Album Notes

De Roche is the epitome of pure beauty in sound." Expressing traditional values and the spiritual nature of Native American people through music is the goal of Native American flautist Troy De Roche. He achieves this by playing his original songs from the heart without synthesizer or sampling so the true voice of the flute may be heard.
Troy grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation in Heart Butte, Montana and is an enrolled member of that Nation. Troy De Roche was given the name "Shu'k Sha'mii" which means "Good Medicine". This powerful name that had not been given in three generations was given to Troy for the healing powers of his music.
Music was an important part of his life from his early childhood when he listened to his Grandparents play fiddle and mandolin every morning before breakfast. Surrounded by family artisans he was instilled with a respect for the traditions of his people and began to hand craft flutes. Original compositions were the next step in his career. His first two recordings, Shaman's Bone Whistle and Listen My People!, have sold over 15,000 copies. Troy was joined by his wife, Liz, on First Mother; Traditional Native American Flute Music and Stories, which was nominated as the Best Spoken Word Recording by the Native American Music Awards. Eagle's Journey, Troy's third solo album was released in 2000 to rave reviews. He is currently working on his fourth solo album which is scheduled for release this Spring.
In 1998 while on tour in England Troy was selected by Zomba Music for their Chappell Hill Publishing roster. He was the first Native American Composer to be placed under contract by this prestigious company. He returned to London in 2002 to record for Extreme Music as part of their World Music Series His music has been included in numerous films including the score of the PBS Documentary The Lelooska Family.
A sought after performer De Roche has been featured at The Leeds Playhouse in Leeds England, the MAC Theater in Birmingham England, the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis Indiana, the Museum of Man in San Diego California, University of Hawaii, Honolulu Hawaii and the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle Washington. His performance during At the Crossroads: A Fire Ceremony in Seattle drew the following: "Your music moved 10,000 people!"
Hand crafting Native American flutes is still an important part of De Roche's career. He has gained worldwide recognition for the quality craftsmanship and clear tones of his instruments that are individually created without the use of a lathe or similar machinery in keeping with the old ways. He was awarded the Artists' Choice Award and First Place in Traditional Sculpture at the Sweet Willow Indian Market in Great Falls Montana. De Roche flutes are in private collections in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, England, Scotland, and the United States
Review of Eagle's Journey:
The flute work is lovely, haunting elegant and peaceful as in the title cut. This is a CD, almost like a classical suite, dedicated to the path of the Eagle as seen through Native American traditional and spiritual eyes. It also celebrates the influence that the Eagle has on the land, the people, and the spirits. Great concept, very well executed, with delicate extended phrasing that stays with you for a long time.