In review--Honoring indigenous women

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Fawn Wood
Iskwewak
Canyon Records

Fawn Wood (Cree and Salish lineages) represents a new and powerful voice on Canyon Records. Along with her husband Dallas Waskahat and her Native American musician family members, Wood honors indigenous women on her CD, Iskwewak (means all women in the Cree language).  Her collection of mostly round dance songs sung in Plains Cree, vocables and English, reflect on the different situations women face from participating in relationships with the “wrong man” or honoring elders, as in Grandmother Song.  Mostly, Wood sings about love for her husband and for her baby son.

I cannot emphasis enough the beauty and power in Wood’s vocals, along with her sense of humor, and songwriting skills.  The text to Mr. Wrong cracks me up every time I hear it, especially the line “Mr. Wrong with five kids on the side...” However, most of the songs fall on the tender side expressing love and appreciation for relations.  If you’re seeking pow-wow and power round dance songs, take a listen to Plains vs. Coast, Pt 1 & 2 in which Wood honors her Cree and Salish lineages.  They must feel proud of their singing relation.

http://www.cayonrecords.com

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