| Friday, January 23, 2009 – Music Maker: Phillip John Aarnaquq Charette: (listen)
Phillip John Aarnaquq Charette calls upon his Yup’ik heritage to understand and master the sounds of the Native flute. His journey began when he was examining a traditional arctic hunting whistle. The sound commanded and directed him to pick up the Native flute to express his feelings and share his Yup’ik heart. Songs like “Tarvarnaurmken” and “Arctic Bird” present his Alaskan connection, while “Cherokee Love Song” echoes other parts of his life. Now a seasoned flute player and flute maker, Charette shares his fusion in his first solo CD “Arctic Voices.”
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 – Music Maker: Indigenous: (listen)
Over the years, Mato Nanji has provided the heartbeat and soul of the band Indigenous. His warm dusty voice and his soaring, spirited guitar fireworks earned the group from South Dakota 's Nakota Nation a place among the elite of roots rock. But with the emotionally charged and musically visceral new album titled “Broken Lands,” Mato has made a transformation from sparkplug to visionary. With his new band, Mato’s vocals, songwriting and even his riff-rocking, heart-thumping guitar playing have matured to a new level.
Friday, March 13, 2009 – Music Maker: Clan Destine II: (listen)
One of the premier Native American bands of the 90’s is back, and they are pumping out the sound of peace as they re-enter the circle. The Phoenix-based band Clan Destine II has a new release titled “Operation Peace.” The band is re-energized with a diverse mix of audio elements, including female vocals, blues, rock, hip-hop, reggae, a little honky-tonk, and the itchy scratch of the turntables. A warning to listeners: brace for a wild musical trip. Guests include Juan “Cano” Sanchez (Oglala Lakota/ Taos Pueblo) lead vocals and instruments, Chuck Harris (Hopi/Tohono O'odham) lead guitar, and David A. Montour (Mohawk) flute and bass guitar.
Monday, April 27, 2009 – Music Maker: Samantha Crain: (listen)
Choctaw Folk Singer Samantha Crain brings more of her riveting sound to Native America. In her debut LP “Songs in the Night” she extends the musical journey into the world of lyrical invigoration and sonic strength. In her words, the break of day and night bring new lessons about sight and security. With song titles like “Bananafish Revolution,” “Scissor Tales,” and “Devils in Boston,” the listener skips through the pillars of loss, indecision, and new spaces. What new adventures are waiting to begin? Join us for our Music Maker edition as we visit with Samantha Crain.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 – Music Maker: Plateros: (listen)
Levi Platero (Navajo) and his guitar have brought diverse audiences from tribal nations together to partake in the great world of Native blues. This family of musicians, Plateros, have released their second album, “Hang On.” When Levi picked up the Fender “Strat” some six years ago, his gift was released and since then his talent has only grown. As this group makes their way into many hearts, how has the blues kept these Navajo musicians close to their roots? Join us for our Music Maker edition as we sing the blues with Levi and Murphy Platero (Navajo).
Friday, June 12, 2009 – Music Maker: Cheevers Toppah & Kevin Yazzie: (listen)
The sounds of the southern plains and the lands of the southwest’s four sacred mountains come together in “Awakening of Life: Peyote Songs of the Kiowa and Diné.” The duo of Cheevers Toppah (Kiowa/Diné) and Kevin Yazzie (Diné) utilize unison and harmonized singing to inspire balance and guide the listener through the journey of life. The music of their Native heritage has guided them through many years of their life, often providing comfort and spiritual uplifting. Inspired by the world around them and the people they love, the sound of the rattle and the drum bring together teachings and lessons.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 – Music Maker: Red Lake Singers: (listen)
Six elder men from the Red Lake Nation of northern Minnesota share the old style of Ojibwe singing on their new CD titled “Old Times.” The members of the Red Lake Singers were taught some of these age-old powwow songs by their fathers, grandfathers and uncles. Other songs on the CD they created themselves in their younger years. They recorded these songs to ensure they are passed on to the upcoming generations. The songs they sing on this album connect listeners to a style that dates back to the 1920’s. Guests are group members Johnny Smith (Chippewa) and Joe "Tiny" Bellanger (Chippewa).
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 – Music Maker: Buffy Sainte-Marie: (listen)
When the world was introduced to the music of Buffy Sainte-Marie (Cree) several decades ago, the joys and struggles of Indigenous people were let loose. She is back with her unique voice and her latest CD “Running for the Drum.” This acclaimed singer/songwriter from Saskatchewan continues to stand up for Indigenous rights as she pursues her call to life, love, independence and creativity. From her home studio in Hawaii , Buffy has mixed her vibrant sound with the beats of pop, rock, dance, country and her signature activist anthems.
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 – Music Maker: Gary Farmer & the Troublemakers: (listen)
He is most known for his acting, but did you know Gary Farmer (Cayuga) plays a mean harmonica and belts out the blues? He and his band have a new CD out called “Homesick Blues” featuring some classic blues covers, and some original material. After providing Native and Aboriginal people with a strong voice in the media fields of film, television, radio and print, Farmer is now turning much of his attention to his music and continues to be a strong advocate of Native rights. What has this multi-talented artist singing the blues?
Monday, October 5, 2009 – Music Maker: Jerome Jim: (listen)
For many musicians, music is the rock that gets them through the storm. Jerome Jim of the Navajo Nation not only uses music as strength, but as a way to dream. In his recent release “Sometimes I Dream,” Jerome uses his flute to convey inner strength and beauty. The genre of classical music is once again lifted and refreshed by the energy of Native America. Classical pieces, hidden for nearly 120 years, are brushed off and revitalized as the notes are breathed into a new dream and era. Have you ever turned to music to keep your balance? Join us for October Music Maker.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009–Music Maker: Audiopharmacy (listen)
“U Forgot About Us,” the latest release by the soulful collective group Audiopharmacy once again weaves the music of Hip Hop, Reggae, Jazz and R&B to vocalize the struggles of indigenous peoples. Although the group takes on issues like negative environmental impacts and the quest for power and freedom, their sound easily encourages any thirsty ear to celebrate life and get up and dance. Guests include Audiopharmacy's recording artist Ras K'Dee of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians.
Thursday December 10, 2009– Music Maker: Asani: (listen)
When First Nations vocalists Debbie Houle (Cree Metis), Sarah Pocklington (Cree Metis) and Sherryl Sewepagaham (Little Red River Cree) come to the drum, Native tradition is strengthened and shared under the group's name Asani, which means “rock” in the Cree language. Through vocal artistry and rhythmic beat, their songs resonate as a junction between the sounds of yesterday and today. The blending of traditional First Nations vocals infused with the sounds of jazz, folk and blues take the listener to a beautiful and soulful place in their latest CD release “Listen.”
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