Sacred Mountains - Meditation Songs from the Dine

Chronique

Most people have heard Native American music through film. However, historically speaking, Tinsel Town's version of Native American music has been harsh, obnoxious, and primitive. Sometimes it has even been completely inaccurate.

Louie Gonnie's SACRED MOUNTAINS is a wonderful example of authentic Navajo or Dine music. On this album, Gonnie sings the songs of his people and his ancestors. As the title implies, this music is also inspired by the Arizona landscape, specifically the canyons, spires, arches, and buttes of this desert region. Tracks such as "Generations," and "The Elders" reflect upon Dine family history. On these selections, Gonnie's contemplative vocal melodies--sung in his native tongue--seem to glide effortlessly through the air. This album is also largely a cappella. On most tracks, we hear unison singing, even though different octaves are used. However, the opening songs "Sisnajini" and "Tsoodzil" both use call and response: a style of singing that emphasizes a soloist and a backing choir. The latter also uses a subtle drum pulse played on a low tom-tom. For those looking to hear genuine southwestern Indian music, SACRED MOUNTAINS is far from Hollywood pretense.

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