True Melodies – Harmonized Songs from the Heart of Native America (Canyon Records CR-6473, 2012)
American Indian singer-songwriter Cheevers Toppah continues his development of harmonized songs with this new recording titled True Melodies. Cheevers Toppah is based in Oklahoma and has Kiowa and Navajo heritage. He was mentored by some of the best singers of the southern Plains and nurtured to carry their song traditions into the future.
Cheevers Toppah studied choral traditions from various cultures and combined them with pow wow singing. Toppah performs songs composed in the traditional song style of the Plains with multi-part harmonies and vocal arrangements. His ability has earned him induction into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
Cheevers Toppah is a member of the Native American church and has made several solo and collaborative recordings with harmonized songs, including First Light and Awakening of Life with Kevin Yazzie.
True Melodies shows us fascinating musical evolution in progress in the form of harmonized songs, carried out by one of the great innovators of American Indian music.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
