"Brian Wright-McLeod has undertaken a gargantuan task
and accomplished it with grace, clarity and precision.
This encyclopedia is a rich resource for music fans,
whether they're researching, writing or just eager for
knowledge." - Anthony Bozza, Rolling Stone Magazine.
"This exhaustive, meticulously researched book is long
overdue...A fascinating readable volume, full of
information that has never been made available
before." - Richard Flohil, Applaud Magazine
"A monumental reference work that will serve as an
invaluable tool for anyone remotely interested in the
rich diversity of recorded music by First Nations
peoples in North America." - Rob Bowman, author of Soulsville USA: The Story of Stax Records.
Welcome
The Encyclopedia of Native Music, written and compiled by Native music journalist Brian Wright-McLeod (Dakota/Anishnabe), was published by the University of Arizona Press in April, 2005. This site is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Native music. Appreciation and thanks are owed to many people who were involved along the way.
For more information, please contact brianwrightmcleod@yahoo.com
The Encyclopedia of Native Music (University of Arizona Press)
The Encyclopedia of Native Music represents a new area of research of Native music that focuses primarily on commercially released recordings in all genres of traditional and mainstream areas. It is a first such attempt at cataloguing and profiling the many artists and recordings spanning the continent from the Arctic/Circumpolar region to the U.S.-Mexico border. Several parameters regarding inclusion of numerous artists and musical forms had to be considered for the initial volume. It is as complete as one can hope, at this point. Yet, it is my aim to continue collecting recordings and gathering research to further develop the upcoming research/resource center dedicated to preserving and cataloging recorded Native music.
The Soundtrack of a People (EMI Music Canada)
The musical companion to the Encyclopedia Of Native Music is the most comprehensive overview of Native music ever assembled! With extensive liner notes by the author, the 3-CD anthology features 70 archival recordings from 1910 to 2005.
CD 1 examines Traditional and Folk Roots.
CD 2 highlights Powwow Roots and Flute recordings from 1940 and onward.
CD 3 features Contemporary Music from 1920 to the present.
It is impossible to create a definitive collection of Native music that includes all areas and genres that span decades and a continent. Instead, The Soundtrack of a People is a snapshot that hints at the immense diversity of Native culture and the people who continue to celebrate life through music.
Featured artists include Mildred Bailey, Link Wray, Doc Tate Nevaquaya, Jim Pepper, Jesse Ed Davis, Lee Cremo and Roxy Gordon. The traditional songs from across North America offer a glimpse of the many musical styles and instruments while illustrating how some songs have changed over time.
EMI Music Canada is contributing a portion of the album sales to The Native Music Research Institute.
Awards
Best Reference Book, Honourable Mention, Arizona Book Awards, 2007 Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research, Association for Recorded Sound Collections, 2006 Best Historical Album, Native American Music Awards, 2006 Special Recognition Award, Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, 2006 Music Industry Award, Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, 2005
Sponsors
Pro Bono Law Ontario, University of Arizona Press, EMI Music Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council
The musical companion to the Encyclopedia Of Native Music is the most comprehensive overview of Native music ever assembled! With extensive liner notes by the author, the 3-CD anthology features 70 archival recordings from 1910 to 2005.