For those un-familiar with John Trudell, he’s an activist who speaks through his poetry and music. He’s been a part of the under-current of folk rock for years. Blue Indians is his latest mass release. You can find his new one, “Bone Days” at his website. Both are worth the purchase, but for sake of this review we’re going to focus on “Blue Indians”.
Socially the Native peoples of this great land have been kept at arm’s length unless they are willing to give up their heritage and become “white”. It is hard to walk down the streets in a rez without feeling the loss of personality, the mass dying of a dream. The first cut and title track, just rips apart the pressure to lose one’s heritage. John Trudell really throws you to the wolves from the start.
The second cut, Bad Dog, sums it up with one lyric, “Man keeps playing at being master, there’s a way you’re expected to obey.” Amazing textures through the simple words of the English language, Trudell shows what true poetry is all about.
The rest of this outstanding album focuses on the journey of man and the search for truth. Jackson Browne and John Trudell team up to really put you into the madness of not knowing where you might belong.
This is one of those albums you experience. There is no listening, there just is.
For more information go to: http://www.johntrudell.com
