Customer Reviews

500 Nations: A Musical Journey (1996 Television Documentary)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I learned of Peter Buffet when I saw Spirit, a Journey through Drums Dance and Song on PBS. Since then I have become a great fan of his. 500 Nations is a moving, soulful piece of work with songs that reach out and tug at your heartstrings. It has some wonderful artists on it and Chief Hawk Pope's vocals are the epitome of the Native American Voice. No doubt about this one folks...buy it!

If you like Spirit Dance, you will love this. Since his album "The Waiting" I got all of them. I bought this CD in 1996 and it still one of my favorites. It is the type of music you would buy again if you lost it.

This is music that you can appreciate while you are doing anything. It is relaxing and also upbeat I like the inside view of different rhythms of the different tribes.

This is the CD that started my journey into contemporary Native American and Native American influenced music. The documentary was very well done and informative, it's worth watching if you ever get the chance. (Did you know there were 500 distinct nations here when the Europeans came?) The sound track, however stands on its own whether you've seen the show or not. By far my favorite of Peter Buffet's Native influenced works (and there's nothing wrong with any of them). You can almost see the history through the music. While carrying certain themes throughout you can hear and feel the difference between the missionary period and the military period, etc. To be honest I can't tell you which songs are "better" because I always listen to the entire CD from start to finish. It is a journey you should take as well.

I was introduced to this album in 1996. I listened to it almost each day. A few years late I lost it and have often thought of it especially the Forward, Afterward and almost all of the songs on this album. I have ever since been in search of it. Now that I found it I am once again at rest. It's a great album that I will never grow old of! It's history recorded in the magic that is music.

This is a terrific CD if you plan on hitting the open road anytime soon. The short monologues at the beginning and end are simple yet profound. (I think they are from Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce.) The music goes well beyond plain aboriginal recordings. It is complex with violins, electric guitar, keyboards (or synthesizer), Gregorian chants, the melancholy cello, Spanish guitar, the angelic flute, the reassuring thump of tom-toms, and snappy military drum cadences. Then there is the voice of the Indian, singing, chanting, unintelligible to me like the howl of a wolf or the call of a loon. The music is beautiful but ominous. There is war and pain, exhausted women, injured warriors, burning villages. It's the haunting music of lost civilizations and restless spirits.

I also recommend watching the corresponding documentary and perhaps doing a little reading.
Enjoy getting educated with the 1995 TV documentary: 500 Nations
Photo book: 500 Nations: An Illustrated History of North American Indians (Pimlico Wild West)
Something for you and the kids: North American Indian (DK Eyewitness Books)

I have not had any problems with any of my purchases from Amazon so far. At this point, I think it would be fair to say that Amazon has a standard of business that should be followed by many for success. Very professional and continued interest in making the customer pleased.

Thank you Amazon for asking.

Happy New Year.

The Kat

I gave the music 5 stars for one reason - there is so little Native American music to choose from. I have a VHS called "Spirit" which has Native American influenced music and dance. I happen to love the CD and the VHS.

The CD is not the music one would hear at an Indian gathering; rather it is updated to suit the American culture and it brings to mind the history of North America and it's indigeinous people without being boring or trite.

I found it relaxing and emotional, well worth the investment. Now I'd like to see the movie.

I havent heard it yet But anyone who is and wants to teach the world of culture through music,It should not be said to go bach to his old stuff ..... Sandy Grant p.s. I have seen "Spirit of the Dance" Video it is awesome and very moving