Customer Reviews

Out of the Ashes

5 star:		(7)
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This is one of those rare gems you stumble upon that becomes one of your all time keepers. Shelley's voice has a resonance that reminds me of Bobby Gentry doing a full out vocal performance. The songs are simple enough with the traditional flute and melodies that make this an easy listen without thinking man is this a repeat of the last track. The stories are in there as well and you don't have to dig far to find them. Put this one in your library you won't be sorry that you did.

I have this fabulous CD. It is definitely one of my most treasured possessions. Shelley's voice is pure, heartfelt and haunting - so are her messages. This CD is a must for anyone who appreciates incredible voices and sensational music.

This CD is explosive! Shelley Morningsong has no doubt touch the inner soul of civilization it's self. Besides the music,the lyrics tells a story of each one of us no matter who you are. Her songs of love, disappointment, pride, concern, happiness, and trust propels this CD like no other into today's music world. Shelley Morningsong will no doubt reach out to all of us with her medicine. A "must have" CD !

Nominated deservedly for Record of the Year for the 9th Native American Music Awards, Morningsong's Out of the Ashes is fitting to her name, as fresh as a dawn mountain breeze singing through the trees. This recording is simply outstanding, both by its touching lyrics and its rocking, powerful yet sensual arrangements. This CD crosses more musical territory than many of the Native American genre, and I would not be surprised to hear it someday on more enlightened popular radio [NPR at least]. And its gets even better on repeated listening. Do what the other reviews suggest: listen to it, buy it, and soar as an eagle.

Playing Time - 49:10 -- Shelley Morningsong's auspicious debut on Silver Wave Records is a convincing showcase of smart, tuneful songs that fuse Native American music with contemporary pop flavorings. Shelley's expressive, enticing vocals wrap around self-penned lyrics that both educate and entertain. There are rootsy moments, evocative mood pieces, wistful remembrances, all presented with thoughtful provocation. Besides adding her own flute and guitar-playing to the mix, her adventurous tuneful journey is given dynamic direction with the able assistance of producer Larry Mitchell (guitars, drums, percussion, bass, synthesizer, programming) and her husband Fabian Fontenelle (spoken vocals, percussion). Others contributing to a lesser degree include Chase Morrison, Robert Muller, Ronnie Ray Padilla, and Jeff Omidvaran.

Appropriately named "Out of the Ashes," Morningsong's alluring Native American pop breathes a devout tone into her musical voice, and she infuses an essence of meaning and life itself into her music. Her songs directly address Mother Nature, Father Sun, family and her Northern Cheyenne ancestral heritage. In a more indirect and subtle way, she addresses such human traits and acts as ignorance, prejudice, anguish, sacrifice and suffering. Thus, beyond mere musical scores, the singer/songwriter's compositions help us find balance and stability in much the same way that a tree's roots do in Mother Earth's soil. I hope that her commercial approach to arrangement doesn't detract from her messages. The most successful music lends immediacy to story songs, and it provides emotional and spiritual depth to connect with listeners. Despite life's travails, Morningsong seems focused on finding answers, providing direction, and experiencing brighter days ahead. After hearing songs like "Heart of a Hero," "Sweet Protector," "World Gone Crazy," and "Sing For Them," you will come away from her enlightening set with healing, clarity and wisdom about the joys and sorrows of life. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, Oregon)

Shelly Morningsong is a beautiful, sexy, and graceful Northern Cheyenne woman. She is a singer-songwriter, and has a voice that is pleasing to the ear. The songs on this album are political, spiritual, and cultural. The pose, and poetry is blended with instruments that makes the album seductive and easing listening.

Below is a list of performers on the album :
Shelley Morningsong: Vocals, Native Flutes, Acoustic Guitar.
Larry Mitchell: Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Drums, Native Drums, Percussion, Bass, Synthesizer, Programming.
Fabian Fontenelle: Male Voice, Native Percussion, Bells, Rattles, Tribal Drum.

This is a very unique album, and one that has many different ideas and thoughts.

There is also a new album out by the group here is the link: Full Circle by Shelley Morningsong, and format is MP3.

-- Christopher

Shelley Morningsong is strong, inspirational and truly amazing. This album tells a story that resonates deep within heart and soul. Each song is truly beautiful and filled with meaning. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys truly rich and inspiring music.