Customer Reviews

Nendaa: Go Back

5 star:		(4)
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Jerry Alfred is a Dene from Haines Junction in the Yukon. He and his band create really wonderful music with some English narrative, but mostly songs in his native language. Don't let that scare you!! This music is great. You will be tapping along wiht the beats and dancing around the room (or in your car). At the same time, you get a Shaman's feel for life and living. A wonderful group and a great CD.

Who said: "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture"? Well, they were correct. But here I go anyway.
Fools rush in. Jerry Alfred's music is ahhh.... Native American roots influenced by contemporary pop sensibilities.
I have two of his CDs - "Etsi Shon" and "Nendaa." Listening to them makes me wish that Jerry lived down the road
so I could go over to his house and hang out with him with our feet up by the wood stove. He must be a really cool guy. And very sensitive too. This music is familiar and gentle. I hope he continues to record and make this music for us all to enjoy.

I wasn't prepared for the transcendant quality of the indigenous themes and the folk music roots. I couldn't wait to whip out my NA flute and play along. I have been exploring contemporary 1st Nations music, and this CD blew me away. I have also been learning a little Lakota and a little Dineh (Navajo). The Northern Tutchone language makes me feel right at home. And very much at peace. Thank you, Jerry Alfred and the Medicine Beat. I look forward to hearing more.

I know Jerry personally, but I won't let that bias my opinion. The music is very traditional, with a modern twist of guitar. Jerry is a wonderful elder from the town I grew up in, and his music brings back fond memories and soothing comfort to me, now that I have moved away. Truely gives you a feel for the native music that I grew up with. Way to go Jerry - Put out some more albums!!