MAKWABID: W8b8biowdik / Wampum Road (an Abenaki Prayer)

Makwabid

W8b8biowdik / Wampum Road (an Abenaki Prayer)

© 2005 RedToothMusic/J.Mehigan (614346010939)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

Native American Contemporary/Traditional

notes

This is the first solo effort from MAKWABID, a singer/songwriter of the Abenaki Nation in the Northeastern U.S. He credits his Ancestors and Traditional Elders of his people with the inspiration to write, arrange and record these thirteen songs, a sacred number, and no accident. He is a Mikw8baid - a Rememberer - one who has been given the responsibility of relearning and keeping alive Abenaki language and Traditional knowledge to pass on to Seven Generations.

Makwabid is the first in his maternal line to speak aln8ba8dwa (Western Abenaki) for a hundred years. Eleven years ago he was introduced to a spiritual Grandmother of his People, who had been told of his coming. When she took his hand, his life changed forever. He began to relearn the ancient language, and has written at least a dozen Traditional songs that have been performed and heard by thousands at Native PowWows and Gatherings in New England.

A twenty-plus year veteran of the rock n roll bar band scene, Makwabid sings about his own battles with addiction and recovery, spiritual identity, and racial discrimination - many problems that continue to confront the Abenaki community and Native people as a whole. His music has been described as darkly powerful, with soaring guitar lines, sparkling vocal harmonies and heartfelt spirituality.

'WAWANOLEWAT (Greylock's song)','THE HIDDEN PEOPLE' and 'N'DAIBENA'SKUA (We Are Still Here)' are Native Rock Anthems, describing the pain and suffering of the non-Federally Acknowledged Abenaki Nation from Colonial history to on-going State-sponsored genocide and minimilization as a Native people. His electric guitar sparkles, crunches and wails with heartfelt emotion, showcasing his years of playing rock n roll. 'WAZWATEGOK' and 'N'OKEMES (Medicine Song)' have been described by one reviewer as being 'pure Merle Haggard-Country'. There is a joyful, honoring side to this album; 'W8B8BAN(The Dawn)','HERON SONG', 'I SEE THE RAINBOW' and the title track, 'WAMPUM ROAD' all celebrate goodness and truth. The album's closing track, 'NANIB8NSAT (Night Traveler)', is a journey through alienation, lonliness and ultimate self-discovery that shows the influence of, and pays homage to, another Native musician, Robbie Robertson.

Makwabid was interviewed by NATIVE PEOPLES MAGAZINE (September '05) for a Native Artist feature article and review of WAMPUM ROAD. Native Voices Radio on WAIF did a live studio interview with him on Saturday, August 13...check out www.nativevoicesradio.net

reviews

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  • makwabid
    author: Alice

    Awesome!!!

  • Rare gem. Hope to hear more from Makwabid soon.
    author: Nidoba

    Spirit treasure. Good medicine.

  • wlestôwadi...congradulations
    author: Begwes

    Seems like true echoes of songs and drum from the wabanaki lakes and forests of long ago.

  • Great music nice beat
    author: Spirit Talking Eyes

    Very nice I really loved a lot of the songs . and voice is very good

  • Definately Moving
    author: Kinlôn Mkazas

    Every song here is moving and gives a great insite to our culture and history. It's great exposure to all walks of life, to educate and open all eyes to who we are!

  • UNBELIEVEABLE
    author: Paul J Johnson

    Music A. Meaning A. Tpyes of music AAA. Everything from trad itional to heavy metal. Five stars for sure.

  • Kwai kwai, nidoba. Incredible depth of feeling. I DO see the rainbow!
    author: Dea Pretty Feather

    This is a very diverse collection of songs, from mellow ballads to screaming guitar. I was pleased with the extensive use of the abenaki language, which is the main reason I purchased this CD. The blend of music styles alone makes this a keeper. I will probably purchase another for gifting.

  • Wampum Road is a powerful message for every ear to hear!
    author: Randy Crawford

    Wampum Road is definitely a potent vision of a hidden history, a voice of the Abenaki people, a story carried to any who listen. This collection of songs tells the story of healing, giving and of a presence in all of us.-Thanks MAKWABID

  • Wligen ni wji mziwi Aln8bak. N'kadi nilil lintok, k'kizillabnaji achi!
    author: Lakaw8gan

    Wligen ni wji mziwi Aln8bak. N'kadi nilil lintok, k'kizillabnaji achi! Wlikizitok nid8ba Makwabid!

  • Raw and Powerful!
    author: J.Poet - NativePeoplesMagazine

    ...A raw and powerful collection of songs that mix bitter irony with heartfelt emotion...

  • "Raw and Powerful"
    author: J.Poet/NativePeoplesMagazine

    A raw and powerful collection of songs that mix bitter irony with openhearted devotion...deeply spiritual...

  • makwabid, he has spoken for us all ,well done !
    author: nettie demar

    spoken and sung in truth, with awesome rythym and a powerful voice for all to enjoy.

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