Customer Reviews

Covenant

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Being a fan of Joanne Shenandoah's music since the early 1990's, I have heard such a diverse range of powerful ballads, to traditional Iroquois music, to rock music. In each of these categories, Shenandoah's vocal abilities and her rich music accompaniment have provided a combination of awareness, intensity, and tranquility. If angels could sing, they would sound like Joanne Shenandoah. Covenant takes us to another dimension of Shenandoah's sound. It is a blend of Native American tradition and dance rythyms similar to those heard from the Middle East. She blends flute, guitar, cello, as well as heavenly voices. When you hear the music on this CD, you will not be able to turn it off, or for that matter stop moving. Everytime I hear a new Joanne Shenandoah release, I believe I have heard her best, and with this offering, I feel a similar reaction. This CD is truly a classic. There was a time when critics called Joanne Shenandoah the "Native American Enya". After hearing this CD, I would have to say that Enya is in great company.

Playing Time - 59:07

The Silver Wave Records label features the best in contemporary Native American music, and their mission is to present quality innovative music that will touch people on a deep level, instill a sense of peace, and help spread peace throughout the world. Joanne Shenandoah's new album honors the Covenant between humankind and the earth, as well as emphasizing the responsibilities that people have to each other. The word, covenant, is a strong one with connotations of formality, agreement and promise.

Singing in her native Iroquois language, Shenandoah is lyrical and fluid. Her songs honor the earth, call for its protection, pay tribute to Chief Shenandoah, give thanks for and celebrate the blessings of life, and make a strong plea for universal peace. Joanne's lead vocals are backed by Leah Shenandoah, Nick Raineri and herself. Chief Jake Swamp of the Mohawk Nation opens the album with a spoken recitation of a prayer that gives thanks for all living things.

Synthesized keyboard sounds and percussive grooves present the enchanting melodies which incorporate new age sensibilities. Matzl Galindo's flute and Michael Kott's cello provide engaging fills and accompaniment. Shenandoah was voted Best Female Artist in both 1998 and 1999 at the Native American Music Awards, and her "Peacemaker's Journey" album was a 2001 Grammy nominee. Now, "Covenant" presents a unique, contemporary sound that has both ancestral and daring, innovative underpinings. With its rhythms of consistent instensity, and bouyant and spiritual singing characterized by sweetness of tone and purity, Shenandoah's new music is most relaxing and inspirational. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, Oregon)

Joanne Shenandoah's latest CD Covenant, is so much more than the music or her powerful voice... it tells a story of traditions, life and changes. Keep in mind, I am just a fan who can only express what I feel when listening to, and just as importantly, "reading" Covenant. Covenant has a different sound than what we have come to expect from Joanne Shenandoah, but the heart and soul of this CD is in the words and story of each song... I love it... it goes straight to the heart. Would I rather hear her voice in the foreground and the music in the background... yes, but that is a production choice and not one that prevented me from wanting and recommending Covenant as a MUST buy for anyone who appreciates Joanne Shenandoah's music. Once again, another of Joanne Shenandoah's many talents surfaces. Buy Covenant for the music, just don't overlook the added value of this CD... read the words behind the songs that captivate you... read every word of the insert... it's a peace of art.

For quite awhile now I have tried to put into place what it is that Joanne's musical works do for me when I listen to them. In this newest CD release Covenant, I think that I may have found the answer! I find that during and after listening to all of her music I feel very humble, in the truest sense. The beginning of it featuring the Thanksgiving Address is a very powerful message, I honor that this was included into this CD, and that it sets the theme for the entire album. Given the fact that we are already seeing the Christmas season promoted the day after Halloween; the greed and competition racing across the radio airwaves, TV's, newspapers, over the sound systems in stores, etc. Very little is about the reality of life and our important connection with the Earth Mother, but most importantly our connection with one another. I find that the truth that is spoken in the native language is most important to our whole world. Reaching back in time forwarding the knowledge to the present that we must respect all of life and Mother Earth. More of the people of the world need to realize this message; this album is a step in that direction. It is a lovely guide to those who know little of native traditions and the importance of honoring the whole of life. I thank all of those involved and look forward to more of these healing words and works.

I am in love with Joanne's music, and this cd is like a dream come true to me! I feel the message conveyed through this cd is very necessary for the world today. This cd is my personal favorite, if I heard it in a club, I'd dance my tail off!!!!