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Album Reviews
The following are reviews for Arctic Refuge. These reviews are reprinted with permission from the author and/or publication.
Awareness Journal
Sage
(Arctic Refuge) In today's world where knowing your own neighbor... let alone reaching out to be of assistance in their time of greatest need, is really rare if not sounding as implausible as the famous "barn-raising" story your grandparents used to tell you; Soundings of the Planet have released Arctic Refuge: A Gathering of Tribes. This album is much like the council fires of old, when differences between villages (and even nations) would be set aside, alliances would be forged and plans made to combat a common threat or enemy. In an almost unheard of gathering of artists, musicians, elders, youngers, the wisened and simple; a reminder through music and prayers has been once again given to the world. To know this - what you do to your Mother Earth, your Brothers and your Sisters, whether you believe they are connected to the same eternal source as you or not; will come back to visit you and your children's children for the rest of time.
The Arctic Refuge has been called North America's last frontier, the American Serengetty. ANWR - The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, quite possibly the very last remaining pristine wilderness in the entire world is under almost a constant threat from the oil industry. With its irreplacable ecosystems and wildlife, an entire peoples' way of life (the Gwich'in Indian Nation - much as with almost every other native nation on this planet throughout history) is on the chopping block. All for the possibility that there might be a few dollars of oil beneath its surface.
Artic Refuge: A Gathering of Tribes is a benefit album for the ANWR & the Gwich'in people is healined by R. Carlos Nakai, Dean Evenson, William Eaton and Dik Darnell in what is for me a collection of musicians, educators, healers and artists of unequaled caliber in today's world. Songs, chants and prayers ranging from hope and proctection to songs of celebration are offered by many nations in support of there last native lands.
These recordings have brought me to anger, to tears, to an understanding and then to knowing of what has happened in the past and could quite possibly happen again if more courageous folk do not stand up for what they know to be right within themselves, not just for themselves - but for those without a human voice as well. In this world where so very few untouched places remain, the gauntlet has been cast before each listener. Listen and carefully choose your own path.
Cheyenne Magazine
Michael Riversong
(Arctic Refuge) In the previous review, the music of one Native American tribe was mentioned. To get a broader summary of Native American diversity, you need only hear this album. It is an excellent collection of 16 pieces drawn from a number of tribes spanning the continent, woven togeether with the musical and electronic wizardry of Dean Evenson, a white man who has for many years shown trmendous respect for Native traditions through his music and business operations.
Historically, from north to south, the tribes in North America were even more different from each other than the nations of Europe. Among the few areas where tribal people still have control of their own territoiry are portions of Alaska. This is a benefit album for people trying to preserve the integrity of this rare and beautiful territory against industrial development. They are fighting for both land and culture and selling this album is one way to do that.
Among those who appear here are Carlos Nakai, Tze'Ec, William Eaton, some tribal elders and many others. Five different record labels are represented. A trmendous amount of cooperation and coordination went into this project and the result is both good listening and educational. It is my hope that many children get to hear this album, so they can learn more about others who live on this great continent.
NAPRA Review
AH
(Arctic Refuge) Native artists from several regions of North America join with their friends from the European tribe, among them Dean Evenson, Dik Darnell, and William Eaton, in an album that is not only powerfully beautiful to the ear and heart, but impressive in its message: a plea for preservation of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Proposed oil drilling there could affect the area's abundant wildlife, including the caribou heards and the native peoples who depend on them for subsistence. The album blends sounds from nature with traditional native drums, flutes, and vocals, and contemporary flute compositions by R. Carlos Nakai, Evenson, and others. Guitar and some synthesizer add a '90s touch. It's a unique alubm that will resonate in the heart, even as the photography and words of the CD booklet will inspire caring action on behalf of the planet.
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About Reviews Soundings of the Planet reprints album reviews so you can get an idea of what critics are saying about our music.
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