Dan Storper is the CEO and founder of Putumayo World Music.
Read on for a chance to win a copy of Putumayo’s latest release, Native America, available in most Whole Foods Market Stores. UPDATE: Thank you to everyone that entered. Congrats to our winner, Mol!
Putumayo brings together a collection of music by singer-songwriters and instrumentalists who draw inspiration from the traditions of their indigenous North American ancestors for its latest release, Native America.A collage of styles, the songs on this album are united by the themes of connecting the old with the new and cultivating the continued evolution of music rooted in ancient traditions. With sounds ranging from atmospheric flute and drum to soulful acoustic songs by singer-songwriters, the collection provides listeners a glimpse into the diverse world of contemporary Native American music from what is now the US and Canada.
The songs take us on a journey through mourning and hope, memory and the promise of continuing tradition, and the exploration of a world beyond ours. From the intimate vocals of Florent Vollant, a member of the Innu tribe of eastern Canada, to the ethereal flute of Navajo-Ute R. Carlos Nakai gliding above and through Will Clipman’s cascade of hand drumming, the music evokes the spirit of the vibrant communities that first shaped North America, from the forests of the North to the plateaus and canyons of the Southwest.
As the music progresses, traditional themes are blended with modern sounds, drawing inspiration from Southern blues, reggae, and contemporary singer-songwriting.
Native America also features a traditional recipe for Navajo wild sage bread. Sage, valued by the Navajo for its culinary and spiritual properties, provides this bread with a sweet, aromatic flavor. Bake a loaf of the bread to enjoy its connection to Native America while enveloping yourself in the sounds of its music.
A portion of the proceeds from this collection support Seva opens in a new tab, a non-profit foundation that has been working for 35 years to provide vision care to at-risk populations around the world. Seva’s American-Indian Sight Initiative includes vision screening and prescription glasses for students in Native Communities. The organization also supports vision technician training for Native Americans and vision care outreach and educational services in tribal communities.
Are you ready to explore the music of Native America? Let us know about your experiences with Native American music in the comments below by Monday, March 24th for a chance to win!
The fine print: No purchase necessary. Promotion ends March 24, 2014, 11:59 PM CDT. Must be a legal resident of the US or Canada (except in Quebec, where it is void) age 18 or older to participate. Taxes on prize, if applicable, are the responsibility of the winner. Employees of Whole Foods Market, Inc., are not eligible. Void where prohibited.
