Feather River Singers
FEATHER RIVER SINGERS is a Women’s Drum with exciting energy, a soothing beat and original style in Cherokee and English. Dedicated to preserving their native language through songs, all original materials by group members marks this debut CD “Daughters of the Earth” by Feather River Singers as breaking into new territory in Native music. Prentice Robinson, Cherokee linguist from Tulsa, Oklahoma acted as language consultant for this project. Inspired by The Mankillers, Walela and Ulali, these women bring melody and a Cherokee touch to their songs.
Their first recording efforts received national recognition from the 8th Annual Native American Music Awards when their album was nominated for Debut Artist/Group of the Year. On Thursday, June 8th, 2006 when the Native American Music Awards were presented in Hollywood, Florida, the Feather River Singers were sitting in the VIP section. Congratulations go to Gil Silverbird winner of the 2006 Best Debut Artist. Although the Feather River Singers did not receive the award, they know it was a tremendous honor just to be in the running. Going to the Nammys was a phenomenal experience where they met and mingled with some of the best artists in Native music today.
The album title, “Daughters of the Earth”, reflects the theme of their CD. The sound studio was in a natural outdoor setting; microphones were placed in trees so bird sounds became part of the recording. Larry Badger and Curt Burrows of Joyful Sound recorded the album on location. Badger later mixed and mastered the final CD in Joyful Sound’s Yuba City studio. The album insert was designed by the singers, and former member LE Honyecutt is credited with the original artwork. The insert depicts the Great Smokey Mountains of the Cherokee homeland, with the seven birds representing the seven Cherokee clans.
The CD begins with "Mother Earth," a special song honoring the Creator. Feather River Singers have sung this song after the prayer during Grand Entry at pow wows and at other special events.
"Beautiful World," a Women's Traditional, follows expressing the thought "We thank the Creator for a beautiful world; life is good," in Cherokee.
The "Feather River Flag Song," also in Cherokee, has been sung during Grand Entry of pow wows. The song, loosely translated, means: We honor the flag carried by the warrior. We see the flag. First Nations forever; Red, White and Blue.
The fourth song, "The Old Ways (Men's Fancy)" expresses in Cherokee: "We honor our ancestors; we are grateful for the old ways of the People."
"Come My Love" is a delightful Two Step which says, in English, "Come my love and dance with me!"
"Women Warriors of the 507th" is an Honoring Song in honor of Jessica Lynch, Shoshona Johnson and Lori Piestewa, who served in the U.S. Army 507th Company during Operation Iraqi Freedom. This song is dedicated to all military men and women, both past and present, and their families who stand by them.
Featured is "Stai Yu" a Sneak Up Dance song in Cherokee. The song celebrates the warrior and was composed by members of the group.
"Dragging Canoe” (Men's Traditional), the seventh song on the CD, honors Dragging Canoe, one of the greatest Cherokee warriors. It says "Dragging Canoe was his name, a Cherokee warrior. He was Chickamauga Cherokee and we honor him."
The group's first song writing effort, a Tiny Tot song called "Frybread" is sung to a modified "Peas Porridge Hot" tune.
"Eternal Fire (Fancy Shawl)" says in Cherokee: "The Eternal Fire is in the Heart of the People."
"We Are Dancing" is a Round Dance; this social dance is a staple at pow wows. This song says "We are dancing in the Circle and we are happy."
The CD ends with "Having Fun (Intertribal)." This song says: "We are dancing and having fun. This is good!" A sentiment for all; having fun is a good thing.
CDs are available for sale at pow wows, cultural events where the group performs and online at cdbaby.com, drumbeatindianarts.com, bondsindiansupply.com, zangomusic.com, and cherokeemuseum.org, as well as by digital distribution through iTunes, Sony Music, Pass Along and many other online digital distribution sources.
Songs from the new CD have been featured on KZFR 90.1 FM “Native Voices” from Chico, “Dream Walk” Native Radio on KVMR 89.5 FM/105.1 FM Truckee from Nevada City, NativeRadio.com Stream 7 at http://www.stream7radio.com/, and on other Native radio stations in the North and Southwest. Feather River Singers appeared live on “Take Five” on North Valley Television Channel 19 in Yuba City. The singers have been featured live on KVMR FM Dream Walk Native Radio and live concerts for the Indigenous Peoples Days 2005 & 2006 in Nevada City, California.
In October 2006 at Christ Unity Church in Sacramento, Feather River Singers opened for Joanne Shenandoah and Mary Youngblood for "First Nations Women".