Chasing the Sun

Indigenous | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 13, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vanguard Records
• ASIN: B000FFL3BA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,909 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #64 in Music > Blues > Regional Blues > Texas Blues

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Though the name "Indigenous" reflects frontman Mato Nanji's heritage as a member of the Nakota tribe, on Chasing the Sun he sounds more like a member of the tribe of Stevie Ray Vaughan soundalikes. Not that this is necessarily a problem when the songs are so strong, the singing so soulful, and the guitar playing so striking. (Even Vaughan was initially typecast as an imitator of Jimi Hendrix, whose influence permeates the guitar tone on this album's "I'll Be Waiting" and "Leaving.") Whereas Indigenous earlier featured Nanji fronting a family band, these days he pretty much is Indigenous (though sidemen still include his bassist brother Pte). The opening "Runaway" channels so much of Vaughan's signature style that listeners might well mistake it for Stevie Ray, though the album ultimately extends its range to encompass the Allmanesque balladry of "Come on Home" and the bluesy twist given Bob Dylan's closing "Born in Time." What he lacks in originality, Nanji offsets with chops and conviction. --Don McLeese

Product Description

Mato Nanji, the stellar guitarist, singer and songwriter of Indigenous releases his Vanguard debut, Chasing the Sun. Considered one of blues-rock's most exciting talents, Mato is forging his own way as the face of Indigenous. Mato first formed the band with his brothers and sister back in the late '90s. They released Things We Do in 1998 and the family band from the Nakota Tribe of South Dakota never expected the mass reception they received from the blues and rock communities. As with some bands that are together for a long time, the siblings were eager to try new directions and explore their own musical potential. Now, this new Indigenous CD, Chasing The Sun, finds Mato expressing himself as never before. His songs, his instrumental skill, always critical to the band's success, thrust his abilities to the spotlight. Some of the highlights on the CD include 'Runaway' and 'The Way You Shake'. with all the Indigenous trademarks: explosive guitar hooks, inventive solos, and an inexorable sense of rhythm ala Jimmy Reed. 'Fool Me Again', one of the disc's pivotal moments and first single, finds Mato in Robert Cray mode, with a gorgeous guitar motif, inspired solos and the record's most memorable chorus. Produced by Indigenous and Steve Fishell, Chasing The Sun, is sure to bring Mato a step closer to being hailed as the next great guitar hero!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Despite a drastic line-up change, Indigenous (Mato Nanji) deliver the goods on 4th full length studio album., July 6, 2006

By 

all7willdie82 (Louisiana, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chasing the Sun (Audio CD)

To the naked eye, it would seem that the once family band Indigenous has turned into "The Mato Nanji Experience"...this is both true and false, let me explain.

In a nutshell, this is not the same band that delivered the outstanding "Things We Do" and "Circle" offerings, but it's also not the same Indigenous that brought us 2003's major label mis-step "Indigenous". Mato Nanji (vocals/guitar) and brother PTE (bass) are the only original members that remain, cousin Horse (percussion) and sister Wanbdi (drums) have left the fold.

Basically the split was brought on from all the members wanting to try new musical styles. The break up made everyone happy and there was no bad blood between siblings (sister Wanbdi even co-wrote "The Way You Shake").

Anyway, on to the music. The biggest problem most people had with 2003's "Indigenous" was the horrendously muddy production the Davey Brothers slabbed over the disc's somewhat mediocre songs (note: the album wasn't without its high points). "Chasing the Sun" has crystal clear production from Steve Fishell with just enough rawness to keep the tracks sounding organic.

"Come on Home" and "Fool Me Again" are very nice slow paced ballads. Mato mentioned he focused more on his singing in the past year than his guitar playing and these two tracks show the payoff. We are also treated to the 6 minute instrumental "Out of Nowhere" which Mato uses as a showcase for his SRV/Reed style rhythm chops glazed with a subtle tremolo effect.

The disc's overall feel is mid to up tempo tunes with the 2 above mentioned tracks being the only slower paced 'ballads'...with the exception of the album's closer, a nice version of Bob Dylan's "Born in Time". The main strength of this release is that the songs all benefit greatly from very strong vocal hooks and tastful accompanyment from Mato.

It seems that the main agenda Indigenous had upon releasing this disc was to add a more streamlined melodic sheen (I don't want to use the term radio-friendly) to their core roadhouse blues foundation. Surprisignly the formula works very well. Long time fans should get their fix with funky/bluesy numbers like "I'll Be Waiting" and "The Way You Shake". New comers who've heard 'word-of-mouth' about Nanji's guitar prowess will likely enjoy the instrumental "Out of Nowhere" and the fiery leadwork of "Leaving". And just about every song has some sort of undeniable hook in the chorus that merits repeated listens.

While some people will look at "Chasing the Sun" as Mato Nanji's attempt to cash in on the Indigenous name and offer a radio friendly sell out cash grab...nothing could be farther from the truth.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The overview might be a little bit harsh..., June 14, 2006

By 

Jeff Campbell (Fishers, IN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chasing the Sun (Audio CD)

I would have to disagree with the overview of the cd. I don't look at Indigenous (Mato) as a SRV copy. I discovered this guy at a small blues event at a park in Indianapolis a few years ago... Never heard of them before. I was there to see another very talented ( yet somewhat unknown Joe Bonamassa ) up and coming artist. I was BLOWN away by how good they were. I went out and bought the self-titled cd and Circle.. I've been on board every since. Now I have all their stuff and love it. I think people will really like this cd if they give it a listen. There are a couple of songs that should be instant hits .. Come On Home for instance.. I'd give it high marks. I wish they would come back out this way on tour. Saw them at a small club called the Vogue and they blew the roof off the place. It is a little disappointing that Mato's sisters isn't banging the drums with the group anymore. She was HOT.. Buy it people..you won't be disappointed that you did.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Pleased, August 7, 2006

By 

L. McGahey "Talks to Bear" (Kalamazoo, MI United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chasing the Sun (Audio CD)

I buy Indigenous music for the guitar playing and am very pleased with "Chasing The Sun". Nice guitar and vocals good sound and OK songs. I love to hear the Lonnie Mack sound be expanded by Mato Nanji to a new horizon. I loved the old sound and I love the new sound of the band.