Spirit Dancer

Blackhawk

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 27, 2002)
• Original Release Date: August 27, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• Copy Protected
• ASIN: B00006GO8Z
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #190,219 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Blackhawk, who lost their focus after their platinum-selling records of the '90s, return with an album that aims for new depth and direction. Inspired by the death of band member Van Stephenson in April 2001, cofounders Henry Paul and Dave Robbins eschew the usual themes of lovin' and leavin' to craft a message album of universal love, faith, and honor, much of it with pantheistic undertones. While none of the songs dares move too left of radio, the inspirational tone of such tunes as "One Love" and "Spirit Dancer," laced with Native American flute and chanting, provides a welcome balm of healing. Still, there's plenty for the more lighthearted listener, from the twin-guitar rock of "Brothers of the Southland," which pays tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers, to "One Night in New Orleans," where a young man learns to speak the language of love. Stocked with Blackhawk's trademark harmonies and power instrumentation, Spirit Dancer shows that '70s rock has come full circle once again. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Country Music CD of 2002.., September 1, 2002

By	Jody Serner (Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've been a fan of Blackhawk's since I saw the video for "Goodbye Says It All", then hearing "Every Once In A While" shorty after, too borrow a quote from one of their songs,I was hooked, lined and sinkered for this band. I knew there was something different about then in comparison to the other bands out during that time. They didn't follow anyone one "formula" that other Nashville acts have.What really impressed me was that the guys in Blackhawk were not some 19 year old kids wanting to be the flavour of the month, but established artists in their own right. Henry Paul, Van Stephenson and Dave Robbins were all veterans of the music world, and it showed. Their lyrics, musicianship and harmonies were like nothing I'd heard before (in country or rock). The same dedication to their craft also showed in their live performances, which I was lucky to catch them twice, once in 95 and the other in 99. Everything you hear on their discs they are able to capture tenfold during their concerts.

Their Debut cd still ranks up there with my favourite releases from the 90's. They continued to crank out hit after hit, even when founding member Van Stephenson was diagnosed with cancer in 99, which sadly he took that "Ship to Heaven" in April of 2001. Through that and being dropped by their label Arista, Blackhawk rebounded by signing with Sony's Columbia Records. Many of their fans were wondering if they could recapture the magic they had as a Trio on their new cd. The answer ladies and Gentlemen,is yes!

Spirit Dancer is clearly their best CD since their Debut "Blackhawk" and their Sophmore effort "Strong Enough". Spirit Dancer is eleven songs full of hope, love, inspiration, healing and most of all, it's from the heart. They don't rely heavily on cookie cutter country song writers to pen their songs, nine of the eleven tracks can attest to that. There is no filler here.. 11 songs and 11 possible hits.. They've already scored hits with the Patriotic "Days of America" (Even as a Canadian, the same values and efforts can be said for us), the toe tapping, get out on the dance floor "One Night in New Orleans" and the current single "I Will" (better then the Billy Ray Cyrus version by far!). Other highlights include Blackhawk's Tribute to Southern Rock (Marshall Tucker Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Allman Brothers) in "Brothers Of The Southland" (which screams to be played on the radio!) The ever so catchy "Gloryland" which will have you singing the chorus time and time again, and Dave Robbins touching "I'll Always Love You" is one of those get down on your knee and serenade your honey by" tunes..

The entire cd is great from beginning to end, but the highlight for me is their tribute to Van Stephenson "Spirit Dancer". It's the most heartfelt song I've heard in years. Its Native American influence (pan flutes and chanting) does not only give the song it's spiritual feel, but the message it sends is pure and simple: "Gv Ge Yu Ha" in Cherokee translates into "I Love You Very Much" and I see no better way to honor the memory of Van, but to anyone who's lost a dear friend/family member/love way to soon.

This cd has everything any music fan craves.. Great Hooks, amazing choruses, fine muscianship and a truely positive message filled with Hope, love and Joy. If you're looking for something different check these guys out..

Pick up this cd.. you won't be sorry you did!

Finally, thank you Henry Paul and Dave Robbins for this great cd and for keeping Blackhawk soaring!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Listen and you won't be disappointed, August 27, 2002

By A Customer

True artists are driven by the need to express human nature. The best song is a reflection of the writer. This makes a song real, adds a dimension, allows all who listen a more personal identification with the music.

Love, loss, determination, spirituality, self-discovery, and starting over are just a few of the themes addressed by the songs on Spirit Dancer.

Standout tracks include "One Love," which opens with the lines "We are just children in his hands/Two in a million precious grains of sand/We sift through His fingers dancing on the wind/We find each other." Love, in its purest and most beautiful form. "Days of America" takes a Mellencamp-esque approach in saluting the American working people in triumph over adversity. "Brothers of the Southland" speaks for itself as a Southern Rocker's anthem to his brethren. Native American flute and chant haunt "Spirit Dancer," the song written for the late Van Stephenson. More than a tribute, the song addresses the questions and beliefs that affect anyone who has lost a loved one. Anyone who has flipped through an old yearbook or lost touch with an old friend will relate to the youthful innocence paired with adult realizations of "Gloryland." From the opening instrumental strains through deftly crafted lines like "Can you find beauty in the beast I've been/Is it too late for me to start again", "Forgiveness" stands out as a strikingly honest and direct piece of music.

The album is filled with the harmonies and instrumental arrangements that have become BlackHawk trademarks, but the band has outdone itself this time around. This album is quite possibly one of the finest CDs of the decade.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Tribute, September 1, 2003

By	Cheryl White (Carneys Point, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

With the passing of Van Stephenson, there were holes left in the hearts of many. But probably none as large as the ones in the hearts of Van's family and friends. Through this album, not only has BlackHawk exhibited the perfection of their skills as THE most talented band out there, but they have also shown just how deep their love runs. I've tried to show my appreciation to the guys for this wonderful work of art and perhaps someday I'll be able to without a lump in my throat.