Customer Reviews

Gathering of Nations Pow-Wow 1999 (2001 GRAMMY WINNER)

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

 

 

I was fortunate enough to attend the Gathering of the Nations in Albuquerque in 1999 while on vacation. I went to a dance festival and was mesmerized by the powerful culture of the Native American cultures in attendance: their drums, singing, and dancing. As soon as I heard this CD was out, I bought it to forever remember going to one of the dances. Though it is not the same from the CD player as it was live, this CD stills embodies a lot of the festivities that week. If you are not really into Native American culture it might not be something worth picking up; however, if you like powwow music this CD is definitely a good buy. IThe only problem is that some of the meaning of the songs is lost on me, as I am a casual observer of the music and culture. If you like the CD, go to the festival in April.

Hey, to all you out there! The second I heard this CD I wanted it. I was listening to it while at my dad's house. It has a great spiritual feeling. It made me want to get up and Jingle dance. This CD made me even more want to get involved with my culture and social activities. I rate it a 5***** record.

Our family has recently moved to the US and as seems common with New Zealand people, have a natural curiosity to the indiginous cultures of the country. In NZ, thankfully, we are continually exposed, and grateful for the richness that our Maori culture can add to our daily lives. Here in Iowa there seems little interest or acknowlegement (from our contemporaries) of the Indian people. In visiting a recent Pow Wow the locals we knew were more concerned for our personal safety than seemed right. Anyway, we went regardless. What a fantastic experience. We didnt feel like tourists. We felt like guests.
Wanting to take home some of what we heard I picked this CD out of a choice of many. I dont know enough about the music to differentiate the skilled from the amature. I dont have the ear to barely tell one tune from the next. What this CD does give is the feeling of being at the Pow Wow - exactly what I was after - and is an excellent choice for me who is not a critic just wants the 'feel' of the event to take home with me and share with friends.

I am an artist who listens to Native American music while I create art. Gathering of Nations is one of my favorites--I love this cd.

The audio is clear and the singing moving. If you are not used to Native Plains singing, I recommend this album as you will get a mix of songs and quality singing. That it won an Grammy just adds to the endorsement, but the music speaks for itself. There is a soul to this music that doesn't exist in any other singing in America. It is performed for the people, not for passive entertainment. Well worth the investment.