Brenda MacIntyre - Medicine Song Woman

by Aaron Cain

Brenda MacIntyre’s new album Medicine Song won’t just get your toes tapping; it will also soothe your soul and calm your
spirit. If that sounds too good to be true, then you haven’t met Brenda!

With eight albums to her name,
Brenda has been creating music since she was a teen. But her healing journey began when she was a bit older. It was in ’94,
after picking up one of Lillian
McGregor’s flyers while a student at York University, that she began to learn about her Native culture and later realized her own power as a
healer. This knowledge changed her music from the Hip Hop of her early days to what we hear on Medicine Song: traditional hand drumming and vocals blended with some reggae, folk and a touch of gospel.

The lead track “Be Here Now”
begins with a traditional Native
American welcome that seamlessly
blends into an upbeat reggae influenced song. The sparse treatment - just vocals and guitar, allow Brenda’s message of motivation and “living in the moment and loving it”
to shine through.

“One of the Things” is a stand
out track with a chorus that will stay in your head for days. Accompanying Brenda on guitar is Rohan Staton who recently worked with Jully Black. Rohan’s jazzy guitar adds an extra richness to the reggae groove. Brenda’s smooth voice reassures us that we all have bad days but not to despair as things can only get better. Listening to such a joyful and comforting track, it’s hard not to believe she is absolutely correct.

Partnering with iconic dub poet
Lillian Allen, Brenda has created a new feminist theme with the track “Woman”. It was almost by chance that the two began working together. Lillian lives and often gathers with
her Dub Poet’s Collective in
Brenda’s neighbourhood. Mutual
friends put the two together and they fed off each other’s creativity immediately and effortlessly. On “Woman”, Lillian’s deep spoken word – a style with a long history in
African American as well as Native cultures – balances Brenda’s vocals. It is a blend of styles not often put together, but Woman combines them well.

As the title suggests, “Back in
the River” will have you picturing a Southern gospel ceremony, complete with hand clapping and hoots of encouragement.

The title track, Medicine Song, is a cry of strength in the face of adversity. Accompanied by Ernie Tollar’s wooden flutes and a full band, Brenda’s vocals go from softness to raw power.

When she was at a low point in her life it was through creating music that she was able to see her way out of it. She now helps others through her music and sound and energy healing.

Citing India Arie and the conscious reggae genre as strong influences, Brenda’s songs follow in their footsteps by having positive, uplifting
messages. When all the news on
the TV is bad, we sure need an antidote like Medicine Song.

Medicine Song is now available
online at brendamacintyre.com or in the Cedar Basket at the Native Centre of Toronto. - The Native Canadian - July/August 2009

"Brenda MacIntyre, Juno Award winning singer/songwriter had a great performance at the 38th annual Niagara Folk Arts events. The “Medicine Song Woman” brought her philosophy of empowerment to the stage
as she drummed to the audience’s delight... Outstanding performance at the Niagara festival."
-Edward Akinwunmi, Publisher & Editor, Mosaic Edition - Mosaic Edition

"I am a huge fan. I think you do awesome work. As a former musician I can truly appreciate your music."
-Marion Wilson-Brown, Producer, Venturing Forth a production of Brenco Media Inc., B.C.

*Several of Brenda's songs were included in 2 documentaries. one of which aired on national television. - Venturing Forth a production of Brenco Media Inc.

“'Back in the River' is full of soul, blues and folk, a song to fulfill any music lover's taste buds.”
-CFWE FM The Native Perspective (September 2009)

*This song was featured as "Our Pick" in September 2009.
- CFWE FM The Native Perspective

Brenda MacIntyre is wowing audiences with her Summer 2007 Healing Water and Empower Communities tour.
-The Morning Star (Vernon, BC 2007)
- The Morning Star

“Her latest album showcases Brenda's amazing voice and range. It's a fantastic addition to any CD collection!”
-Mariel Borelli, producer, Fresh Air, CBC Radio One (September 2009)
- CBC Radio One

"Brenda MacIntyre, traditional Native singer/healer, with drum and water in hand reached across time, space and history with her powerful, compassionate spirit."
URBAN SCRAWL, an URBAN ARTS publication, Winter 2006 - Urban Scrawl, an Urban Arts publication