band with local musicians. "I have another band closer to some of my southern Saskatchewan engagements, because transportation costs from Fond du Lac for a whole band are prohibitive," he said.

Work has begun on a second album in a Saskatoon recording studio. "Making an album takes a lot of time, if you are going to do it properly. Getting into the urban setting offers distractions as well. But I'm putting more time into preparation here at home," he said.

This album will feature Dene drummers and will be released in mid-summer. Although the second album is as yet unnamed, the title will represent his northern roots. He says the first album, produced by Turtle Island Music, was completed in eight months, which is a short period of time in the record industry.

Producer Kelly Parker said Turtle Island Music was pleased to add Leonard Adam's compact disc to the catalogue of Native entertainers they have recorded. "It's an awesome album. Leonard got a very complimentary review in a music magazine in which his style of music was compared to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers," he said. Positive responses were received from all over North America to his first album, as a lot of people really like Dene music.

"Leonard's music is modern and yet it definitely blends with a Native background that appeals to a great audience. He has a great future as a singer and songwriter and we'll welcome him back at any time to do another album."