Sacred Spirit: Chants and Dances of the Native Americans

Sacred Spirits

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 28, 1998)
• Original Release Date: July 28, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Virgin Records Us
• ASIN: B000009CIO
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (100 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,760 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > World Music > North America > Native American

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Sacred Spirit: Chants and Dances of the Native Americans is an 11-song journey bridging the gap between ancient and contemporary history, tradition and modern instrumentation. While it is impossible to fully realize such scope on a single disc, Sacred Spirit makes the choice to represent all indigenous Americans rather than become mired in the potentially divisive bog of politics and tribal allegiance. All but two melodies are entirely traditional, bringing together flute, drums, and vocals with a cello and keyboard wash. This marriage is most effective on the lovely bowing of "The Cradlesong," and the looping electro-acoustic beauty of "Wishes of Happiness & Prosperity." Elsewhere, synthetic elements are overwhelming, detracting from a song's essence, as with the spongy nervosity of "Elevation." An uneven offering, Sacred Spirit doesn't quite live up to its promise. A better choice is Earthbeat's Tribal Waters. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This One's a Must, May 19, 2001

By	bethtexas (United States) - See all my reviews

This album is really nothing short of brilliant. Native American chants are sung over a mostly modern backdrop of electronic instrumentation. The effect is positively gripping. The moment you stick this in your CD player, you'll be forced to pause and listen.

The chanting is marvelous because it has an authentic sound which hasn't been modernized or translated into English. Its power is in its pure authenticity. But at the same time, the modern instrumentation really represents "today's America", with the influences of all of our many races.

The one thing this is NOT is a dull chant album. It is exciting from the first beat. And while it is occasionally soothing, that isn't the point of it. In some ways, it's too powerful to be relaxing. Some songs, particularly the amazing finale, "Brandishing of the Tomahawk" are absolutely haunting.

I think the person to whom I would recommend this the most is someone who keeps an ecclectic and broad collection of music. This will be a one of a kind on your shelf - and among your most important and stirring albums.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Sacred Spirits", A Stirring Synthesis of Cultures, March 9, 2000

By	T K "Have brush, will paint!" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

"Sacred Spirits", IMHO, is one if the most successful blends of Native American Chants and Dance songs with "contemporary" musical instruments I have had the pleasure to personally experience. It touches the heart and soul in a very deeply primal and yet etheric way. This is not the usual haphazardly produced and repetitive Native Flute and/or drums music that all begins to sound the same real quick. It far surpasses anything else I've heard in the Native American genre. There is thoughtfulness here, and craftmanship and a sense of great care taken, both in the chants and prayers and in how the music underscores and enhances the words. The strings are hauntingly beautiful, especially the cello, and blend astonishingly well with and enhance both the traditional drumming and the voices. The arrangement of each track is superb. I have given this title as a gift to many people, all of whom have been struck by the impact it leaves on mind and body. This is a disc to spin over and over. The music truly has a sacred feeling about it, and it has a healing and soothing quality as well. It is grounding and uplifting at the same time. Your spirit will soar with these songs.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ITS THE BEST, June 25, 2004

By	Aleatha Mcbride "great_zoron" (Waggaman, LA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My husband is a Lakota off of the Rosebud Rez. He loves it. Makes him feel like he is home again. And I copy it for all my friends. We have lots of Native American music, this is one of the great ones.