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Page 11
Review
White Buffalo
Robert Tree Cody
and Rob Wallace
with Will Clipman;
Canyon Records, 1996.
White Buffalo is a new collaborative project created to pay tribute to
the spirit of the buffalo, the earth and legend and prophecy. It has
been packaged into a 13-track disc with a total running time of 56
minutes.
The recording tells of the significance of the birth of Miracle, the
first white female buffalo born in over 60 years. The recording
describes the plight of Aboriginal existence in these times.
Tree Cody's talent is without fault. As an artist he is part of a
growing legion of "new" flute players. Some of the songs on the disc
are based on old traditional melodies, but are played without the old
methods. Each piece is dedicated to a nation or segment of society.
Designed for play during those long moments of inner reflection and
meditation, White Buffalo is another New Age soother to help fill the
scented air in the book and crystal medicine shops.
If you're not familiar with this genre, White Buffalo is a good place
to start, but if you are familiar, then it's same old, same old.
White Buffalo is currently being herded around Canada by First Nations
Music: (416)291-7651 or 8962.
Noble Heart
Jack Gladstone
Independent, 1996
Noble Heart teases the listener with refrains of familiar melodies.
The singing and guitar-playing on "Old Meadow Hightree" sounds so much
like a young Gordon Lightfoot that I had to look again at the album
credits.
However, aside from a few familiar sounding chords here and there, Jack
Gladstone's music is thoughtful, touching, honest, relaxed, and fun.
The backup musicians and session players fill out the overall sound to
give Gladstone's material a character that can't be ignored.
Take, for example, two acoustic-lounge-blues numbers. "Hudson Bay
Blues" describes the old trading company's impact on the Balckfoot
nation. "Ow, That's Hot" displays the gentle humor of the storyteller.
"Navajo Code Talkers" is a seven-minute tribute honoring the sacrifices
and contributions made during the Second World War by the Navajo people
on behalf of the colonial state.
Within the song is a bridge called the "Changing Woman Suite" which
contains some words from the veterans themselves.
The sentimental lament of "Old Shep" tells of a vigil kept by a canine
for his human companion who has passed away. The song, based on a true
story, illuminates the dong's friendship, patience and loyalty.
"Pray For The Mother" is a reminder of where we all come from and the
respect that must be nurtured for the women that brought us life.
"Bright Path" is a tribute to athlete Jim Thorpe.
Closing the album is the title song based on the traditional Blackfoot
myth of Pola who travels to the lodge of the Sun to win the love of a
girl.
Noble Heart is a surprising little charmer that's worth the effort to
try and get. Contact: Hawkstone Productions, P,O. Box 7626, Kalispell,
Montana 59904 (1-800-735-2965).
Sacred Ground
Jesse Lee
Independent; 1996.
One of the freshest country sounds enhanced by provocative and
thoughtful lyrics comes from Jesse Lee, a Metis singer recording in
British Columbia.
The Compact Disc opens with a country swing number called "Metis Rose."
"Walkin' the White Line", banned from interior B.C. airplay during the
Gustafsen Lake stand off last summer, tells of children being taken from
the nation. The title song is an overview of this same subject matter.
Though much of the material on the album is well written with
thought-provoking twists, these qualities are exemplified in "Happy Go
Lucky". "Canadian Red and White" draws on Metis history and culture.
"Red River Cart Interlude" is a sweet little fiddle tune that introduces
"Red River Cart" describing the changes that have occurred in Metis
life.
The historical lament, "Geronimo" is an impassioned composition with a
good storytelling quality. Country fans will not be disappointed, but
the only real let-down was the "Friendship Song" whichplays like a
feel-good anthem for the bottlers of a multinational soft drink.
There is an abundance of good material on this CD from a talented
singer and songwriter. Contact 12th Street Records, Tom Lee Music
Building, Suite 502, 929 Granville St., Vancouver, BC. V6Z 1L3.
End Notes: Aaron Peter's new album, Don't Say Reality (Independent) is
hot off the presses and shows promise for this talented young songwriter
who has yet to realize his full potential. With string, horn and piano
arrangements and a good producer, he'll do well.
For a listen: Bannock Breathrun, 265 Chalmers Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba
R2L 0G1.
Please send submissions for airplay and-or review to: Brian
Wright-McLeod, 116 Spadina Ave., Suite 201, Toronto, Ont. M5K 2K6
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