Contemporary Native American Music sits at the crossroad of the past and the future and serves as a bridge to these two times and places. The fact that Native American music even is contemporary shows that the Native American (NA for short) people are not just a part of the past but a part of the musical present and future. This innovation in music can draw an audience, an audience with money! These musicians must traverse the musical traditions of the past and combine them with music of the present without losing what makes NA music so special and evocative. This music can serve to illustrate the world that we are losing alongside the one that we are building.
All music can be blended, mixed and remixed to become a cross pollinization of cultures across the world and NA music is no different. NA music is crossing into genres like reggae, rap, jazz, musical poetry and new age and these hybrid styles can bring different peoples together- NA music can serve as a bridge because the musicans are basically "in between" the cultures, serving as a link between all of the different styles embodied in their music. NA hybrid music can introduce a whole new generation of people to the NA stories and way of life. Music is the common language that allows this communication to take place.
Angela Thurman
Check out some NA contemporary riffs with beautiful images:
http://youtu.be/KQ5ZU1HDPLQ
I've seen some of these performances done at Trader's Village out by Six Flags. It was so fascinating. The blended music and lively costuming make it a cornucopia of excitement! It is what you are speaking of- a blend of historic with contemporary.
ReplyDelete- Hailey Drescher