Album Notes

Sayani,"World" finalist at the 2004 Native American Music Awards and the Indian Summer Awards, also received nominations for the Hawaiian Hoku awards for their debut recording, Nvda Sunalei.
This album is a cultural adventure in sounds and styles that blend together for a truly rewarding musical experience that will speak to the heart, lift the spirit and soothe the soul.
Jorie and Christie West, who also sing in the Hawaiian group, Na Kahu, make up this duo whose music is filled with rich, beautiful harmonies. They began singing together as Sayani to share their own culture through music written and delivered from their hearts.
Most songs, written by Jorie West, a Cherokee singer/songwriter, are Native American but she has included two Hawaiian songs to honor the culture and the people of the land that the called home for many years.
Their name, Sayani, is a Tsalagi (Cherokee)word meaning Zion and is pronounced Sah YAH nee.
Most of the songs are performed in English but are peppered here and there with Tsalagi, Lakota and the Hawaiian language.
Acclaimed musician David Kahiapo plays guitar throughout the album and has added a familiar Hawaiian flavor to some of their music to create a unique Native blend.

Other guest guitars are performed by Leon Siu and Wayne Santos (on Indian Blood), Charles Recaido from Kohala, (on Cherokee Pride, Come Closer) and the Ukulele on Puhi Bay was played by Gaymond Apaka. Mickey Ioane (Hawaii '78)
played Congas on Puhi Bay and the Spanish style song, Come Closer.
Moses Crabbe, a respected Kumu Hula, translated the Hawaiian Skies chorus into the Hawaiian language and chants the Oli at the end. The Native American Flute is played by Jorie West and percussion by Christie West.
Listeners comments can be read on their website at www.donajoe.com.