Throughout my life, I have heard the music that is made by Indigenous People from around the world. Until 2001, we did not award a Grammy for best Native American album. Many of the artists whose work I prize have since that time been recognized. The group Ulali I first encountered when I bought the soundtrack to Music For Native Americans, a multi part study of North American tribes. The album was produced and shepherded through its development by Robbie Robertson. The album featured a breathtaking song by Ulali entitled Mahk Jchi. The song was first recorded by Ulali in 1994, for their first record, called Mahk Jchi.
Ulali 2002
Ulali in their classic lineup consisted of Pura Fe (Tuscarora), Soni (Apache Mayan, Yaqui), and Jennifer Kreisberg (Tuscarora). Their repertoire was performed without instruments generally. Their group developed a tremendous following among Indigenous People worldwide. The following link will take you to Ulali, Walfredo Reyes Jr., and Robbie Robertson performng Mahk Jchi at the opening to the 2002 Winter Olympics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cilrRUTbPs
As Ulali grew more famous, they were in demand from Native Peoples worldwide. The beauty of their singing was matched by its spiritual sound, connecting people to The Creator. The soundtrack from the motion picture Smoke Signals also expanded their fame and music. This performance is from that soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WEVtwQnU9w The song is again spiritual, and is sung in the language of one of the group's members. Entitled Wah Jhi Le Yihm, the song, performed to drums, is stunning in its power and it is easy to imagine the song being sung at a ceremonial years ago.
Many tribes have extended family through their clan family, and, in my experience, it is not unusual to hear a friend who is Indegenous refer to numerous "aunties." My sister was Turtle Clan, and this song is a tribute to the many "mothers" through clan affiliation that Indigenous children have. To hear this superb tour de force, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdskIPwpsDI Not only do these women honor their female family, but as are many Indigenous people, they are acutely aware of their ancient ancestors and future descendants. The tune they perform here is done in English, and is more understandable than some of their other performances. It is entitled All My Relations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHZg2R0PzGE
Traditional versus so called "progressive" factions of various tribes around thr world are sometimes at odds with each other. When a tribe rediscovers its traditions, language, and music, it restores a sense of identity, not only to the tribe as a whole, but also it's members. Ulali have spent years helping various tribes, their female members, and Indigenous children to take pride in their heritage. This selection is a medley of "Rattle Songs" that Ulali recorded on their first album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc0bI7_yM-o One of the things I admire about Indigenous arists and groups is their willingness to share their art with kids, both Indigenous and not. Here is a tune Ulali performed for children on the Lakota Reservation in South Dakota: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jPwBALTsCI&list=PL46B8E7B298B4737A
Members of Ulali are accomplished musicians on their own. Pura Fe, one of their members, is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, and a brilliant guitarist. Talking about Ulali without talking about Pura Fe would be negligent. Since 1996, Pura Fe has had a distinguished career as a solo performer and collaborator with other musicians. Her mother was classically trained as an opera singer, and her father, who is deceased, was from Puerto Rico. She now performs as a solo artist, and with the Pura Fe Trio.
Pura Fe with her lap steel guitar
Throughout her career with Ulali, Pura Fe also kept a solo career. Her voice, and her drive to rediscover her roots in the Tuscarora Nation led her to settle near Durham, North Carolina, which is the home country of the Tuscarora. Her interest in learning to play lap steel came as the art was being forgotten in the Tuscarora. Some people have compared her blues singing to Janis Joplin, which is high praise. Her ability to play lap steel so proficiently separates her from most female blues artists. On this first selection, she sings live with overdubs of her voice on a chant entitled Great Grandfather's Banjo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1O-QLs2orQ
For contrast, the song Mahk Jchi will be replayed with Pura Fe and Rhiannon Giddens playing and singing. The lyrics to Mahk Jchi are by Pura Fe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSIF3ycuXlA The melodies to many songs from Indigenous Peoples are ancient and have been performed for generations. Her affection for playing the blues comes from her tribe's history and her own feelings about it. She wrote new lyrics for the blues standard Hard Times Killing Floor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrkGu525iFs This brief video segment summarizes musical influences for the music Pura Fe plays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=108O6f8XWxU
Pura Fe has cut a number of albums, including the one from which this tune is performed. Pura Fe does a great version of George Gershwin's Summertime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdA7TTyMlHA As time has passed, Pura Fe has performed overseas, where her music is adored. This selection is from the 2006 Native American Music Awards spotlighting Native Musicians: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=917CB_76kQs The Pura Fe Trio is a threesome that performs around the world. Here is a selection from that group, Sea of Love, also featuring Justin Robinson of the Carolina Choclate Drops: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i18iiez3w-Y
Pura Fe as an artist has never let the rust creep in. Her music has grown and changed as she learned more about herself and her people. This song was written to help the Virginia and North Carolina tribes to unite musically. She is accompanied by members of the Native Group Deep Water Rising: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9LRuj0JyO4
To hear More Pura Fe, go to purafe.com, or I Tunes.
Text copyright Pete Reum 2013-All Rights Reserved
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