Album Review | “Songs of Our Old People: Old-Time Round Dance Songs of Oklahoma”
Darren Thompson, Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe
Representing some of the most renowned singers from the Southern Plains, “Songs of Our Old People” is a collection of Oklahoma “Round Dance” songs that date back generations. Recorded in early 2014 by Canyon Records, it is document that includes a rich history of the development of the popular “two-step” or “round dance” songs among Southern Plains tribes. With its state-of-the-art recording and precise performance by the group, it is another tremendous addition the preservation and demonstrate of American Indian singing tradition and culture.
The singers of “Songs of Our Old People” represent many tribes from the South including Kiowa, Comanche, Ponca, Southern Cheyenne, Choctaw, Diné, and Pawnee making this album a truly inter-tribal collection of talent, dedication, and cultural tradition. Their songs represent a beauty and tradition that has existed among many Southerns Plains tribes for generations and is a must-listen for any person interested in American Indian music and culture. With a rich and dedicated history, “Songs of Our Old People” is much more than beautiful songs – it is living history that we can all enjoy.
With many singers representing different groups on the Powwow Trail, we can possibly hear these beautiful songs all over Indian Country, but most definitely in Oklahoma land! Regardless, keep your eyes and your ears open to this beautiful collection of song. For more information please visit http://www.canyonrecords.com/shop/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=CR-6525
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Darren Thompson (Ojibwe/Tohono O’odham) is a Native American flute player and educator from the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Reservation in Northern Wisconsin. A frequent performer and public speaker, he is one of Crazy Horse Memorial’s main performers and the opening act of Brulé’s summer concert series in the Black Hills. His commentary on American Indian cultural identity as well as his reviews of his music has been included in Indian Country Today, the Native Sun News, News from Indian Country, The Examiner, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and numerous other media. For more information please visit www.darrenthompson.net
Last Updated on February 7, 2024 by Paul G