One Vision - One Vibration

NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC

Music plays an integral role in the life of Native Americans. It is used for ceremonial purposes, recreation, expression, and healing. There are many different instruments used when making Native American music, including drums, flutes, and other percussion instruments. Perhaps the most important element of their music is the voice.

Vocals are the backbone of the music made in Native American cultures. Unusual, irregular rhythms and a somewhat off-key style of singing is used. No harmony is ever incorporated, although sometimes many people sing at once, and other times the vocals are solo. The Native American vocals are passionate, used to invoke spirits, ask for rain or healing, or are used to heal the sick. In most cases, the men and women of the tribes sing separate songs, and have their own dances. The men typically dance around in a circle, while the women usually dance in place.

Many researchers feel that Native American music is some of the most complex ever performed. The tensing and releasing of the vocals combined with varying drum beats makes it a very intricate form of art. Another interesting item of note is that every region of the country where the Native Americans had settled produced greatly varying forms and sounds of music. With so many different tribes, the music produced is always unique to its specific group. Generally, Eskimo music has been touted as being the most simple of all of the Native American music styles, while the Hopi, Pueblo, and Zuni tribes of the Southwestern part of the country have been known to produce much more complex sounding music. The emotion invoked from Native American music has been a great influence in modern folk music. In addition, tribal music is still very popular among music fans, and Native American CDs sell fairly well, even in today’s modern climate.

http://www.indians.org/articles/native-american-music.html

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by AuroRa / Little Crow Feather on March 25, 2012 at 4:25am

Permalink Reply by Schay on March 25, 2012 at 5:13am

What a wonderful topic of discussion. I love NA music and listen to it most of the time while driving in my car and in my home. The flute and chanting have an almost haunting feel to me that reaches deep to my core. Carlos Nakai and Douglas Spotted Eagle are two of my favorite artists.

This one has a very soothing feel to me...Lakota Peyote~Healing Song~

This is one that has been on my favorite list that I thought you may like.

Permalink Reply by AuroRa / Little Crow Feather on March 25, 2012 at 5:24am

Yes, Schay, it's been a long time, way overdue for this discussion. I too love the flute and drums, and I have a few favorite contemporary NA artists. I know this discussion will strongly bless many.

Permalink Reply by AuroRa / Little Crow Feather on March 25, 2012 at 5:29am

I love the Wolves Prayer, you know how to pull my heart strings :o)))

Permalink Reply by AuroRa / Little Crow Feather on March 25, 2012 at 7:41am

One of my favorite NA artists is Robbie Robertson.

Permalink Reply by Schay on March 25, 2012 at 10:48am

Oh thank you so much. I am saving them to my collectionl. I love Robbie Robertson's music. His voice and music mesmerizes me. He has a limited edition collector's box set called How To Become Clairvoyant that I would love to have.

This is a group called The Blessed Blend that I recently discovered from a friend. It is a tribal fusion of NA and Celtic music. This video is a live performance of a song call The Firelands.

Permalink Reply by AuroRa / Little Crow Feather on March 25, 2012 at 2:03pm

In my book, the fusion of NA and Celtic beliefs and traditions and music, is so, so close. Maybe I feel this way because I am NA and Irish! I love this vid :o)))

Permalink Reply by Schay on March 25, 2012 at 2:38pm

You have a book you have written? Would love to hear more!!!

Permalink Reply by AuroRa / Little Crow Feather on March 25, 2012 at 2:42pm

Oh no sweet heart, sorry to bring you a misunderstanding. I was using an expression, you know, "In my book, you're the best!!!"

Permalink Reply by Schay on March 25, 2012 at 2:59pm

Oh lol. It seems that I have met several people lately that are writing books and thought perhaps you had too. Well maybe you should. :-)). I feel very drawn to Celtic music as well. Hoping to visit Ireland one day.

Permalink Reply by Su on March 25, 2012 at 8:29am