Various Artists
17 Southern Cheyenne Songs
Indian Records, Inc. (US) 197x
IR 320 (LP)
sleeve : M(IN SHRINK)
media : VG+/VG+(some slightly noise caused by light wear. slightly warp that does not affect to playback.)
An exceptionally rare title has just arrived in stock. Released by Indian Records Inc., the Oklahoma-based label specializing in Native American traditional music, this album documents field recordings by the Southern Cheyenne living in Oklahoma. Originally inhabitants of the northern Great Plains, the Cheyenne were divided into Northern and Southern groups following forced relocations in the late 19th century. This recording focuses on the Southern Cheyenne tradition, presenting warrior dance songs, social dance songs, ceremonial songs connected to war honors and trophies, and nighttime social songs performed after powwows. While the emphatic four-beat drumming and the melodic contour—beginning in a high register and descending stepwise—are characteristics shared with other Plains tribes, what stands out here is the distinctive melodic wavering and pronounced vibrato elements that give these performances their particular identity. This is an unplayed dead stock copy, opened by us solely to confirm condition. The vinyl shows light paper scuffs from the original inner sleeve and a very slight warp, neither of which affects playback.
A2: War Dance Songs
B5: Round Dance Songs