JOSEPH FIRE CROW
Cheyenne Nation (Makoche)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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On Cheyenne Nation, Joseph Fire Crow plays some of the most eloquent American Indian flute music, based on his heritage on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Southeastern Montana. His command of traditional Cheyenne flute is impressive, particularly when he's honoring his father on "Two Buffalo Bulls" or when the ceremonial drums usher in "Cheyenne Honor Song." "Bobtail Horse" is infectious with just a touch of jazz from John Scalia's bass, and this cut is just one example of how Cheyenne Nation captures a range of musical styles behind Fire Crow's flute. Joseph's recorded on the Makoche, Earthbeat and Sattva labels, in addition to self-produced disks that he sold only at concerts in Indian Country. Ken Burns chose some of Fire Crow's music to be included on the soundtrack for Burns' documentary, "Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery," and it's time that a wider audience got a glimpse of this American Indian talent. This disc is up for a Native American Grammy and while I hope it takes home the hardware.

Track List:

By My Own Hand * War Dancer * Two Buffalo Bulls * Cheyenne Nation * Cheyenne Honor Song * Bobtail Horse * Circle Dance * Mother Wolf * The Twins * Meadowlark Sunrise * Young Wolves * Walking in the Daylight Woman

© 2001 - Eric Steiner