The view from the stage of the St. Petersburg Jazz Philharmonic.
On Thursday, April 19, 2012, R. Carlos Nakai (Native American flute), William Eaton (harp guitar), and Will Clipman (percussion) left Arizona for an eleven day, four concert tour of Russia.
CEC ArtsLink, in collaboration with the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress and with support from the U.S. State Department, brought five American music ensembles representing Native American, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, and country music to Russia for the Festival of Traditional American Music. This concert series is part of the American Seasons in Russia cultural program under the auspices of U.S-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission. The Nakai Trio represented the Native American music genre.
Will Clipman, who is a published poet, shares his impressions of his journey among the Russian people in the first of a four part series:
Long Lufthansa flight from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Finland. . . wet cold landing in St. Petersburg. . . glad I packed my jacket and hat in my carry-on. After breezing through passport checkpoint, I am met at baggage screening by a six-foot-two fiery redheaded Russian Amazon customs official who is all business and wants to know what is in all the suspicious-looking cases piled on my luggage trolley. . . grateful for the little bit of Russian I learned before leaving…I’m able to introduce myself in Russian: “Здравствуйте. Меня зовут Уилл. Я играю на барабанах. Это мои барабаны.” which is pronounced “Zdravstvootye. Menya zavoot Will. Ya ygraiyu na barabanax. Ehto maiyeen barabanax.” The English translation is, “Hello. My name is Will. I play the drums. These are my drums.” Her “Russian face” dissolves into a smile, she waves me through without screening. . . RC invites her to our concert.
Met by our tour manager Nastya Tolstaya and whisked by private van to the luxurious Corinthia Hotel in the heart of St. Petersburg. . . check in, hot shower, sleep. . . Interview and live on-air performance at Radio Petersburg the next morning, where the show host comments on the “almost tangible light flooding the studio” from our music. . . OK, he gets it! Great call-in questions from a curious audience, too. . . Sightseeing trip to the Russian Museum, followed by a sumptuous dinner of traditional central Asian cuisine at Restaurant Tarkhun, hosted by Susan Katz and Jane Lombard of CEC ArtsLink, capped off with a chilled tarragon vodka toast—magic green elixir!
Sightseeing trip to the Hermitage. . . re-group for load-in and sound-check at St. Petersburg Jazz Philharmonic—show completely sold-out—concert met with rapt attention (albeit unaccustomed mid-performance audience photography?!), standing ovations, and multiple encores, followed by a mob-scene at the meet-and-greet—would have been scary if not for the obvious good will of the crowd. . . load-out and van ride to a lovely private reception at Jane Lombard’s apartment with U.S. Consul General Bruce I. Turner and invited guests. . . pleasantly exhausted and buzzed, back to Corinthia for hot shower and sleep.
Depart for airport next morning, four-hour Rossiya Airlines flight to Ekaterinburg. . . .
~With much gratitude to Thea Austen of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, Susan Katz of CEC ArtsLink, and, of course, our guardian angel Nastya Tolstaya.
Nakai, Eaton and Clipman have released four albums for Canyon Records: Feather, Stone & Light, Red Wind, In A Distant Place (with Nawang Khechog), and Dancing into Silence. The last two titles were Grammy nominees for Best New Age Album. Will Clipman is a six-time Grammy nominee.
Violet Duncan dancing before the camera for Nelly Furtado's newest video, Big Hoops (Bigger the Better)"
Canyon Records Native American flutist and hoop dancer Tony Duncan recently appeared in the new Nelly Furtado video, “Big Hoops (Bigger the Better)”. Tony’s wife Violet (pictured above) and brother Kevin also appeared in the video.
Today, Tony and Kevin are flying to London to shoot promotional spots with Ms. Furtado on British television talk shows This Morning on ITV and Alan Carr: Chatty Man show for Channel 4, and then will fly to Las Vegas to begin rehearsals with the Canadian singer for an appearance on the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday, May 20, 2012 (8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. EST on ABC).
Duncan (Apache/Mandan-Arikara-Hidatsa) just released a new Native American flute recording, Earth Warrior, which includes a track featuring a story in Apache told by his father, Ken Duncan. Earth Warrior is on the Canyon Records label.
Multi-platinum global superstar Nelly Furtado will release her fifth album, The Spirit Indestructible, on June 19th, 2012. “Big Hoops (Bigger the Better)”, co-written by Ms. Furtado and Rodney Jerkins, is the first single released from that album.
Tony Duncan was personally selected by Ms. Furtado who reviewed video of hoop dancers. Tony and Kevin are both world championship hoop dancers and regularly perform the hoop dance together. Tony is a member of Estun-Bah (which is Apache meaning “for the woman”), a popular Arizona trio featuring Duncan on Native American flute, Darrin Yazzie (Navajo) on guitar and Jeremy Dancing Bull (Mandan-Arikara-Hidatsa) on drums. Estun-Bah has released From Where the Sun Rises for Canyon Records.
Ms. Furtado co-wrote each song on The Spirit Indestructible, which, in keeping with her musically eclectic nature, finds her working with collaborators from across the musical spectrum, including hip-hop songwriter-producer Salaam Remi (Ms. Furtado’s “The Night is Young”, Nas), pop songwriter-producer Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Lady Gaga), veteran metal producer Bob Rock (Metallica), Dutch DJ and EDM producer Tiesto, rock songwriter and producer John Shanks, and Jamaican reggae producer Da Genius.
A deluxe version of the album will feature several bonus tracks, including Ms. Furtado’s collaborations with Fraser T. Smith (Adele), producer and Passion Pit lead singer Mike Angelakos, and a track featuring the Kenyan Boys Choir produced by Ms. Furtado.
The Spirit Indestructible is Ms. Furtado’s first English-language studio album since 2006’s double-platinum Loose, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, received multi-platinum certification in 32 countries, and sold 10 million copies worldwide. Loose also generated three hit singles including the No. 1’s “Promiscuous” and “Say It Right”, both of which earned Ms. Furtado Grammy Award nominations.
Of Portuguese descent, the Canadian-born singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist has enjoyed a successful career as a multi-language superstar. By embracing different cultures and genres, she has defined musical diversity for a new generation since releasing in 2000 her debut double-platinum Whoa, Nelly!, which featured “I’m Like A Bird”. This initial release was followed in 2003 by Folklore, whose “Forca” became the official anthem of the 2004 European Cup Football Championship. In 2009, she released her first Spanish-language album, the Latin Grammy Award-winning Mi Plan, which reached No. 1 on the U.S. Latin Billboard chart and swept Canada’s Juno awards with five wins, including Album of the Year.
Ms. Furtado has sold more than 16 million albums and 18 million singles worldwide. She has received a Grammy Award, a Latin Grammy Award, a BRIT Award, World Music Award, and 10 Juno awards.
Tony, Violet (Plains Cree), and Kevin can be seen in rehearsal with Ms. Furtado:
From right: R. Carlos Nakai and Pam Hyde Nakai with hosts Raquel Gómez and Jose Sánchez with their infant Kuge (in stroller not shown) sightseeing in Segovia, Spain.
Canyon Records artists Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai and harp-guitarist William Eaton recently toured Spain. On March 18, R.C. and William gave a private performance for the Escuela Wu Chi in Madrid hosted by José Sánchez and Raquel Gómez who collected comments from the listeners which are shared here (translated from Spanish except as noted):
1. Antonio - This evening we started to listen to R. Carlos Nakai music. I put it on as background before taking Blanca (3 years old) to bed. We normally tell her a story, but this time I just told her, “Listen, can you hear it?” She made a gesture to say yes. Then she entered into peripheral look and began to make something like drawing in the air, afterwards she ran her hand over her face in a very delicate way, as someone who is caressing to him/herself with a feather that can reach very deep. This time there were no words, we kept quiet in a special way, very soon she fell asleep. Later on my partner came, still the music was on and something similar happened to her. Certainly it has Something really special, it penetrates very deep and awake, make something inside move and I’ve only listened to it “today”. Thanks for approaching us to what fills us with Life.
2. Susana- As Toño (Antonio) is saying, when I arrived home last night, R. Carlos Nakai music was on as background and it captivated me. I asked him to keep it on until I fell placidly asleep. Now while I am writing this, I am listening to it and it is a great pleasure. The sound of his “magic” flute transmits to me a special sensation, difficult to describe. “Sensation of moving to another place where I find myself in peace”. If a recording makes such a deep impression, how will it be to listen to it live! Thanks a lot to Raquel and Jose for this wonderful gift.
3. Juan- I’ve been listening to R. Carlos Nakai music, who I didn’t know, and I must say that it is wonderful. I’ve spent the whole evening listening to him and his music takes me to the American Far West with simplicity, humbly and from the Spirit. I thank you for this chance you are giving to us by bringing to this Great Artist to Escuela Wu Chi.
4. Mayte- Since I Heard about R. Carlos Nakai visit in Madrid, I am listening to his music every day and I can imagine how beautiful may be to listen to him and feel him close. Thank you, Jose and Raquel, for making this, your dream, a beautiful reality that we all will have the chance to enjoy in this concert.
5. Gloria García- There is something very special in this music, and if the music normally makes me move, this reaches much further. As Martha Graham said, it is music of the blood. I feel it as universal music, it is a sister music. Catalina (9 years old) loves it. I thought I would go alone, but I will share it with my children. Thanks to Jose and Raquel for sharing this gift.
Palacio Real de Madrid.
6. José M.- When I’ve listened to this music I’ve felt a deep relaxation and a sensation similar to meditation. No doubt it connects us to something bigger. Thanks to Jose and Raquel for sharing your dream.
7. Juan- His music is really wonderful, it is like he would caress silences. I cannot wait for the performance so I’m running to FNAC to buy his CD.
8. Belén- Since Jose told us about the possibility of this performance, I sought for his music and it goes with me. No matter what happens in my everyday life, when his music is on the time stops and my head is clear. It is meditation without closing eyes, opening ears and awakening senses. It takes me to distant landscapes, wide sunny plains, to cozy sounds, well-known sounds, like old memories. It is a beating of Nature, of life in its origin, it evokes freedom and greatness. Many thanks to Jose and Raquel for sharing with all of us this gift and this opportunity to enjoy it live. No doubt it will be unforgettable. THANKS.
9. Chema- This is going to be a very special occasion to enjoy a unique meeting. Sure we will be able to Live that music and its message. Thanks for giving us this opportunity.
10. Gema- In my mind I keep a pleasant memory from bright spring days, when in my village I would place a big sound system on the outside of my bedroom window. The music was on full volume with a mix of songs that were recorded from radio. There was one in particular that I loved and was repeating many times in the same cassette tape. I was in the patio with my arms resting against the fence that is separating my house from next property. I would look at the green landscape and I would get lost in the blue sky horizon while my favorite song was on. My dog would come and he would place close to me; getting up on his back legs, he would place the front ones on the same fence, with his hands next to mine. He was as tall as I was and while I was hugging him, he could smell and listen to that horizon that only I reached to see. We would spend the time together and my favorite song would sound again. That music was so loud that it could be listened from a great distance. A neighbor in the village and a goats shepherd used to tell me that I was putting on a lovely music and they used to ask me what was it. I couldn’t answer because I didn’t know. Here I’ve discovered that the song I loved so much is called Precious Waters and it is played by a man called R. Carlos Nakai. Now I am not living there anymore, that shepherd already died and so my dog did, but my memory of them is still alive in my heart. So, sincerely, Thanks!
Madrid street view.
11. Aurora- Many thanks for sharing this so intimate and personal performance with us. I’ve been listening to Nakai for about a year and he has been with me until now and he will be, thanks to Raquel´s suggestion. His music evokes purity and the strength of distant lands that are home of great much ancestral wisdom. Specially with his album Desert Dance (my favorite) he makes me travel to the unknown West, to the desert, and I have the feeling of belonging to a tribe. I surrender to his dream world and connection to Nature. THANKS!
12. Enrique- R. Carlos Nakai music has been connected to my practice for years, as I feel I perform my kata [exercises] in a very different way with those chords as background. Specially when I put on Flight Song, a song of power for me, where automatically it is not me who is making the movement anymore. Something is moving me. Slowly, rhythmic, subtle. For all this for me the day March 18th for a long has been remarked as a very special date and no wonder. First Nakai appeared on stage, and with each flute blow it seemed that I was inflating little by little. High-pitched, low, slow, fast… each one of them seemed to enter my body in a different way. Afterwards Eaton came out, with each touch of the strings of his guitar he was making me vibrate. I was pleasantly surprised since for me, although I had been listening to him so many times, he was unknown. Indeed I thought that strings sounds in CD´s were produced by several musicians. When I saw him appearing with such an instrument, knowing he had made it himself and hearing notes coming out in such a way. Dumbfounded. And then playing both together. Indescribable. It is so natural that I came out feeling full and vibrant. It is amazing to be in front of these two people, feeling what they can transmit and how they can touch us if we are open and receptive. I have something “inside” since Sunday that it is difficult to explain. Many thanks to all of you that have made possible such a gift.
13. Nuria- With first songs of R. Carlos Nakai by himself I was moved, my eyes were filled with tears. Then W. Eaton came out, with his special contribution to music with that harp guitar that made me be delighted. The moment in which we made the accompaniment while R. C. Nakai was playing and singing seemed magic to me. For an instant I thought that the room with all of us inside, was going to lift up. Time seemed to go so quickly. Sometimes I would look at the stage and I would say to myself, “This is not a CD, this is him in the flesh.” It was incredible to me, so thanks to the musicians, to Jose and Raquel for this precious dream and to the Universe that has conspired to make it possible.
14. Susana González (in English)- Sunday 18th was really special. I was already feeling different as the moment was approaching. The chosen place, “the best”. I enjoyed it a lot. I enjoyed watching them, listening to them. What struck me most was the delicacy of their movements with their beautiful music instruments. That care was transmitted through their music. From the beginning I felt like leaning and closing my eyes. Their music calms me down, tickles me, makes me go into light sleep. By listening the rustles, I wouldn’t be able to describe, but it was something special, really deep. I also found great the atmosphere that was created by all of us taking part, it sounded very very well. It is true, time went so quickly. Heartfelt thanks again to Raquel and to Jose for this gift. R. Carlos Nakai & William Eaton, Thank you for your presence.
15. Manuel Javier (in English)- Last Christmas my 7 year old niece came home. In certain moment we put on a R. Carlos Nakai CD (Earth Spirit). Some minutes after she lied down, with nobody saying to her, without sleeping, but serene, with no words. This is something really unusual for her because she is very hyperactive. Her mother was astonished because of the effect of the music. Already in the concert last Sunday I closed my eyes shortly after it began and I kept focused in feeling the music. There were passages in which a shiver was running all over my spine. Without knowing why, I found I was making two mudrās [a spiritual gesture usually performed with the hands and fingers] that we are practicing in Escuela Wu Chi as a part of Energy Techniques: the Projection mudrā and the one of Sobriety. I want to thank R. Carlos Nakai and to William Eaton for their presence in Madrid and to Raquel and José for having shared their dream with all of us. R. Carlos, I will hear your music forever!
Facade of the Segovia Cathedral in Segovia, Spain.
16. Susana- First notes of R. Carlos Nakai took me to different scenes according to the flute and the chords he was playing. It seemed to be as in a dream, I was walking through a high bare mountain, a green dense jungle and a beach into the wind. Later I passed through moments of much awareness, but also through absences that I wouldn’t be able to define. In the end I felt opened, capable of reminding of facts and expressing desires and feelings in a fluent and sincere way. Best wishes and many thanks to everybody.
17. Álvaro- Long ago I listened to Nakai for the first time in his album Improvisations in Concert. Since that first time his melody has accompanied me and has made me understand that music is not only about notes but it can awake subtle sensations in us and take us beyond our personal universe. With Nakai and Eaton music is not only listened. It is seen, it is touched, it is felt, it is savored. They manage to make the figure and the instrument disappear and only the moment made music remains. Thanks a lot to Eaton and Nakai for holding back time for one hour and a half and filling it with magic, with energy, with present. Thanks to Raquel and Jose for this wonderful gift.
18. Sonia- Twelve years ago I was given a Native American Flute album, Canyon Trilogy, by R. Carlos Nakai. It has always been a helpful CD. Last summer, after going to Somosierra for La Tierra Viva (The Alive Earth) workshop, I came back to this album, Nakai´s music had a different meaning for me. It is about the life of human animal, his breath, it can move it. It helps me to restore the inner breath presence. Before I used to listen the flute, now I listen to the sounds that light an inner way connected to Earth. Thanks Eaton and Nakai for this way. Thanks Raquel and Jose for sharing your dream.
19. Chema- The experience in day 18th is one of those that remain and mark. Everything was a contribution for it to be a great moment. Let’s hope we have again the chance to enjoy it and live it. Thanks to all of you that somehow you made it possible.
20. Juan (in English)- R. Carlos Nakai and William Eaton´s music is fantastic itself and being able to listen to them in person is a peerless experience, but besides, being able to enjoy them in the lucky conditions we had for listening to them: among friends, no fewer than in El Escorial and in such a special place, it is something almost magic. It has been an experience that I will keep with fondness where I keep the memory from the treasures that I have been fortunate enough to enjoy. Thanks Raquel and Jose for making it possible and let´s hope you keep creating treasures like this one. Thanks to Mr. Nakai and Mr. Eaton. Your music has made my life richer.
21. Julián- I have no words that can be even alike to the music that was our honor to listen to, so I just can say: THANKS.
22. Antonio- More than a performance it seemed like a journey, an inner journey where sometimes I could touch the deepest. Thanks for this music for Inner Self. Amazing the presence that they could transmit and how they were letting themselves go. Sometimes it looked like they were the instruments and something bigger blew and played through them. What a delicacy to treat their instruments with! The place great, it was special that we all could sing together. Time flew. Many thanks to Raquel and Jose for it great gift. Thanks R. Carlos Nakai and William Eaton for the magic transmitted.
23. Rubén- I felt taken to places I’ve ever seen before, I felt the storm coming like an energy that was filling me with silence, respect and gratitude to Nature. Time went surprisingly quickly. Back home there were still passages sounding inside my head and they were keeping me in a state of calm attention and satisfaction. Many thanks for an unforgettable evening.
24. Angela- The presence of these two musicians has been and is being a boost for me to live more awaken. When I arrived at the performance I could get a feeling of magic, something simple and full of strength was around us. Seeing feeling to R. Carlos Nakai is pure subtlety. Seeing feeling to William Eaton, an animal full of elegance with the respect and admiration that the word “animal” means for me. The complicity and unity between both could be seen. Quite a learning. Thankful for all directions.
25. Beate- Beloved Raquel, beloved José! Many thanks again for organizing the private performance with R.Carlos Nakai and William Eaton. It has been wonderful, inspiring, magic and supreme. Discovering also the musician William Eaton has been totally rewarding and superb. What a good musical duet! My friends have been delighted as me and we’ve come out form the concert with such a high spirit!! Thanks a lot…
26. Aurora (in English)- Nakai and W. Eaton (two real music whizzes), close, genuine and unique. Their sensitivity in speaking, playing and feeling the music was something special for me. Time perception vanished away and it looked like they had been playing for only 20 minutes. I didn’t want to believe that the performance was about to finish, I wanted more. The place where they were playing had something that together with them and their music made everybody vibrate in harmony. Wonderful concert. I found W.Eaton´s instrument (I fondly call it guitarpa) prodigious not only how he was playing it, but the fact that he has made himself, no words. Thank you so much for your presence that was a present for all of us.
27. Juanma- I didn’t know of R. Carlos Nakai nor William Eaton, I didn’t know of their music either, and when the Escuela through José and Raquel commented the possibility of enjoying a concert-meditation together with them the first thing I did was to listen to their music. It had something, something different. I cannot describe, but that´s how I felt it. In the concert-meditation I felt a very special atmosphere, but my personal circumstances were not the best in that day, even so, I felt two people with a brutal presence. It was different from the way I had idealized it, but what I am sure about is that the two weeks after the concert have had a special “magic”, many things have happened. I feel they had nourished me “almost accidentally”. It is incredible. Thanks to both and of course to the Escuela.
28. Laura- I feel like being home before the musicians that can connect directly to their Being through their music. Thanks to Jose and Raquel for affording us the opportunity of having this meditative musical experience and of course to the musicians for their talent and power.
29. David MF (in English)- I discovered R. Carlos Nakai´s music 2-3 years ago and for me it is a real luxury to have had the chance to listen to them live and the fact that Great Spirit has wanted them to play in a private concert for our Escuela. No doubt, I believe that having afforded all of us this opportunity is part of a well done work. During the concert time stopped existing and generated a very nice unity in which everything was vibrating in unison. Since that moment and forever both Eaton and Nakai will be in my Heart. Nakai & Eaton: IN BEAUTY, WE RETURN. Thanks! Raquel and Jose: Thanks !!!
30. Mayte- Concert-meditation and initiation, expectant words that had a resonance inside of me. Simple, vibrating little flute sounds, R.C. Nakai introduction, they already got nothing in my mind to be distracted even for a moment from what was happening there. My posture was lining up, my heart and my body were being opened. I enjoyed feeling each note, looking at each gesture, as delicate as the voice, which was entering me and making me shudder. William Eaton with such an elegant and sensitive way to express with his instrument as a part of himself. And the union between both of them, their complicity, their smiles, their Spanish words, their generosity and their humbleness as a fruit of years of labor and enjoyment. And with everybody in those sung stanzas making up a collective meditation with no time nor space, only sound and silence. I thank Raquel and to Jose for the organization and the way of giving shape to that dream of both which now will pass to be of everyone. I hope we´ll be able to listen to these two great masters in Spain! We are sincerely waiting for you!
31. Teresa- I remember Nakai-Eaton’s meditation-concert as a thorough clean. First notes made me deeply shudder and took me to a close intimate place, a very familiar and also remote place, like an ancestral womb. It was a short moment, from then on I found myself immersed into an intense inner fight, with an annoying pain in my abdomen and a really agitated mental state. I was making effort to get mental peace, now I understand that effort was just what maybe was keeping me apart from it. In the final moment there was again a moment of releasing and enjoying. Actually I wanted them to go on playing more and more. After the concert I realized that even into the agitation, a bit of silence had been there deep inside all the time and somehow I had got soaked with the harmony, the beauty, the unity, the sacred dialogue of Nakai and Eaton through their music. I also could recognize that in the background I had been accompanied by a sensation of complicity and fondness towards the people aside, which I didn’t know. When it was finished and I talked to these people I felt infected by their well being and it was like if I was suddenly awaken from my particular nightmare to the lightness and confidence that had been there available and close. It also seems like in my restlessness something that I needed to understand had been processing: the value of generosity. Already before coming into the hall and even some hours before, when we met in the Escuela, I had been surprised by the beauty and cleanliness of all the people that were waiting for the concert. After going out I could also sense it and I felt full of energy and vitality, of good mood and freshness, so clean! The following day was really special, full of love, clarity and strength. I felt so grateful that I have been able to share with the Escuela this unique event and I thank you all who were contributing with your excitement all the time. Jose, Raquel, I thank you and encourage you to organize a new concert-meditation (-“initiation”). R. Carlos Nakai, William Eaton, thanks for the cleaning and regeneration that came with your music and for that that has remained deeply registered although I don´t know what is it. I hope you will come back soon.
32. Gema- I want to share with everyone my feelings around the performance. For me this performance started already much before the day March 18. And in the previous days the nervousness was growing up. Finally the day came and after the class we embarked on the journey. I was feeling joy because I had loved the class I received that morning. I felt happy that I was going to see some artists live. I was sensing certain restlessness because I always get nervous before a performance I am going to see even if it is not me who is performing. And I also had a sensation between sweet and bitter since some friends were leaving to Egypt and I was not yet. In order to make the wait shorter I went into a hall at street-level to see an exposition of photographs of Madrid and there I could find, besides shelter from cold, a TV monitor that “by chance”, was showing a documentary about Egypt and I was pleased for those friends of mine. On leaving that hall I saw a German shepherd dog with its owner woman and when I came close to caress it, it jumped and placed its two legs on my chest. Its owner was surprised and she exclaimed “Ala!” and I answered to her that I didn’t mind. The dog was so clean, it was soft, warm, claiming for its caresses, I gave my love to it, I spoke to it for a while, I reminded of my dog and what I had commented in this place just a few days ago, I embraced it before saying good bye and I surrendered to the destiny. I also were enraptured by all the people that were gathering, all of them members of a same circle making up a family in which, despite some are far away, I keep feeling them close, and despite some others were not physically present, they were also somehow. I was a bit overwhelmed by all this and since I knew the best was still about to come, finally I decided to come in. And when I did it Jose welcomed me and Raquel accommodated me (¡thanks!). The energy and architecture of that place was so surprising to me. It reminded me a lot of a stay in monastery of Poio [a monastery in North Spain where some Escuela Wu Chi Tai Chi workshops used to take place]. And I had a clear feeling of tranquility and erudition, it was like being in a refectory. I gave myself like a child to the stage, the artists, what was happening between them. I experienced their instruments sound as a projection of themselves but raise to the power of infinite. I loved how the combined the effects they added to the sound. I even seemed to see them making mudras with their fingers! I enjoyed clapping and listening to clap, singing and listening to sing. I could recognize the own personality in each instrument, being the little flute like an awaken baby that open your heart and the biggest one like a wise grandmother that takes you to other worlds by telling you stories, caressing you with her voice. As for R. Carlos and William, their speech calmed me down like a friend´s hand and their chant penetrated me like the master advice. I couldn’t understand linguistically what they were saying but it didn’t matter because I felt that their breath was making vibrate my inside. And as everything arrives and passes, this passed too but not without a trace and during a week after I was singing every day, celebrating the fact of having met new way fellows. Even to this day they are still present. Thanks so much to everything that has made it possible.
33. Lola- I had listened to R. Carlos Nakai´s music in the Escuela when Jose has put it on, it seemed wonderful to me, but the performance has been special. Incredible, I could feel the music all over my being, I think I have discovered what is to be very present, something to fill yourself, to feel it in each pore of your skin and to be transported by it. THANKS, for this such a big and beautiful gift and THANKS, R. Carlos Nakai and William Eaton. Thanks Raquel and Jose for sharing it.
Thursday, April 19, 2012, the day of departure for arrival in St. Petersburg, Russia on Friday morning April 20th and a day of thankful downtime at the Grand Hotel Corinthia. We briefly met our hosts and travel companions to discuss the nature of this tour. Curiosity and some trepidation reigned, but more than adequate pre-planning dispelled our concerns.
Saturday, April 22 saw breakfast, tours of local sites, radio and television interviews then load-in and sound check. The curtain rose at 7:00 p.m. to begin the Trio’s performance experience that would include three concerts in other cities. The all too polite audience’s response, at first, was replaced with delightfully overwhelming applause and numerous encores throughout our tour. The meet and greets, receptions and impromptu gifting were surprising. We later realized “The R. Carlos Nakai Trio‘s“ improvisatory performances, were already well-known in Russia.
Our performance spaces varied from small concert halls to notable jazz clubs. The end of winter’s chill and the timing of our tour caught us before the seasonal air conditioner start-ups, but we persisted in playing our best shows despite the stifling conditions. Sweat lodge anyone?
Taking cues from our audience response, additions and changes to our prepared set list encouraged us to remark that “this performance is just for you and will never be performed anywhere else”.
The usual touring exasperation and frustrations dogged us, but our personal guide Nastya allayed those fears instinctively and with finesse. On Sunday, April 29, the early morning thunderstorm and the slow rush to the airport felt as if the spirit elders wanted our presence just one more time. Needless to say, we had a great time visiting Russia and we hope to again return dancing into dreamtime.
Navajo singer Radmilla Cody is the recipient of the 2012 National Treasure & Icon of Cultural Unity – Salute to Black History Maker by Initiative Radio. Listen to Angela McKenzie’s interview with Radmilla Cody.
Cody was crowned the 46th Miss Navajo Nation Miss in 1997 and is the only Miss Navajo Nation to have an African-American parent. Cody is also the subject of the independent documentary, Finding Radmilla, which is reaching international audiences through the film festival circuit.
Cody was raised on the Navajo reservation and is the granddaughter of Dorothy Cody, and the daughter of Margaret Cody of the Dine and the late Earl Davis who was African-American. Cody consistently cites her grandmother Dorothy as the guiding force in her life because of her unconditional love for her mixed-race granddaughter, despite family pressure and criticism from the greater community.
Her most recent release for Canyons Records, Shi Keyah – Songs for My People, is a collection of traditional style songs composed by Cody and her uncle, the noted songmaker Herman Cody.
To learn more about Radmilla Cody’s music, tour schedule and other activities visit www.radmillacody.net.
Last month Canyon Records produced a special recording in which the artist was in Afghanistan, the producer in San Francisco and the production team in Phoenix (see December 21, 2011 post). We’re happy to announce that Canyon Records artist, Ruben Watan who has sung with Young Bird, has safely returned from Afghanistan to his new base at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Ruben is serving with the U.S. Army. Welcome home, Ruben!
For a quarter century, R. Carlos Nakai has brought the traditional Native American flute into the classical world performing with symphonies, chamber orchestras, chamber ensembles, and classical soloists in a diverse range of settings. His performance of James DeMars’ Two World Concerto with the Utah Philharmonia (conducted by Robert Baldwin) was recently ranked one of the top ten 2011 classical concerts in Utah by critic Edward Reichel:
“Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai joined the Philharmonia and conductor Robert Baldwin for a mesmerizing performance of James DeMars’ Two World Concerto. The work deftly combines Western classical music traditions with Native American idioms in a compelling and fascinating work. And Nakai brought a sense of spirituality to his soulful playing. This was a deeply moving and heartfelt performance.”
Reichel’s review of the concert was headlined “R. Carlos Nakai in Breathtaking Performance with Utah Philharmonia” and described the artist and composition:
“Nakai is an amazing performer. He brought wonderful expressiveness and lyricism to his playing [of the Two World Concerto]. Watching him one could see that for him this was more than just a concert. This was no mere music making. This was a ritual. He brought spirituality and profound feeling to the music. Nakai brought the audience with him on this journey of the soul. It was moving, mesmerizing and ethereal.
“DeMars does a remarkable job bringing western and Native American cultures together in this work. He evokes a different world and time. The distinctive sound of the wooden flute, which was amplified in order to be heard over the orchestra, cast an aura of mysticism that grew in intensity as the work progressed. And while the three movements are fraught with heart wrenching feeling, it is the slow movement that is the most otherworldly. Time stands still here and Nakai captured the serenity and peace that DeMars created in this movement beautifully.
Nakai will perform with the Tucson Symphony (conducted by George Hanson) on Friday, February 10, 2012 (8:00 p.m.) and Sunday, February 12, 2012 (2:00 p.m.) at the Tucson Music Hall. Nakai will perform James DeMars’ Desert Solitude composed for the celebration of Arizona’s Centennial. For more information: TucsonSymphony.org.
Alexis Santos (left) works with Stephen Butler (center on laptop screen) as Ruben Watan's performance is recorded over a phone patch directly to ProTools.
Canyon Records recently produced a unique recording session that involved participants in Afghanistan, San Francisco, and Phoenix.
The session featured Ruben Watan, who has appeared on the Canyon Records label with Young Bird, singing a round dance song from Afghanistan where he serves with the U.S. Army.
Ruben connected via phone patch to the Canyon Records studio where producer Kristen Butler and engineer Alexis Santos oversaw the recording with executive producer Stephen Butler managing the session via video conferencing from San Francisco.
Ruben, Cheyenne-Arapaho from Weatherford, Oklahoma, recorded his favorite round dance song for a special album of veterans’ songs to be released in 2012 as part of Canyon Records 60th Anniversary Celebration.
Ruben is a Canyon Records artist who participated with the powerhouse Southern drum Young Bird on five Canyon releases: Deja Vu, Down 4 Life, Word Up, Rendezvous, and the Grammy-nominatedChange of Life.
When Ruben was deployed to Iraq on an earlier tour of duty he connected with Canyon Records through Kristen Butler who mentioned to executive producer Stephen Butler that a Canyon Records artist was serving overseas in a war zone. Stephen invited Ruben to contribute a song to the veterans’ album project and wanted to record it from where Ruben was based.
The inclusion of Ruben’s song is to honor his sacrifice for his country and to emphasize that Ruben continues the tradition of military service in the Native American community which is the highest on a per capita basis of any group in the U.S.
The entire Canyon Records family is proud of Ruben’s service and hopes for his safe and quick return home.
Passion, Fire & Grace by Gabriel Ayala and Will Clipman received recognition as the Best International Album from the 2011 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. Other Canyon Records nominees in this category were Tribute to the Old Timers by Pipestone and From Where the Sun Rises by Estun-Bah.
The Gift of Life by Randy Wood was a nominee for Best Hand Drum Album.
The Best International Album category is the only category in the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards open to non-Canadians.
The winners were announced at the 13th Annual Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards on Friday, November 18 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Toronto, Ontario.
The Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards program is developed and coordinated by Aboriginal people from across Canada and is open to First Nations, Inuit and Metis artists with a special category open to non-Canadians. The mission of the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards is to acknowledge and honour the keepers, teachers, promoters, creators and performers of Aboriginal music, to continue to develop and promote the diversity of all Aboriginal music, to showcase and celebrate the excellence of Aboriginal music, and to recognize the unique vision of Aboriginal musicians and encourage this rich cultural voice.
Canyon Records artists received five Native American Music Awards (Nammys) at the Thirteenth Annual Native American Music Awards at the October 7, 2011 ceremony in Niagara Falls, New York:
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