Music of New Mexico: Native American Traditions

This is a 67-minute compilation of Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache music from New Mexico, recorded in the early '90s. Ceremonial two-step and round dance songs are represented, as well as some flute pieces and a few numbers featuring only singing and guitar that come close to singer/songwriter territory. The ceremonial pieces, used as the name implies for serious ceremonies rather than entertainment, emphasize chanting and rattling percussion, and are not likely to interest most listeners looking for casual entertainment. The songs by Sharon Burch and Geraldine Barney, on the other hand, are rather in the straight folk vein, though Burch sings in Navajo and uses the techniques that are found in much Navajo music.