Canyon Records

Bio:

WWW.CANYONRECORDS.COM

Canyon Records has recorded, produced, and distributed Native American music for 57 years, and is one of the oldest independent record labels (of any style of music) in existence. Canyon's catalog includes more than 400 traditional and contemporary recordings by native peoples from the United States, western Canada, and northwest Mexico... Canyon's catalog features numerous native musical genres: traditional tribal music, pow-wow (northern and southern varieties), Native American Church music (peyote ritual), Native American flute (contemporary and traditional), rock, alternative, folk, classical, and waila (also known as "chicken scratch"), a form of polka music from the Tohono O'odham of southern Arizona)... Canyon has received two gold records (sales in excess of 500,000) for Canyon Trilogy and Earth Spirit by Native American flutist, R. Carlos Nakai, which are the only gold records for traditional Native American music. Canyon has received 20 GRAMMY? nominations, and won a 2001 GRAMMY? (Best Native American Album) for Bless the People by Verdell Primeaux and Johnny Mike. Additionally, Canyon has received numerous awards including Native American Music Awards (NAMMYS) and Association for Independent Music Awards (the GRAMMY? for independent record labels)... Canyon was founded in 1951 by Ray and Mary Boley who had opened the first recording studio in Phoenix in 1948. Ray Boley's involvement with Native American music began when he was asked by the Phoenix Little Theater to record a Navajo singer named Ed Lee Natay. Boley was so taken with what he heard that he recorded a collection of songs by Natay and created Canyon Records to release Natay, Navajo Singer. This release was well received within the Native American community, and stimulated Boley's enthusiasm for Native American music... The Boleys began seeking out Native American singers and musicians from other tribes. In addition to expanding their own label, they also established a distribution network to sell Canyon titles and titles from other labels across the United States, Canada and into Europe. In 1971, after selling their other business, Canyon Films, they opened a retail location in central Phoenix which still operates as Drumbeat Indian Arts... In 1992, Ray Boley retired and Canyon Records was bought by Robert Doyle, a long time employee and producer for Canyon. In 2000, Canyon moved to its presentation location adding a commercial recording studio (Jack Miller Productions) and graphic design company (Nile Graphics). ..

New Releases from Canyon Records

Randall Paskemin - Goodnight, Sweet Dreams, I Love You (CR-6462)
From one of the most prolific traditional Native American singers and songwriters, Randall Paskemin crafts a collection of songs to accompany children throughout the day and sweet lullabies to soothe them to sleep at night. Gently sung in both English and Cree, these songs share the loving family traditions of Native peoples and inspire joy and happiness in all children."

Estun-Bah - From Where the Sun Rises (CR-7093)
Estun-Bah (Apache “for the woman”) features Native American flutist Tony Duncan, guitarist Darrin Yazzie and drummer Jeremy Dancing Bull. Estun-Bah blends the music of Native traditions with a contemporary acoustic sound.

Northern Cree - Temptations (CR-6443)
5-time Grammy® nominee Northern Cree rank among the best drum groups that the Pow-Wow trail has ever seen. They have also helped elevate the status of the Round Dance among the tribes of Native America and beyond. This collection charts the odyssey of romance from the innocence of first love to the temptations of fiery infatuation.

Nakai, Eaton & Clipman - Dancing into Silence (CR-7089)
Tha Tribe deliver a championship performance of fierce singing and drumming recorded live at the famous Woodland Bowl at the Menominee Nation Pow-Wow. Singing straight songs in the traditional style, Tha Tribe’s raw energy conveys the essence of the Pow-Wow with these tree-shaking songs.

Wayne Silas, Jr. - Unconditional (CR-6466)
Featuring performances by Joe Syrette, Edmond Tate Nevaquaya, Jeremy "Worm" Dearly, Nitanis "Kit" Landry and Arianne Sheka. Acclaimed singer and songmaker Wayne Silas, Jr. (Menominee/Oneida) draws upon his years of experience singing with some of the greatest Pow-Wow drum groups to craft his debut solo Round Dance recording. Blending his signature style with in-your-face humor and superb singing, Silas' songs reflect tales of love both sweet and sour.

WWW.CANYONRECORDS.COM

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March 14, 2007

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Canyon Records