Aaron White

I Am AZ Music: MIM Celebrates 100 Years of Arizona Music

February 18 through January 6
The MIM
Phoenix

MIM Celebrates Arizona’s Centennial with “I Am AZ Music” Exhibition
Exhibition Explores the State’s History by Focusing on Influential Artists, Organizations, and Genres

On February 18, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) added its voice to the statewide centennial celebration by showcasing Arizona’s musical contributions to the world. Through a special exhibition, public programs, teacher curriculum, and video stories, MIM documents how music making continues to be an integral part of Arizona’s cultural fabric.

“I Am AZ Music: MIM Celebrates 100 Years of Arizona Music” examines Arizona’s history through a musical lens. Beginning with the original statehood celebration in 1912, MIM’s exhibition tells the story of numerous musicians, musical instrument makers, recording studios, performing arts organizations, and musical traditions significant to Arizona’s past, present, and future. The exhibition consists of more than 30 exhibits, each one including artifacts, photographs, and audiovisual content designed to bring the subjects to life.

“The traditions and personalities represented in our centennial exhibition highlight Arizona’s importance in the history of American music,” said MIM curator Cullen Strawn. “Country fans will enjoy our tributes to Buck Owens and Waylon Jennings, while jazz enthusiasts are sure to love the exhibit centered on Russell ‘Big Chief’ Moore, a member of the Gila River Indian Community who played trombone with Louis Armstrong.”

Some noteworthy objects in the exhibition include a double-neck guitar played by Duane Eddy on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” in 1960; an exact replica of a stage suit Alice Cooper wore in the late 1970s, which he wore during the filming of “Dark Shadows,” a movie slated to be released in 2012; instruments played by the Gin Blossoms, including a guitar used by the group’s original songwriter, Doug Hopkins, on some of the band’s biggest hits; and the gold dress worn by singer Jordin Sparks during the “American Idol” finale.

Other highlights include an exhibit on Canyon Records, which was founded more than 60 years ago by Phoenix media pioneers Ray and Mary Boley and specializes in producing and distributing Native American music, and another exhibit dedicated to Floyd Ramsey, whose music studio hosted sessions in the 1950s by Duane Eddy, Waylon Jennings, and other Arizona notables. Contemporary musical instrument makers who call Arizona home are also featured, such as Navajo-Ute flute maker Aaron White, Yaqui drum and rattle maker Alex Maldonado, and Apache fiddle maker Anthony Belvado, as well as the Phoenix Guitar Company, White Mountain Banjo, and the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery – the longest running guitar-making school in North America.
Some of the state’s performing arts organizations also have a presence with exhibits showcasing the Arizona Opera, the Phoenix Opera, and the Phoenix Symphony. Finally, the exhibition examines genres and cultures synonymous with “Arizona music,” for example, cowboy music, mariachi music, and the music of some of the Arizona-based Native American groups, such as the Tohono O'odham tradition of social dance music called “waila,” or “chicken scratch.”

In conjunction with the exhibition, MIM has created two educational projects. First, a set of curricula was developed by the museum’s education team to supplement MIM field trips and support the study of history as part of the Arizona centennial celebration. The lessons will help educators and students focus on the role of Arizonans in influencing musical life, both inside and outside of the state's borders. The materials are available for free download. Second, MIM has embarked on a unique video project in which renowned Arizona musicians, community members, and instrument makers will perform and be interviewed around the state. A variety of musical styles and ethnically diverse artists will be featured. The final product will be a series of short videos included in the museum’s exhibition, along with educational mini-documentaries that will be accessible on the Internet.

Entrance to the “I Am AZ Music” exhibition is included in general museum admission. The exhibition is located in the United States / Canada Gallery and will be in place through Jan. 6, 2013.
The Musical Instrument Museum is located at 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard in Phoenix (corner of Tatum and Mayo Boulevards, just south of Loop 101). Please visit theMIM.org or call 480.478.6000 for more information.
* * *
About MIM
MIM enriches the world community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible high-quality musical instruments, images, and music from every country in the world. We celebrate our world’s diverse musical cultures and foster global understanding by offering our guests an incomparable interactive experience, a welcome and fun environment, dynamic programmin - Musical Instrument Museum.

Burning Sky, Enter the Earth

Burning Sky features Aaron White on acoustic guitar, along with cedar flutes, didgeridoo, and percussion. The rhythmic fingerstyle guitar patterns are key to the group’s sound and mixed near the front of most tracks. A Nashville vamp in one composition, "Tribal Stomp," is a barn burner. The entire album is a song cycle that "re-creates the indigenous vision of spirits emerging from the underworld." Michael Bannister’s drums and percussion tie it all together. A worthy effort with lots of reverb and atmosphere. (Candescence/Rykodisc)

—Gary Joyner


- Acoustic Guitar Magizine/Aug 1999 Gary Joyner.

Handprints of Our People

Aaron White and Anthony Wakemen
Canyon Records
www.canyonrecords.com

Canyon Records again stretches the
elastic boundary of Native American
flute fusion to a new limit on Handprints of
Our People. Flutist Anthony Wakeman is
joined by acoustic guitarist Aaron White
on 17 instrumentals melding the ancient,
haunting strains of wooden flute with
a more contemporary acoustic guitar.
At times jaunty and cheerful (“Into the
Wind”) and other times more introspective
(“First Light”), the musicianship of
the two artists sets this album apart. In
particular, White displays uncommon
talent and versatility.

- New Age Retailer/September 2011

Handprints of Our People

Aaron White and Anthony Wakemen
Canyon Records
www.canyonrecords.com

Canyon Records again stretches the
elastic boundary of Native American
flute fusion to a new limit on Handprints of
Our People. Flutist Anthony Wakeman is
joined by acoustic guitarist Aaron White
on 17 instrumentals melding the ancient,
haunting strains of wooden flute with
a more contemporary acoustic guitar.
At times jaunty and cheerful (“Into the
Wind”) and other times more introspective
(“First Light”), the musicianship of
the two artists sets this album apart. In
particular, White displays uncommon
talent and versatility.

- New Age Retailer/September 2011

By ARomero– June 13, 2011
Posted in: CD Reviews


Aaron White & Anthony Wakeman - Handprints of Our People
Aaron White and Anthony Wakeman

Handprints of Our People (Canyon Records CR-7083, 2011)

Handprints of Our People is a richly melodic and evocative album by guitarist Aaron White (Navajo/Ute) and flautist Anthony Wakeman (Gun Lake Band of Pottawatomi/Oglala Lakota). The album has an intertribal nature. Wakeman is from Montana in the northern plains and White comes from the southwest.

Together, the American Indian musicians celebrate Mother Earth and the heart and soul of all life.

Wakeman (of the Gunlake Band of Pottawatomi/Oglala Lakota) is an apprentice flutemaker to his uncle, the noted artist David A. Montour, and his experience as a craftsman gives his composition greater expressiveness and depth.

Aaron White is a singer, songwriter, composer and guitarist. He has lead numerous bands, including Burning Sky, Skychasers, and Super Chief. His heritage is Navajo and Ute, although he grew up in urban California.

A beautifully crafted album of American Indian impressions
- World Music Central/A. Romero

By ARomero– June 13, 2011
Posted in: CD Reviews


Aaron White & Anthony Wakeman - Handprints of Our People
Aaron White and Anthony Wakeman

Handprints of Our People (Canyon Records CR-7083, 2011)

Handprints of Our People is a richly melodic and evocative album by guitarist Aaron White (Navajo/Ute) and flautist Anthony Wakeman (Gun Lake Band of Pottawatomi/Oglala Lakota). The album has an intertribal nature. Wakeman is from Montana in the northern plains and White comes from the southwest.

Together, the American Indian musicians celebrate Mother Earth and the heart and soul of all life.

Wakeman (of the Gunlake Band of Pottawatomi/Oglala Lakota) is an apprentice flutemaker to his uncle, the noted artist David A. Montour, and his experience as a craftsman gives his composition greater expressiveness and depth.

Aaron White is a singer, songwriter, composer and guitarist. He has lead numerous bands, including Burning Sky, Skychasers, and Super Chief. His heritage is Navajo and Ute, although he grew up in urban California.

A beautifully crafted album of American Indian impressions
- World Music Central/A. Romero

Aaron White and Anthony Wakeman
"Handprints of Our People"
Canyon Records
www.anthonywakeman.com
www.facebook.com/pages/AaronWhite
By Sally A Schwartz

"Handprints of Our People" by Aaron White and Anthony Wakeman offers the ambiance of guitar and flute. In songs, such as "Cathedral of the Flute," reminds me of hiking up Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona, where I played my own Native American flute. The experience and the peace that I felt is most certainly captured in this song. White's classical guitar riffs displayed in "Beauty Runs Through All" create a soothing blend with Wakeman's flute. If you are looking for a relaxing CD to help ease the end of your day, this album offers just that.
- Da Belly Magazine 2011 Sally A. Schwartz

In review--Soaring Heights
Aaron White & Anthony Wakeman

Handprints of Our People
Canyon Records


Neither Dinè-Ute guitarist-flutist Aaron White or Lakota flutist Anthony Wakeman are new to my ears. I’ve heard at least two incarnations of White’s duos and heard Wakeman’s solo and collaborative recordings. So listening to White’s and Wakeman’s Handprint of Our People comes as a lovely respite. White’s bluesy guitar (listen to the stunner Dunes of Time) coupled with Wakeman’s ethereal flute connects the earth and the sky. Needless to say I find the duo’s warm acoustic album deeply relaxing. Certainly the music here would benefit massage and energy healing clients who prefer new age and indigenous music with an edge.


Wakeman’s flute provides more washes than melodic hooks which contributes to the relaxing vibe. And the deep tones of White’s guitar relieve tension. On End of My Trail, White plays lilting arpeggios which Wakeman’s dragonfly-like flute dances around. On Return of the Twins Wakeman and White perform a flute duo with White playing a double-chambered flute—easily the most relaxing song on the recording. White brings back the honey-warmth of his guitar on the following track, First Light, but by this point, the listener has already reached a state of blissfulness. (In fact, I’m trying to write this review while listening to the recording and all I want to do is let my mind soar like Brother Eagle).


Handprint of Our People is easily the most beautiful Native American recording I’ve heard in recent months. I’m fond of flutes and acoustic guitars (having played both). I also believe that with Neptune in Pisces for the next 13 years, flutes will play a much bigger role along with harps and instruments that conjure watery images in our minds. Flutes represent breath and air as well as take our minds and hearts to otherworldly places. I highly recommend this album for people needing a retreat or who enjoy soulful acoustic music. I also recommend this recording for overly tense children, people recovering from an illness, and pets. Even as quiet background music the songs on the recording cleanse negative energy from a room and usher in peaceful vibrations. You’re safe in White’s and Wakeman’s hands. Put this one in the player and allow your hearts to soar the friendly skies.


- The Whole Music Experience/Global Consciousness/April 2011

Phoenix's Bank One Ballpark has seen some amazing things in its short history, including the presentation of the World Series title in the fall of 2001, but few other events here have matched the excitement, color and sounds of the Diamondback's 4th annual Native American Day on August 11, 2002.

With a capacity crowd on hand, following some powwow demonstration dancing and an honor guard flag presentation conducted by former Navajo code talkers, participants of a 36-team Inter-Tribal Youth Baseball Tournament held over the previous four days were awarded their trophies by no less than D'back pitcher Miguel Batista. First place went to the Tuba City-Moencopi Cougars, second to the Guadalupe Indians.

Batista, of Caribe Indian heritage from the Dominican Republic, is the only active Native player in the Major Leagues. He is also a poet! He recently re-released a book titled Sentimientos en Blanco y Negro in Spanish and has another forthcoming in English. Batista spent a considerable amount of his free time over the summer and last winter touring various Indian reservations in Arizona speaking and meeting with kids, telling them to "follow your dreams." The trophies were followed by a stirring version of the national anthem played-for the first time ever it's believed--on flute by Aaron White (Navajo/Ute), and then sung in Navajo by the former Miss Navajo Nation and golden-throated Radmilla Cody.

Meanwhile, former baseball legend and announcer Joe Garagiola, today a Diamondback executive, was holding court in a large suite for Arizona tribal leaders and their guests. He noted, "The whole day has been beautiful because we're all together; American is a patchwork of humanity. During the anthem, you could have heard a pin drop. It's a great tribute to the Native peoples of Arizona, and I wish all baseball clubs would follow our lead. You have to have hope and a goal, and now some of these kids do-to play here themselves one day."

- Native Peoples magazine Aug 2002.

Burning Sky is a trio based in Phoenix, Arizona comprised of musicians playing flute, guitar, and bass. They weave traditional melodies and contemporary forms to create original music indicative of today's Native America. A SIMPLE MAN is the ... Full Descriptionfollow-up to their Grammy-nominated SPIRITS IN THE WIND. Released on the Canyon Records label, tirelessly dedicating over 50 years to publishing traditional and contemporary Native American music.

"Wisdom Keeper" begins the album with an assured knowing of accomplished musicianship. "Twilight in Your Eyes" allows the sound to open up for Burning Sky's arsenal of handmade flutes. "Wind & Steel" features incredibly crisp finger-picking against steel strings. Special guest artist Martha Redbone is featured on the title track, providing bluesy vocals on an otherwise instrumental album. These are songs of broad landscapes and painted deserts where the flute soars in a flight path that reunites listeners with the sky.

- Cd Universe 2005

An evening of Native American music
StoryDiscussionImage (2)DAILY SUN STAFF | Posted: Friday, February 12, 2010 5:00 am | (0) Comments

Font Size:Default font sizeLarger font size
Courtesy photo Native American guitarist Aaron White will play with flutist Anthony Wakeman and percussionist Andy Gonzales on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Center for the Arts in Cottonwood. (Courtesy photo) .
Loading… .
..Guitarist Aaron White and flutist Anthony Wakeman will perform Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Center for the Arts in Cottonwood. The Native American musicians will be joined by percussionist Andy Gonzales.

White is a singer, songwriter, composer, musician and a man of contrasts. His music has found expression in many forms -- in the bands he has lead, such as Burning Sky, Skychasers and Super Chief, and in solo performances at venues like Tusayan's Grand Hotel and in recorded media. His heritage and his flutes tether to the ancient Navajo and Ute cultures, but he grew up in urban California, so he plays a mean guitar. He has played everywhere from a presidential inaugural ball to a benefit concert at Arizona's San Francisco Peaks.

White has shared the stage with Jackson Brown, John Densmore of the Doors, Shawn Colvin, Lyle Lovett, Taj Mahal, Chaka Khan, Michael Nerad Walden, Jefferson Starship's Greg Chiquiso, Redbone, Bruce Cockburn and many others throughout his career.

White's group, Burning Sky, received a Grammy nomination in 2004 for "Spirits in the Wind" in the Best Native American Music category. The group also won Group of the Year at the 2003 Native American Music Awards (NAMMYS).

Wakeman, of the Gunlake Band of Pottawatomi/Oglala Lakota, has been playing the Native American flute for 12 years. Originally from Missoula, Mont., Wakeman moved to Phoenix in 1994 and began an apprenticeship with his uncle, David A. Montour, a noted artist, musician and flutemaker. Throughout his musical life, Wakeman has also collaborated with some of the most respected traditional and contemporary Native American musicians of today. In 2005, he released his first album with Canyon Records, titled Butterfly Dreams. Inspired by the playfulness of his 4-year-old daughter dancing about, this album contains songs that inspire, tell a story and illustrate the beauty of the solo flute. His album was a finalist for New Age Retailer's 2005 Narcissus Award.

Gonzales is an all-around musician. While he plays percussion instruments in the White, Wakeman, Gonzales ensemble, he is perhaps most well known for his bass playing and Latino Band work in the Phoenix area. Since the early 1970s, when he was working with Chuy Castro in the La Raza band, he has played with the best.
- Daily Sun

Amazon.com
With Enter the Earth, what Burning Sky do best is to bring together elements of both traditional native instruments and sound with contemporary folk, forming a hybrid that is always interesting, often good, and at times sublime. The core quartet is formed by Michael Bannister on drums, Kelvin Bizahaloni on flute, Aaron White on flute and acoustic guitars, and John Katz on guitars as well. The music is emboldened by use of rattles, bodrhan, didgeridoo, mandolin, and various percussive instruments. The record's finest moments are those in which the band locks onto the difficult balance of restraint and abandon, as on the rousing sacred revelry of "Circle Dance." In this piece Darryl Iccard's guest appearance on bass guitar provides a firm foothold for the hypnotic ringing repetition of interlocking guitar lines, gliding flute, and drums accented by bells. "Celebration Song" is an uplifting booty shaker, and the exceptional "Tribal Stomp" is a funky fingerpicked Indian blues. --Paige La Grone

From the Label
Since ancient times, tribal people throughout the world wove their creation stories around their spiritual emergence from within Mother Earth. They gave thanks to the powers of the four directions through special ceremonies and dances. Throughout their history, there were many great migrations of the clans and tribes to their specific sacred places where they came together to celebrate.
Then, after many, many years Mother Earth would go through a time of cataclysmic cleansing and purification. She would renew herself.

The Native American people of this continent have always known (contrary to the claims of modern anthropologists) that they were created and emerged from this Turtle Island.

Now the time has come when Mother Earth will cleanse herself once more of all the destruction that man has made. Listen carefully to the voices in the wind. They speak to us of what is to come. They tell us it is the time to enter the earth once again.

The music on this album was made for and is dedicated to our Mother Earth and all who walk upon her and are nurtured by her bounty. We thank you Mother Earth, may we all walk in beauty and make the world a better place. Ah Yááheh....

- Amazon.com

Spirits in the Wind, nominated for a Grammy for Best Native American Album, will surprise you. Aaron White, a Navajo/Ute, plays Native American flute and acoustic guitar. Kelvin Mockingbird, a Navajo, plays Native American flute. While neither of these are surprises, their drummer may well shock you. He is none other than John Densmore of the Doors!

This is not the first time that Aaron White and John Densmore have worked together. They have jointly conducted workshops on the Navajo reservation for the young Native American musicians. So let us applaud these two fine gentlemen for their community service and efforts to promote culture and inspiration among the next generation of Native Americans!

This CD is a combination of traditional and contemporary pieces, with the bulk leaning toward contemporary. There is heavy use of rattles by both Mockingbird and Densmore. Mockingbird has the most chilling vibrato to be found in Native American flute. It is almost resounding. When Densmore moves from drums to flute, White fills in the tempo with his acoustic guitar and you will not even notice the absence of the drum.

This collection contains a wide variety of styles and tones. "Dog Soldiers" is slow and haunting with a fantastic flute duet. "Bare Root" is a relaxing, light guitar solo. "Little Wing" is a contemporary piece with a slow tempo that is ideal for slow dancing with lots of spins. It is their tribute to Jimi Hendrix. The varied trills are breathtaking. "Spirits in the Wind" and "Journey Home" are contemporary pieces with moderate tempos. "Star" is a contemporary piece with a slow tempo and light rattle. This selection is ideal for slow dancing. The walking trill is outstanding.

"Medicine Dance" is my favorite of this collection. It is a powerfully moving traditional piece with flute, drum, and rattles. You will feel compelled to get up and dance. This is straight pow-wow music at its best!

"Road Less Traveled" is a contemporary piece with heavy flute trills and rips. It has the best flute composition of the collection. There is such a wide variety of technique utilized. The ending is particularly fascinating.

"Shadow Moon" begins with a low-pitched flute solo that sets the mood as peaceful solitude in nature. A high-pitched flute joins and they execute a beautiful duet. This composition that will take you on your most intimate soul-searching journey, then carry you away into the world when the drums, rattles, and guitar eventually join. It is a solid closure for the collection and will leave you feeling well satisfied.

The jacket cover has a paragraph with each title listing that is a must read. For eclipse, it states: "The heart races and the tide rolls in. The sun and moon dance in the burning skies where the vision is eclipsed by love." This is one of the shorter ones. These are poetic expressions that pack powerful messages! We should all strive to live in accordance with "Beauty Beside Me."

I often set this CD on repeat play while I am writing. It is relaxing, inspirational and just plain beautiful! I urge you to buy a copy today and take a few journeys with these guys.

- Rambles contemporary Arts Magazine

Canyon Artists Headline 60th Annual Navajo Festival of Arts & Culture »
NEW RELEASE
Canyon Artists Star at the 88th Annual Santa Fe Indian Market
Several of Canyon’s finest artists took the stage on Sunday afternoon at the 88th Annual Santa Fe Indian Market and for three and a half hours the audience heard a diverse cross-section of Native music. Artists included Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai (center), traditional Hopi singer Clark Tenakhongva and his daughter Si’Mana (lower right), classical/tango guitarist Gabriel Ayala (upper middle), singer/songwriter/guitarist Aaron White (middle right), Native American flutist Anthony Wakeman (upper right), and Canyon’s newest artist, Estun-Bah (left side), featuring Darren Yazzie (guitar), Jeremy Dancing Bull (drums) and Tony Duncan (Native American flute) who also performed two show stopping hoop dances. Friend of Canyon, Keith Secola (lower middle) joined Aaron White and R. Carlos Nakai to close their sets. Canyon Records would like to thank the Southwestern Association of Indian Arts (SWAIA) for the opportunity to serve as a sponsor and in particular acknowledge Executive Director Dr. Bruce Bernstein, Gabe Gomez and Melanie Yazzie for their gracious support.

August 27th, 2009 | Tags: Aaron White, Anthony Wakeman, Canyon Records, Clark Tenakhongva, Darren Yazzie, Estun-Bah, Gabriel Ayala Santa Fe Indian Market, Jeremy Dancing Bull, Keith Secola, Native American flute music, Native American music, R. Carlos Nakai, SWAIA, Tony Duncan | Category: Aaron White, Anthony Wakeman, Canyon Records Artists, Clark Tenakhongva, Darren Yazzie, Estun-Bah, Gabriel Ayala, Jeremy Dancing Bull, R. Carlos Nakai - Canyon Records