Pow-Wow Thunder

The pow-wow music scene is prolific and increasingly popular. Several more CDs came out in recent weeks, that will appeal to Native American music fans.

From the heart of Oklahoma, Thunder Hill delivers their second album with Canyon Records, For the Love, a collection of Southern Plains songs. Comprised of many of the best singers of the southern Plains from diverse backgrounds. Thunder Hill has rapidly emerged as one of the most compelling drums on the pow-wow trail. "For the Love" delivers spectacular Southern Plains singing and drumming that celebrates the love of their culture, their drum and the unity of all Native peoples. Thunder Hill was formed by Cheevers Toppah (Kiowa/Navajo) and Alex E. Smith (Sauk & Fox/Pawnee).

Recorded ‘live’ at the 96th Annual Shiprock Navajo Fair, Bring Your Feathers In! by Blackstone (Cree) showcases the brilliant singing and songmaking of lead singers Terry and Randy Paskemin. For two decades Blackstone has been central to the growth of pow-wow singing throughout North America. Their singing and innovative Cree style has influenced many other singers reaching far beyond their homeland in Canada. Give this album a listen and you’ll see for yourself why this group ranks at the top in all major competitions.

Red Rock is Northern Cree at their very best. Recorded "live" in Muckleshoot. Washington, this legendary group gives dancers and spectators an experience of the thrilling energy only found in the pow-wow circle. Liner notes include extensive song descriptions by the songmakers giving a glimpse of life on the pow-wow trail.

Northern Cree has been honored with multiple awards and nominations. Most recently the group received awards at the 2007 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards for "Stay Red" (Best Contemporary Pow-wow Album) and "Long Winter Nights" (Best Hand Drum Album).

Recorded "live" in White Swan, Washington. Spo’mo’kin’nan (Help Us)" is the latest recording from award winning drum group Black Lodge (Blackfeet). Continuing a singing legacy spanning generations, Black Lodge is a living legend on the pow-wow highway. Black Lodge’s precision drumming and brilliant singing are always in demand at pow-wow circles across North America. The group lead by Kenny Scabby Robe is comprised largely of his 12 sons, all residents of White Swan, Washington.

Buy the CDs:

• In North America: For the Love, Bring Your Feathers In!, Red Rock, and Spo’mo’kin’nan
• In Europe: For the Love, Bring Your Feathers in!, Red Rock, and Spo’mo’kin’nan