Song Stick - Native American Flutes and Music by Troy Good Medicine De Roche
Journey Across the Water
Orders:
Info@SongStick.com
Troy
De Roche introduces Native Hawaiian musician Manu Josiah in this
collaborative work which celebrates the traditions of both artists as
they take a musical journey across the Pacific Ocean. Combining
traditional pieces and original music, Troy and Manu explore each
other's cultures, finding new perspectives on each. The opening track is
a new arrangement of a traditional hula chant honoring the morning sun.
The second track, Zuni Sunrise, is a perfect compliment,
both thematically and musically.
Melody flows like the tides between Native American and
Hawaiian shores, lapping at the roots of California's majestic Redwoods,
and washing against the pain of Moloka`i's leper colony. Family stories
of long ago are expressed musically, as well as adventures of today.
Acoustically, the collection is wide-reaching as well. From the deep
sounding of Koholā
to the crisp wind of Juniper,
this music is highly textured
and diverse, just like the cultures from which it comes.
Born to Richard and Eliza Josiah, his family roots go back to Koko`iki, Kohala on the Island of Hawaii. Being the son of a military father Manu had the opportunity to live abroad, most notably, Stuttgart, West Germany where he was born. Reared in Honolulu and Kohala during his early childhood, he later grew up in Washington State where he developed a great appreciation for the indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest. As an adult, he joined the US Navy and traveled to many foreign countries including Iceland, Norway, Germany, Guam, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, Jakarta, New Guinea and Vietnam.
An avid motorcycle rider and proud owner of “Kahekili”, his 2002 Harley Davidson Ultra Glide Classic. His joy of riding is expressed in some of his most popular compositions, such as Old Saddle Road.
A performing artist for some 30 years, these are his first recordings. Troy is pleased to be able to introduce Manu to a wider audience.
1) Ho`opuka e ka La ma Kahikina - A traditional ka`i, or opening chant for the hula describes the rising sun at Kumukahi, easternmost point of the Hawaiian Islands, as dancers make their way like graceful frigate birds gliding through the morning sky. Manu's wife, kumu hula Leilehua Yuen, provides the vocals.
2) Zuni Sunrise - A traditional Native American flute melody here re-interpreted for both flute and guitar.
3) Waiting - This collaborative work is based on a story Manu's mother told about a kupuna wahine (woman elder) who, as a young girl, was courted by a most handsome Spanish man. As he rode his horse along the steep and narrow trail from one valley to the next she awaited her sweetheart with great anticipation. On his arrival, she served him coffee under the watchful eye of her mother before he rode home.
4) Journey Across the Water - The music of two traditions from across the Pacific Ocean meet as Troy and Manu explore textures of harmony.
5) Song of the Chanter Ka`ehu - This is the last known composition of Kaua`i's master chanter, Ka`ehu. The Hawaiian people, like the Native Americans, had little to no resistance to introduced diseases. Leprosy, now known as Hansen's Disease, took a terrible toll on the indigenous people of the islands. Disfiguring, it engendered fear and loathing of those afflicted by it. The medical authorities of the 1800s had no treatment for it, and so the victims were consigned to a small colony on the island of Moloka`i. Leilehua provides the Hawaiian vocals, and Storyteller Liz De Roche, Troy's wife, presents the English translation. English translation by Leilehua Yuen and Liko Puha. Hawaiian language editing by Liko Puha.
6) Koholā - Because of their annual migration, whales visit the waters of both Hawai`i and the Pacific Northwest, and are culturally important to the peoples of both lands. In this collaborative piece, Manu and Troy depict a mother whale and her calf wintering in the waters off Hawai`i. Listen, in this duet for `Ohe Hano Ihu, for the deep tones of the mother as she calls, and the response of the calf. Listen to live whale song and learn more about these amazing beings at www.whalesong.net.
7) Eagle's Journey - Troy's signature song, given to him by a grandfather eagle.
8) Big Tree - While there are big trees in Hawai`i, notably the koa and the `ōhi`a, there are no trees anywhere that match the sheer immensity of the Coast Redwoods of the Pacific Northwest. Inspired by a journey through the Redwoods, Manu plays `Ohe Hano Ihu in this collaboration with Troy on Loon Flute.
9) Old Saddle Road - An avid motorcyclist, Manu composed this melody to echo the twists and turns of the old Saddle Road, now straightened in many parts, as it twisted through the 7,000 foot elevation mountain pass between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
10) Juniper - Troy's juniper flute takes the lead in this crisp melody which rings sharp and clear.
11) Forever More - Both the traditional Hawaiian and traditional Native American flutes originally were used for courting, and the Spanish guitar certainly played its part in romance. This collaborative melody is reminiscent of courting songs from long ago.
12) Hōlei - A traditional song of the Kalapana/Hōlei area of Hawai`i Island, it tells of the great-voiced sea which echoes off the uplands.
Orders: Info@SongStick.com