"Music For the 7th Generation" takes the next step in blending the traditional with the contemporary. With a soundtrack of beautiful native flute melodies, native chants, and scorching guitar, the opening track, "Still Standing Proud", features Wade singing of the hope, pride and dignity that survives despite the history of indigenous peoples suffering. Preceded by an intro sung by his 2&1/2 year old son, "Little Cedar (Kesaeh)" brings out the joy found in Wade's baby girl, Waqsepaekecewin. "Nicianosaeh Weh Nepaenon (Lullaby Chant)" is a solo hand drum song that was used to put his babies to sleep. "On the Reservation" is a jamming native rock epic that addresses life on the reservation and was described as "a refreshing mix of risk taking and spontaneity rarely practiced in today's music world" (The Massachusetts Daily Collegiate). And there is more native soul-food music throughout this sophmore effort CD.
Drawing from his Menominee Indian Reservation roots, Wade Fernandez (Wiciwen Apis-Mahwaew) soars with a musical style that balances traditions with the contemporary. Vocals, guitar, native flute, traditional singing and drumming, and songwriting flow from deep within a rich blood memory, echoing his words, "Music is a very powerful gift to be returned and shared in a good way that heals, builds, and has a conscience."
As a well-established performer, his shows include; The Honor The Earth Tour, Woodstock '94,The Native American Music Awards, The Reebok Human Rights Awards (2002 Winter Olympics), Ed McMahon's Next Big Star (TV show), Chicago's World Music Festival, and Germany's Tollwood.
You may have seen him on stage with; Jackson Browne, Desmond Tutu, Robert Redford, Mitch Walking Elk, Bill Miller, The Indigo Girls, Redbone, Annie Humphrey, Keith Secola, Robert Mirabel, Mary Young Blood, Douglas Spotted Eagle and the music/dance/film production Spirit - the 7th Fire.
* Youth Motivational Speaker, Cultural, Songwriting or Guitar Workshop Presenter (K-college)
* Teacher of a Youth Music Program on the Menominee Reservation
* 2001 "Writer of the Year", CD category, Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers
* "Tomorrow's Leader's Today" award
* Medal of Honor from the Menominee Nation (Wade's tribal nation)
* Proud father
BOOKINGS: solo, with Black Wolf Band, or with Black Wolf Group (band with dancers in traditional regalia). Also available for speaking or workshops.
QUOTES
".. an artistic and spiritual force that has just begun to gather steam."
The Massachusetts Daily Collegian
" with a fresh, intelligent, and heartfelt sound. ..he has what it takes to become a major influence in not just Native music, but all music...destined for the top!"
Douglas Spotted Eagle, Grammy Award winning producer and performer
"Your music touches the heart and speaks volumes about the cultural, spiritual, emotional, and inner life of Native American people." "Your jam session with Jackson Browne was phenomenal." Sherrole Benton (Oneida/Anishanabe), Oneida Nation Arts Program
"Soaring beyond the invisible culture of the corporate music industry." Vital Source
"As a teacher I can say without hesitation, that Wade has my complete endorsement as someone to go in schools with his message of inspiration and motivation. He is in my estimation, one of the best speakers of this type. Students will like him, trust him, and listen to him." David Rand, Menominee Indian High School Teacher and School District G/T Coordinator
From the music, to the messages, to his solidarity, Fernandez's infectious spirit will keep you going on whatever road you have chosen." UWM Post
"Wade is one of the best guitarists in the world, although the world doesn't know it yet, and I think neither does he." Mitch Walking Elk, Cheyenne/Arapaho/Hopi, recording artist
"Fernandez's guitar and songwriting skills are incredibly sharp, the CD is ...remarkable in range, quality and sincerity".. " soars with beauty and power." Post Gazette
"able to transcend all cultural stylistic and technical boundaries to communicate his message. This is a powerful collection of songs with a powerful message; that music can be used to promote healing and good." Strandgut (Frankfurt, Germany magazine)
"I enjoy the spirit, heart, and soul that Wade puts into the music...it comes through him and fills the entire stage or studio." Ernie Adams, drummer (Al Di Meola, Dizzy Gillespie)
"...it's not only his playing, it's his gentle sincere spirit that you can see and hear when you are near him." Native American Music Award winner, Annie Humphrey
"I could easily see him putting out a virtuoso guitar project that would rival the recording of anyone's favorite guitarist. This was not the case... it was even better. Great feel and poignant lyrics that speak to the heart...a recording that does it all."
Todd Pubanz, Burnt Toast and Jam
"..surprising diversity. He swings effortlessly from blues, folk-rock, flamenco and jazz, with traditional singing and drumming. But there is also a sincerity and integrity to Wade, which is reflected not only in his lyrics but in his expressive use of guitar...in Indian Country he's kicking up a storm." Indigenous Links (London, England magazine)
"Your original songs and great talent were spellbinding, but what was even more impressive was the motivational comments you provided to the students. ..encouraged every single student" Carol Ann Cardinal Elementary Teacher of the Year
CDs
Music for the 7th Generation, Wiciwen Apis-Mahwaew, and Black Wolf's Blues
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