http://www.achilles.net:80/~jmerriam/first_in.html
Would appreciate your feedback.
If you are interested in anything you see,contact SOAR RECORDS at toll free
phone number 1-800-890-SOAR.
For those of you who do not have web-site capabilities, I have enclosed the
following description:
FIRST NATIONS MUSIC INC.
WAWATAY RECORDINGS
3025 KENNEDY ROAD, UNIT 3A
SCARBOROUGH, ONTARIO
CANADA M1V 1S3
PHONE (416)291-7651
FAX (416)291-8962
A new recording company was formed in late 1993 to market and promote
recordings by the Native Artists.
The record company began when Lawrence Martin visited Nashville to cut demo
tapes; he met producer John Stewart, who, in turn, was intrigued by Native
legends and stories, and was traveling back and forth to Northern Ontario.
Stewart advised Martin to write and record material relating specifically
to his experiences.
Martin is one of the most visible members of Canada's First Nations
communities; Wawatay Communications, which he has headed for some six
years, is a co-operative venture that is the main communications link to
Native communities throughout much of Northern Canada. The organization
originates radio and television broadcasts and publishes newspapers in
three languages: Cree, Ojibway, and English.
"The mandate of First Nations Music is to develop new artists whose work
covers a wide spectrum of Native Culture," says Martin. "We will undertake
recordings of pop, rock, and country-based material by Native Artists----
as well as traditional music, chants, and spoken word projects. CD's, tapes
and videos will be produced in Native languages, as well as English and
French."
"Music is the most powerful way of spreading messages; this is a way to
continue the process of re-building our confidence and our self-image as a
proud nation. We want to communicate with everyone, both in Canada and
around the world---- our music is accessible, and our artists are
talented."
Vic Wilson adds," I am convinced that there is going to be very positive
International interest in what is being done."
THE SELECTIONS:
1/ Lawrence Martin - Wapistan is Lawrence Martin
2/ Wapistan (Lawrence Martin) - Message
* Music reflects Lawrence's culture, personality, and dreams, with an
invitation to share his journey.
* 1994 Juno Award winning album for Best Aboriginal Recording.
* Songs are sung in both the Cree and English Language.
* Country Folk musical style.
* Lawrence played the 1995 WOMAD Festival in Australia.
3/ Murray Porter - 1492 Who found Who
* Songs which tackle their subjects...from Columbus to the human effort to
triumph despite the odds.
* Songs are sung in English.
* Murray played the 1995 WOMAD Festival in Australia.
* Toronto Star/Mitch Potter says: "A powerful debut of blues, r'n'b and subtle
country stylings...makes Michael Bolton sound like a chipmunk."
4/ Legends I Am An Eagle - Various Artists
* 2 CDs or cassettes with over 2 hours of modern and traditional native
music with tales recited by Native Storytellers.
* Songs featuring, ElizaBeth Hill, Tammy Pierce, Leland Bell, Lawrence
Martin, Murray Porter, etc.
* Macleans Magazine/Nicholas Jennings says: " As both a musical compilation
and a collection of stories suitable for adults and children alike, Legends
is brimming with riches."
5/ WhiteTail Singers - Forever Dancing
6/ Whitetail Singers - From The Heart
* The songs of this Intertribal drum group, borne out of hard work and
dedication, are all original compositions with a unique and innovative
style reflecting the wonderful enthusiasm of the POW WOW Spirit.
* The group travels extensively throughout Canada and the United States as
invited guest drum and hosts to many social gatherings, including
conferences, POW WOWS, rallies and workshops.
* Host Drum at Toronto POW WOW 1995.
Regards,
Olie Kornelsen
oka@inforamp.net