JOHN TRUDELL: Bone Days

John Trudell

Bone Days

© 2001 ASITIS Productions (767691903521)

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Spoken word that weaves from Native to rock to middle eastern-twinged, with traditional vocals underlying John's intense, forthright message.

tracks

1 Crazy Horse
2 Other Close Times
3 Undercurrent
4 Carry The Stone
5 Ever Get The Blues
6 Lucky Motel
7 Bone Days
8 Takes My Breath
9 Spectator
10 Sorry Love
11 Nothing In Her Eyes
12 Doesn't Hurt Anymore
13 Hanging From The Cross

notes

My goal is very simple. To communicate the human experience at a level that human beings can recognize and relate to. That may be a personal statement. It may be a political statement. But whatever it is, is all comes from the same point of reference: the experiences we share as peoples of this planet."

On the subject of his extraordinary and acclaimed work as a recording artist, poet and champion of indigenous issues, John Trudell is as direct and plain spoken as the words he puts to music. A people's poet in the truest sense of the term, John Trudell's potent imagery and passionate convictions have established his reputation as a spoken word artist whose international following reflects the universal language of his music...and his message. Simply put, John Trudell is the real deal.

Now, with Bone Days (Daemon Records), his brilliant new collection of thirteen original compositions, John Trudell is poised to bring his stunning soundscapes to a whole new audience. Recorded with his longtime band, Bad Dog, and executive-produced by Angelina Jolie, Academy Award winning actress and Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Bone Days marks a new chapter in the creative saga of one of America's true originals, an artist Kris Kristofferson once called, "a crazy lone wolf, poet, prophet, preacher, warrior full of pain and fun and laughter and love...He's a reality check. Justice is a fire that burns inside him. His spirit cries out for it. It makes him dangerous."

The dangerous poetry and visionary music of John Trudell was forged by an extraordinary life, lived out in the heart of the land and its people. Born of mixed tribal blood, John grew up in and around the Santee Sioux reservation near his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. The struggle against economic and cultural deprivation would, in time, become the raw material for his uncompromising artistic vision.

Trudell, a Vietnam Veteran, served in the U.S. Navy from 1963-1967, attended college for a while and then dropped out. In 1969, Trudell participated in the occupation of Alcatraz Island by Indians of All Tribes, becoming a spokesman for Indians of All Tribes. After the Indians of All Tribes occupation ended in 1971, Trudell worked with the American Indian Movement, becoming national Chairman of AIM in 1973. Trudell was chairman of AIM from 1973 until 1979. In February of 1979, Trudell's mother-in-law, wife and three children were killed in a fire of unknown origin.

It was through this horrific tragedy, that Trudell began to find his voice as an artist and poet, writing, in his words, "to stay connected to this reality." "The lines were my bombs," he continues, "my explosions, my tears."

In April of 1979, Trudell met Jackson Browne. This meeting led Trudell into the world of music. In 1982, with Jackson Browne's help, John Trudell recorded Tribal Voice, a fusion of poetry and traditional Native music, which was released on cassette. In 1985, Trudell met legendary Kiowa guitarist and songwriter Jesse Ed Davis. Together, they recorded Trudell's debut album AKA Grafitti Man, with Trudell writing and performing the spoken word vocals and Jesse writing and performing the music. Released on cassette in 1986, it was dubbed "the best album" of that year by none other than Bob Dylan. AKA Grafitti Man served early notice of Trudell's singular ability to express fundamental truths through a unique mix of poetry, Native instrumentation and unfettered blues and rock.

Trudell recorded two more albums with Jesse Ed Davis before Davis' untimely death in 1988 and would continue the work the pair had pioneered, this time in partnership with Mark Shark, on such landmark early 90's releases as Fables and Other Realities and Child's Voice: Children Of The Earth. A touring stint with Australia's incendiary Midnight Oil and roles in the feature films Thunderheart and Smoke Signals and the documentary Incident at Oglala helped spread the word of the artist's multi-faceted talents, as did a 1992 rerecording of AKA Grafitti Man, this time produced by Jackson Browne. Released on Rykodisc, the album was dubbed by Rolling Stone Magazine "a moving, shape-shifting rock & roll treatise on the state of the world." Two years later, Trudell would return with Johnny Damas & Me and, in 1999, released the acclaimed Blue Indians, once again produced by Browne. The album, remarked Parke Puterbaugh, in Rolling Stone, "is an affecting marriage of tribal rhythms, traditional chanting, modern musical backdrops and Trudell's penetrating poetics."

With material that spans nearly the whole of his writing career, Bone Days is, indeed, a testament to the essential qualities that put Trudell's art in a category of one. "There are pieces I included here from way back in the early 80's, like 'Crazy Horse' and 'Nothing In Her Eyes.' Then there are pieces like 'Undercurrent' that we finished in the recording studio. I see it all as part of a continuing process. The words and the music all come from the same place. In my mind they exist in their own time."

The proof of Trudell's contention is on dazzling display with Bone Days, recorded over a two-week period earlier this year in Los Angeles. Stirring calls-to-arms such as "Crazy Horse," are contrasted to such deeply felt reflections as "Undercurrent." Which, in turn, yield to the scathing indictment of such key tracks as "Hanging From The Cross" and "Carry The Stone." Throughout, Trudell's alternately haunting, humorous and harrowing poetry is under girded by Bad Dog's apt and able musical settings. Bone Days is, indeed, an album of timely urgency...and timeless beauty.

"Some people call me a poet," John Trudell concludes. "Others say I'm an activist. Some say my poetry and music is political. Others say it's about the spirit of my people." He laughs. "I don't buy into any of those labels. I may be a little bit of all those things, but I'm more than any of them. We all are. That's what makes us human."

In the case of John Trudell, it's also what makes him an artist.

reviews

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  • Every song is deep, with truth!
    author: People of the Pueblos - Valdez

    Our paths may never cross in this life,but when we enter the spirit world,we'll meet face to face and know that we are brothers of the same mother... who aloud us too teach others about her! Yatahey.

  • I just love his music/lyrics!
    author: Bente Hedman

    My favourite? All of it! But anyway.."Doesn't' hurt anymore" (Bone days)..I love that song..its special to me. John trudell is just great, and his musicians too..Mark Shark - he is just great on guitar!! I want to give them 10 stars!!

  • indigenous issues - on the money - must have for thoughts on Life!
    author: TerryLee

    indigenous issues - First to own of John but not because I do not look up to this man! You are an inspiration to my own work. Keep up the powerful works in words and music. God Bless - Osta Nahwahtea

  • another good cd
    author: joyce barnes

    more good music and words from john trudell. thanks again.

  • Bone Days.........To all my realations....wado!
    author: Tsoi Ugidali

    Bone Days should be heard by all peoples as it tells the story of a heart that searchs the heart and sole of mankind! Crazy Horse says it all, we are part of the whole, earth is our mother! wado my Brother John.

  • awesome

    awesome ennit!!!

  • Elevating; thought provoking; evocative; refreshing; "how to become unified with
    author: Murray

    A whole sound - a complete experience - words and music cannot be seperated - a mix of elegance coupled with sartorial presentation

  • Compassionate and caring coming from the heart
    author: Rita Burrows

    The music is compassionate and involved from his heart. I can relate to that. I felt all the music even though it was true and caring left me with a lower vibration. It was not uplifting and higher vibs All music does noy have to be although I like to listen only to loving uplufting music. WE have all been through hell and at this point on Earth we need to.. do all we can to get rid of fear and bring in the love. I believe he was in his own way. I did appreciate his honesty in this c.d.and the music was beautiful Thank you Best wishes

  • The truth shall set you free.....
    author: pretty

    I don't know how JT comes up with all this poetry, it is endless and brilliant....and MARK SHARK! That guitar playing will grab you his guitar talks!

  • Man of Vision, a Healer
    author: Tricia Spirit Healer

    It just dosn't get any better. John is what native men should aspire to.

  • Great People Don't Need Revues.. What Can I Say..
    author: Mary

    I Enjoy It Musically...I Think Its Quality Material

  • author: teresa

    oops forgot the rating...

  • A True Contemporary Artist, a revolutionary Artist ,a rarity
    author: Teresa

    His style is truly unique, I have grown up in Los Angeles in the 60's hearing and seeing every artist from that period of time and on and I can say that his music and message is mesmerising. Proof that pain can be turned into the rebirth of something truly creative....makes one proud to have a drop of Native blood.

  • regular guy tells all (to those who can still listen)
    author: mike

    TO ME - this cd=sadness. this cd=timeless. this cd=guilt. this cd=embarassment. this cd=wonder. this cd=history. this cd=insightful. this cd=anger. this cd=finally mine.

  • My spirit soars.
    author: Dorothy McCuller

    Thanks John for connecting me to my years on the Navajo Reservation, brought back so many memories.

  • Five Stars
    author: James Duckworth

    This CD is worth 5 stars as far as I’m concerned. I only give 4 or 5 stars. When I was young my mother said that if you do not have anything good to say then don’t say nothing at all. So, if I buy a CD and I am sorry I did that…my response is to not rate it at all. If I am glad I got it I give it 4 stars. If I am overjoyed that I bought that CD it gets 5 stars.

  • love Bone Days love the spirituality in your poetry love to hear the TRUTH being
    author: Desiree

    John Trudell I love your spoken word, the music, chanting and TRUTH about the lies all Indian people have had to struggle through under Euro-trash leadership. Thanks for putting the words to such beautiful music and sharing with us, so when do you come back to Oregon? we love you hear! laters, Des

  • Thank you John Trudell for your heart words.
    author: Sheryl M.

    I love the blending of the spoken words, the chanting and the different instruments. John Trudell is an incredible wordsmith....unlike anyone I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. He speaks the TRUTH of an awakened, evolving human being. His words and the music of all the artists on this CD go straight to my heart. I thank them all for this creation and I hope to hear more from them.

  • Ya. What everyone else said. Great CD!
    author: S in Brooklyn
  • author: CD Baby

    Not your usual spoken word CD! The evocative music weaves from Native to gentle rock to Americana folk with traditional chanting vocals underlying John's intense, eco-conscious, forthright message. If you care at all about what's happening in your own backyard, you'll want to give this a listen.

  • author: Debra Chilton

    I had just recently become aware of John Trudell and his work. The poetry and music is amazing and touches deeply the soul. I can't say enough good things about Bone Days and John Trudell.

  • Unexpected, unique and well worth it
    author: Ross Klavan

    I'd been unaware of Trudell's work and bought this off the website sample. You won't be sorry. The piece is hypnotic and deeply felt.

  • Internationally recognized John Trudell brings us another pearl of musical and p
    author: Tamara D. Turner

    As a celebrated artist and champion poet of indigenous issues, John Trudell is no new face in the Native American music scene. Just as a pearl begins with a grain of sand, revolution begins with a fleck of awareness and conviction. He embraces us again with an emotionally charged and directly honest album, coupling Spoken word narrative prose of Native American concern with a variety of roots rock, bluesy folk and sonic, dreamy soundscapes. With passionate convictions and probing queries, he brings to the forefront, with straightforward presentation, the issues that concern all living beings on this Earth; as John says, "To communicate the human experience at a level that human beings can recognize and relate to." This album is not to be missed if you are at all interested in what is happening in your own backyard.

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