WWW.CANYONRECORDS.COM
Canyon Records has recorded, produced, and distributed Native American music for 57 years, and is one of the oldest independent record labels (of any style of music) in existence. Canyon's catalog includes more than 400 traditional and contemporary recordings by native peoples from the United States, western Canada, and northwest Mexico.Canyon's catalog features numerous native musical genres: traditional tribal music, pow-wow (northern and southern varieties), Native American Church music (peyote ritual), Native American flute (contemporary and traditional), rock, alternative, folk, classical, and waila (also known as "chicken scratch"), a form of polka music from the Tohono O'odham of southern Arizona).Canyon has received two gold records (sales in excess of 500,000) for Canyon Trilogy and Earth Spirit by Native American flutist, R. Carlos Nakai, which are the only gold records for traditional Native American music. Canyon has received 20 GRAMMY? nominations, and won a 2001 GRAMMY? (Best Native American Album) for Bless the People by Verdell Primeaux and Johnny Mike. Additionally, Canyon has received numerous awards including Native American Music Awards (NAMMYS) and Association for Independent Music Awards (the GRAMMY? for independent record labels).Canyon was founded in 1951 by Ray and Mary Boley who had opened the first recording studio in Phoenix in 1948. Ray Boley's involvement with Native American music began when he was asked by the Phoenix Little Theater to record a Navajo singer named Ed Lee Natay. Boley was so taken with what he heard that he recorded a collection of songs by Natay and created Canyon Records to release Natay, Navajo Singer . This release was well received within the Native American community, and stimulated Boley's enthusiasm for Native American music.The Boleys began seeking out Native American singers and musicians from other tribes. In addition to expanding their own label, they also established a distribution network to sell Canyon titles and titles from other labels across the United States, Canada and into Europe. In 1971, after selling their other business, Canyon Films, they opened a retail location in central Phoenix which still operates as Drumbeat Indian Arts.In 1992, Ray Boley retired and Canyon Records was bought by Robert Doyle, a long time employee and producer for Canyon. In 2000, Canyon moved to its presentation location adding a commercial recording studio ( Jack Miller Productions ) and graphic design company ( Nile Graphics ).
NEW RELEASES FROM CANYON RECORDS
Northern Cree and Friends, Vol.7: Dancin’ ‘til Sunrise
For the Native peoples of northern Saskatchewan and Alberta, the cold months of winter are Round Dance times. People gather from near and far to attend these traditional social dances that last through the night. Filled with humor and good feelings, the songs that accompany the dance feature soaring vocals, and the steady rhythmic pulse of the hand drum. Recorded live, the Northern Cree Singers of Alberta, one of the most respected Pow-Wow groups in the U.S. and Canada, host one of the largest Round Dances in North America. Featuring the finest Round Dance singers, Northern Cree bring another hip-shaking, hand-swinging recording of their acclaimed Round Dance series.
Anthony Wakeman & Mr. Soon - Points of Origin
The haunting tones of native american cedar flute meld with mesmerizing sample-based textures, minimalist guitars and drifting atmospheres to evoke ambient landscapes of breathtaking grandeur. On a sonic journey both exotic and familiar, two diverse artists chart the points of origins within themselves and within us all.
Verdell Primeaux with Terry Hanks - Stories Told (CR-6432)
Grammy® winner Verdell Primeaux (Lakota) is joined by Terry Hanks (Diné) in harmonized peyote songs of the Native American Church. Primeaux and Hanks guide the listener down the Red Road by harnessing the spiritual power of their musical prayers. Total Time: 47:34
Elk Soldier - The Elk Way (CR-6431)
Like a flash of lightning and a roar of thunder from across the Plains, Elk Soldier has brought their singing skills to the furthest reaches of the Pow-Wow highway. Forged in the traditions of their Ihanktowan roots, they effortlessly blend contemporary singing with words that carry a message of pride and strength to all Native peoples. Total Time: 48:50
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