Album Notes

Recorded live in Chicago, Illinois and Urbana, Illinois October 12-17, 1999.
John Trudell expresses his personal philosophy through prose and poetry.

A tremendous, timeless recording.

This is a reprint of the classic 2000 spoken word release. Compiled from 4 separate lectures, this is the only Trudell album that features only spoken word commentary.

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Bio and Career History-

John Trudell is an acclaimed poet, national recording artist, actor and activist whose international following reflects the universal language of his words, work and message. Trudell (Santee Sioux) was a spokesperson for the Indian of All Tribes occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969 to 1971. He then worked with the American Indian Movement (AIM), serving as Chairman of AIM from 1973 to 1979. In February of 1979, a fire of unknown origin killed Trudell’s wife, three children and mother-in-law. It was through this horrific tragedy that Trudell began to find his voice as an artist and poet, writing, in his words, “to stay connected to this reality”.

In 1982, Trudell began recording his poetry to traditional Native music and in 1983 he released his debut album "Tribal Voice". Produced by Jackson Browne and accompanied by Quiltman, Trudell's debut album expresses the power and insight of the activist through spoken word performance over traditional music.

Trudell then teamed up with the late legendary Kiowa guitarist Jesse Ed Davis. Together, they recorded three albums during the 1980’s. The first of these, "AKA Graffiti Man", was released in 1986 and dubbed the best album of the year by Bob Dylan.

Their second collaboration, "Heart Jump", was recorded in 1987. Trudell and Davis combine spoken word over contemporary rock music, all performed with Native sensibilities.

"But This Isn't El Salvador" was the final collaboration between John Trudell and Jesse Ed Davis. Co-produced by Jesse Ed Davis and Rick Eckstein in 1987, it features Trudell's trademark poetry over traditional Native chants courtesy of Quiltman.

1991 saw the release of "Fables and Other Realities" featuring the lyrics of Trudell and the music of Mark Shark with support from Jackson Browne and Kris Kristofferson.

In 1992 Trudell joined his lyrics with the music of Mark Shark and Quiltman and the vocals of his young daughters to create a truly unique album, "Child's Voice".

Humor, hope and magic mix with loneliness and oppression on Trudell's 1999 release "Blue Indians".

Trudell ushered in the new millenium with the release of "DNA: Descendant Now Ancestor". Recorded live in October 1999, Trudell expresses his personal philosophy through prose and poetry … a tremendous, timeless recording.

His 2002 CD, "Bone Days", was executive produced by Academy Award winning actress Angelina Jolie and released on the Daemon Records label.

In 2003 Effective Records released a 6 CD box set entitled "THE COLLECTION 1983 - 1992" featuring 66 tracks with an 80 page booklet of lyrics and liner notes. These are the original recordings digitally re-mastered.

2005's feature film "Trudell" is BRILLIANT !! One of the most powerful docs you'll ever see. -Bill Douglas

"Madness & The Moremes", a 2008 internet only release showcases more than five years of new music and includes special ghost tracks of old favorite Trudell tunes recorded with legendary Kiowa guitarist Jesse Ed Davis.

2008's internationally acclaimed book "Lines from a Mined Mind" brings together lyrics and musings from the twenty-five-year recording career of Trudell.

In addition to his music career, Trudell has played roles in a number of feature films, including a lead role in the Mirimax movie Thunderheart and a major part in Sherman Alexie’s Smoke Signals. He most recently played Coyote in Hallmark’s made for television movie, Dreamkeeper.

"CRAZIER THAN HELL" is the latest offering from John Trudell and Bad Dog. 17 new and old songs continue the thread of love, life, reality and responsibility that runs through all of Trudell's presentations. Rocking, bluesy, psychedelic tunes flow naturally and coherently from start to finish. This is Trudell and Bad Dog's most important work to date.