Song Stick - Native American Flutes and Music by Troy Good Medicine De Roche
Troy Good Medicine De Roche
Blackfeet musician and flute
maker Troy Good Medicine De Roche
is recognized as one of the few authentic Native American artisans
creating traditional Native American flutes. His traditional flutes are
original handcrafted works of art, neither mass produced nor lathe
turned. But, a flute, however visually beautiful, is a musical instrument. It is
in the playing that the true beauty comes out. The quality of Troy's
craftsmanship is truly appreciated in the beautiful, clear tones of his
instruments.
Troy has shown his work at the Heard Museum, San Diego Museum of
Man, Northwest Folklife, and New Orleans Jazz Fest, as well as at numerous smaller
venues. At the Sweet Willow Indian Art Market in Great Falls, Montana
he was selected by his peers for the Artists' Choice Award and was
awarded first place in Traditional Sculpture. De Roche flutes are in
private collections in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden,
Ireland, England, Scotland and the United States.
An enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation, Troy grew up in and around Heart Butte, Montana, the geographic heart of
the reservation. Troy has experienced the traditional values
of his people and the contemporary struggle, absorbing both with equal
measures of respect and appreciation, testimony to which is evidenced by
his reputation as a musician, songwriter, and artisan.
Music played a significant role in De Roche's
life from his early childhood when he listened to his grandparents play
fiddle and mandolin every morning before breakfast. Nurtured by a family
of artisans, he grew up with respect for the traditions of his people.
His grandfather taught him to make small flutes from
willow twigs, slipping the bark off in one piece so he could carve the
wood, and slipping it back on to complete the flute.
Initially hand crafting flutes, he then
began to create original compositions. His first two recordings,
Shaman's Bone Whistle and Listen My People, have sold over
15,000 copies.
Troy was given the name "Shu'k Sha'mii,"
which means "Good Medicine," for the healing powers of his music. It has
been three generations since the elders felt someone was worthy of this
powerful name.
After one of Troy's
performances, a listener wrote a letter in which he told Troy, ". . .
little by
little the other noises faded but only the sound of your flute
remained.....I was in a peaceful, tranquil realm. I wasn't sleeping
like Marla & Jason may have thought. Marla calling out my name loudly
made me truly come out of a spiritual reality and back into the physical
substance of earthen life. It would have been justified to get
angry....but I wasn't. For that moment and from that moment I was
refreshed, rejuvenated....I remember I said something I don't know if
out loud or not but I needed to get closer to the sound of the flute.
So I got up....took a walk....feeling really good...energized!!! I got
distracted when someone approached me with a few questions.
But for that moment and from that moment.....I thank you.
Indeed, you are rightfully Good Medicine."
An in demand performer at shows, festivals, workshops and exhibitions across the country, Troy has carried the gift of his music worldwide. His performance during At the Crossroads: A Fire Ceremony in Seattle, Washington drew the exclamation, “Your music moved 10,000 people!”
Among other venues, he has been featured at:
* Leeds Playhouse in
Leeds England
* MAC Theater in Birmingham, England
* Eiteljorg
Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana
* The Museum of Man in San Diego,
California
* University of Hawai`i, Honolulu, Hawai`i.
In 1998 while on a record breaking tour in England
Troy became the first Native American composer/performer to secure a
contract with
Zomba Music, for their prestigious Chappell Hill
publishing roster. He returned to London in 2002 to record for Extreme
Music’s World Music Series. His original compositions can be heard on
soundtracks around the world as well as on five albums for public
release: Shaman’s Bone Whistle, Listen, My People!,
First Mother,
Eagle’s Journey, and
Journey from the Heart.
Troy, left, with producer Michael Whitewood in the studio at Extreme Music, London, UK, working on the International Passport Series CD.
Troy is recognized as on of the few authentic Native American Flute makers; each
De Roche flute being an original handcrafted piece of art, not production line
nor lather turned.
The quality of his craftsmanship is evident in the beautiful and
clear tones of his instruments. At the Sweet Willow Indian Market
in Great Falls Montana (right) he was selected by his peers for the Artists’
Choice Award and was also awarded First Place in Traditional
Sculpture. De Roche flutes are in private collections in Japan,
Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, England, Scotland,
and the United States.
Preserving tradition is an important part of
Troy’s life. He and his wife, Liz, are the Co Directors of Federation of
American Natives which hosts the
Hilo Inter-Tribal PowWow in Hilo
Hawaii. They also do performances at schools and military bases to
share their culture with those who might not otherwise have the
opportunity to experience Native American music and stories.
