Customer Reviews

Orenda: Native American Songs Of Life

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked this disc up by chance on a vacation in Yellowstone with my family. It quickly became the signature music for a magical journey.

Joanne Shenandoah is a quietly powerful advocate for her musical and cultural heritage, which she presents on this disc with deep compassion. The album title means the oneness of all things, and the songs explore that theme in a few of its many components.

The album begins with the speaking voice of Lawrence Laughing describing the meaning behind the disc. We are here not just to live physically, but to be present and available spiritually. The final track brings this home in a most compelling way with lyrics (spoken in English by Shenandoah before they are sung in the native language) that emphasize our responsibility to stand up and be counted "in the spirit world." Like most good albums of its kind, this one represents life as a journey: "And when you are ready, O maker of life, I'll come home to you."

The female harmonies are simply stunning. Whether singing of love or friendship or reverence for life, they speak quietly but unmistakably to the central theme of the album --- oneness in different voices. A simple courtship dance, thoroughly accessible to children no less than to adults, is poignant in its simplicity and harmony.

Much recent "Native American" music has tended toward the New Age, and like artists in any genre, many Native American artists have sacrificed authenticity to make a buck. Not Shenandoah, at least not on this disc. The musical techniques are modernized, but the performers avoid catering to "pop" tastes and excessive sentimentality. Each tune is fresh, unique and purposeful, and Shenandoah uses rhythm as a complement to the music, not a substitute for it.

I recommend this as a first disc for anyone looking to begin exploring Native American themes through modern artists.

I'm not one to do this sort of thing so here goes...

I happened to be sitting on the porch alone on a VERY dark night when the stars were out. I had my stereo beside me playing Orenda. The effect it had on my spirit was unreal. I don't know what it was, but I could feel SOMETHING... this is powerful music. Joanne, of Iroquois descent, is joined by Lawrence Laughing who is Mohawk; and their duets 'Passage' & 'Across The Sky' are the best Native songs I've ever heard. Shenandoah's voice is a rare gift - never faltering. This is quite simply the best Native album I've EVER heard, and I have over 200 albums.

ANYONE would be foolish not to get this album. You will not be disappointed!

The songs on this album shows the rare beautyful harmonies of the old Native American songs, and is backed by the flute and the drums in a way, so that it brings you straight to the campfire and the ceremonies. Creator's song and Prophecy song brought tears to my eyes the first time i heard this album. Beautyful work!

WHILE THE OTHERS TALKED I SLIPPED IN MY JUST-BOUGHT TAPE 'ORENDA' AND DROVE US HOME FROM THE TRADING POST. IT WAS DURING THE SECOND OR THIRD SONG THAT I HAD TO SLOW DOWN A BIT. BEFORE ME I SAW A TALL DARK FIGURE WITH A BLANKET ABOUT THE SHOULDERS. TALK FADED AWAY AS THIS PRESENCE SLIPPED THIS BLANKET AROUND ME AND OVER MY SHOULDERS. FOR A MOMENT TEARS CAME TO ME EYES FOR NO REASON AND I FELT THE MOST AMAZING PRESENCE OF ACCEPTANCE AND VALIDATION. I DROVE US ALL HOME LISTENING TO THIS TAPE AND EXPERIENCING A DEEP LOVE. FROM THEN ON I KEPT THE TAPE IN THE TRUCK, LISTENING TO IT BACK AND FORTH IN TRAVEL TO WORK, GROCERY STORE, WHEREVER. THEN IT CAME THE TIME TO PASS IT ON. MY LOVER'S FATHER, DYING IN THIS BODY OF CANCER, HAD HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY (SEVERAL STATES AWAY OF COURSE!). IT WAS ARRANGED FOR LOVER TO GO TO HIS FATHER. I GAVE THIS TAPE TO HIM TO TAKE TO HIS FATHER AS A GIFT FROM MY HEART TO HIS, THIS MAN (FRIEND) WHOM I WILL NEVER KNOW IN THIS BODY. SOMEDAY I WILL REPLACE IT. I WOULD LIKE FOR JOANNE TO KNOW SHE HAS TOUCHED US MEANINGFULLY BY BE WILLING TO BE A LINK FOR SPIRIT. THANK YOU, SWEETHEART. WE WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD IT WITH YOU. AND WHAT IS REALLY FUNNY IS, HIS FATHER IS ONANDAGA, IN ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, IN THE SAME AREA OF THE WORLD AS JOANNE!

I am not native american by blood,however my heart is. Joanne's music speaks to that part of me.I have no words to describe the emotions she envokes.

Joanne Shenandoah and Lawrence Laughing have been gifted with beautiful voices that come from the soul, from the heart, from the spirit. I have found the music calming, thought provoking, and most enjoyable. I have it on my computer at work. It reminds me of what is really important when the world around me is petty and small. This CD is worth every cent it costs.

I am of cherokee indian and very proud of my heritage. i really love her song i am your friend i just wisht he song would be longer as a sample.

Content is good but Joanne's clear vocals are conspicuously absent

I like this kind of music, it takes me to another world. Starting with the first song and the introduction spoken by Lawrence Laughing makes my flesh creep. Joanne has a beautiful voice and the duets together with Lawrence are a good combination!

to listen at this cd /music you feel the peace come into your soul it cleans your mind and makes your spirit stronger