Prosad on Sitar; Xavier Rudd on Yidaki
I recently had the great pleasure to be part of a recording session for Xavier Rudd’s new album, “Spirit Bird”
From Xavier’s Facebook Page:
“ONE day to join many peoples together in musical harmony and blissful unity to sing and share a vibration that will be felt world wide. MUSIC ~ a universal language that connects us all… truly a powerful medicine! Chi Miigwetch (thank you) to everyone who shared their beautiful voice and powerful, positive energy!”
It was an amazing and powerful day. We were there with the Ohni:kara Singers from the Mohawk First Nation near the Niagara Region. Actually, Ohnia:kara is a Mohawk word describing “the neck between two bodies of water” – the origin of the English word Niagara.
The day was a coming together of people from many cultures and Nations. There was a unofficial Pow Wow and afterward we recorded vocals for Xavier’s new album, “Spirit Bird”. It is hard to describe the atmosphere that day unless you were there, but here are a few words to start with:
“Powerful”, “Harmonious”, “Love”, “Healing”, “Indigenous”, “Earth”, “Centered”, “Moving”, “Transformation”, “Family”, “Oneness”, “One Love, One Mob”, “Stories”, “Connected”…
I could go on, but this gives you a good idea of what the vibe was. I found Xavier to be a man on a mission. His purpose is to defend aboriginal rights, protect mother earth and bring people together with music. I have great respect for someone who uses music as a tool to share happiness, healing and spread a worthwhile message as I am trying to do the same with my own music!
The day began with Xavier sharing the story of the Spirit Bird (the inspiration for the album title) and singing a moving song for us about the struggle and hardship that Aboriginal people have endured. Afterward, we recorded vocals on two songs for Xavier’s new album and then had time to listen to the Ohnia:kara singers recording their powerful voices and drumming.
Check Out the Ohnia:kara Singers:
Phil Davis, one of the singers explained to me (this is my understanding of what he shared) that in the Mohawk language, there is no word for drum. The word for drum is “heartbeat” and it represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. I have great respect for our First Nation People in Canada and all around the world. They were the stewards of the earth for at least Fifty Thousand years (likely longer) and lived in harmony, sustainability and balance. In just a few hundred years, our Western Culture has brought the Earth to the brink of destruction. If we are to continue to grow and survive, we must learn from each other. We must learn from the aboriginal Elders how to live in harmony with our Mother – the Earth that gives us life. We must blend the old ways with the modern ways and discover new methods of being – new ways of living in balance with each other and the planet.
This amazing day was full of cross-cultural exchange, music and the “one love” vibration. This is what music and community is meant to be.
Here is a short slide show from the day:
After the recording there was food, jamming and and general good vibes.
I brought my sitar that day to play a bit for Xavier. After hearing me, he picked up a Yidaki (didgeridoo) and we had an amazing jam session. The Ohni:kara singers were drumming and the energy in the room was electric. It was such an awesome moment. My respect to Xavier Rudd, Phil Davis, Penny J. Bowers, Steven Baranyai and all the other Mohawk Singers. Also, thanks to Rosie for organizing the day!
I look forward to jamming again soon, and hearing the new album!
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