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 Joanne Shenandoah

941
Skywoman (SD 941)

A symphonic odyssey of Iroquois legends
This pop-orchestral collaboration was created by Native American composer, performer, and two-time Grammy nominee Joanne Shenandoah, along with acclaimed composer and guitarist Gerhard Rebmann, and orchestra arranger Hartmut Seidler.

 Skywoman
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The world premier of Skywoman was performed in the heart of the Iroquois Confederacy with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, and portions were seen nationally on the PBS-TV special 'Songs of the Spirit' with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra.

The exalted and powerful voice of Joanne Shenandoah and the majestic sounds of the symphony depict Iroquois legends in a dramatic and enthralling performance.
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938
Covenant (SD 938)

2005 Grammy Award Nominee,
Best Native American Music Album

Joanne Shenandoah's enchanting voice is backed with percussive grooves, vivid string arrangements, and tribal sounds in a modern style that ranges from dance to trance.

 Covenant - Joanne Shenandoah
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Prayers for the dance floor of your heart. These songs honor the Covenant between humankind and the earth with riveting music that masterfully weaves original compositions and powerful messages from the ancient Iroquois prophecy.
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933
Peace and Power (SD/SC 933)

This collection of deeply moving and captivating music is what Joanne Shendoah fans have always wanted.

 Peace and Power The Best of Joanne Shenandoah
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These heavenly songs are the genuine treasures from her award-winning Silver Wave catalog. The "silken smooth tones" -(Billboard), of this Grammy nominated singer are deeply moving, calming, and inspiring. Together with a 20-page collectors's booklet of unique photos and extensive liner notes, this collection provides a window to the soul of this captivating Diva.

Ms. Shenandoah was recently presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Music at Syracuse University. The award, the first of its kind to ever be presented to a Native musician at an American university, honors her as an acclaimed Native American singer, songwriter, and keeper of the Iroquois culture, emphasizing her commitment to peace among all people.

Best Compilation 2003, Native American Music Awards
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923
Peacemaker's Journey (SD/SC 923)

A 2001 GRAMMY Nominated collection of all new, original and truly inspired compositions by highly acclaimed singer/songwriter Joanne Shenandoah.

 Joanne Shenandoah Peacemaker's Journey
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All sung in her native Iroquois language, these songs tell the story of the Peacemaker who helped bring peace to all the Iroquois Nations. "One of the most beautiful voices recording today" (NAPRA Review) is accompanied by violin, viola, cello, guitar, bass, and a lush array of other instruments to bestow a profoundly moving message of peace.

"The world in which we live has caused us all to think of our children and of those yet unborn. In light of all the violence, war and pressure placed on the children of the 20th century, I was compelled to compose songs which tell the story of our beloved Peacemaker who helped bring peace to the Haudenosaunee, the People of the Iroquois Longhouse. The prophecy of the Haudenosaunee says that one day everyone will hear about this great message of peace." -Joanne Shenandoah

2 X WINNER! Joanne Shenandoah has been named the "Best Female Artist" again at the Native American Music Awards ('98 & '99)!
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918
Orenda - Native American Songs of Life (SD/SC 918)

With voices that echo grace and beauty, Joanne Shenandoah and Lawrence Laughing (Mohawk) sing spirited melodies and elegant harmonies creating a sense of peace, balance and gratitude.

 Orenda
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Orenda is an Iroquois word meaning "the soul of all things." These songs celebrate life and our connection to the universal spirit.

The songs on Orenda are primarily rooted in Shenandoah's and Laughing's Iroquois tradition, but incorporate influences from Indian Nations as far away as Central America and Northern Canada. From traditional chants to contemporary ballads, the music is derived from indigenous Social Dance and Ceremonial songs. Tom Wasinger's production style (who also produced Matriarch) adds layers of Shenandoah's and Laughing's exquisite harmonies. As a result, Orenda has a modern sound that fills the listener's room as well as, their soul with beautiful sonance.

"The Native American scene is brimming with skilled, adventurous artists...arguably the best of all is the remarkable Joanne Shenandoah." -USA Today
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913
Matriarch (SD/SC 913)

Joanne Shenandoah sings in tones pure and passionate that resonate with wisdom and truth.

 Matriarch
913

Tom Wasinger co-produced and recorded this collection of Iroquois women's melodies and chants at ancient village sites on Oneida territory in New York.

Matriarch honors all women since "they are the Lifegivers of our Mother Earth." The album notes offer an excellent overview of Haudenosaunee (People of the Longhouse) women's history and culture.

"I have been enjoying Joanne's music for several years, but her recording Matriarch is in my opinion her finest work."- Robbie Robertson

Matriarch won an INDIE Award as the Best Native American Recording of 1997!
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809
Life Blood (SD/SC 809)

The beautiful voice of Joanne Shenandoah, along with Peter Kater's exquisite grand piano and synthesizer performances are further enhanced with shakuhachi, bass, guitar and percussion.

 Life Blood
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Life Blood is a seminal recording, bridging the rich heritage of one of America's foremost Native recording artists with the genius of one of this country's leading pianists and composers. These ancient Iroquois melodies have a spine-tingling presence.

"...emerges as a Native American version of Enya..."- Billboard Magazine
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Maisie Shenandoah & Liz Robert

936
Sisters - Oneida Iroquois Hymns (SD 936)

Oneida Iroquois twins, Maisie Shenandoah and Liz Robert with guest artist Joanne Shenandoah sing popular hymns in their Iroquois language.

 Sisters - Oneida Iroquois Hymns Maisie Shenandoah and Liz Robert with Joanne Shenandoah
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A rich blend of Native American and Christian cultures, this recording is a gift of healing.

"These songs of thanksgiving are vital to the human heart. They remind us that it is the duty of each person to care for this beautiful planet in trust for those yet unborn. By raising our voices in song we extend words of gratitude to every living thing. This is the very essence of what it is to be Ukwehu:we, A True Human Being."-Liz Robert and Maisie Shenandoah
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ABOUT THE ARTIST

Joanne Shenandoah is a Wolf Clan member of the Oneida Nation -- Iroquois Confederacy. She is the daughter of Maisie Shenandoah, a Clanmother, and the late Clifford Shenandoah, an Onondaga chief and jazz guitarist. Her parents had a deep love for music, encouraging Joanne to study voice, flute, piano, clarinet, guitar and cello. Joanne's talent combined with her beautiful, clear voice enable her to embellish the ancients' songs of the Iroquois using a blend of traditional and contemporary instrumentation. After spending 14 years as a computer programmer and consultant in Washington, DC, Shenandoah became close with the tribal elders and her extended family who reaquainted her with the stories and songs of her people, which prompted a personal artistic reawakening in 1989. Since then Joanne Shenandoah has won several musical achievement awards, most recently she received "Best Female Artist" at both the 1999 AND 1998 Native American Music Awards and in 1997 she was recognized as a "Native American Woman of Hope." Joanne Shenandoah Photo

Ms. Shenandoah has drawn upon her rich heritage in establishing a reputation as one of America's foremost native recording artists. Her music reflects the indigenous philosophy and culture which continues to have a profound effect on the world today. She has performed and recorded with many accomplished musicians in Europe and America, most recently Neil Young. From traditional chants to contemporary ballads of Native ways, her music has been described as an emotional experience, a "Native American trance."

Aside from her 1994 appearance at the Woodstock Festival, Shenandoah has appeared on and created sound tracks for numerous television shows, most notably "Northern Exposure." She performed recently at the White House, during a ceremony to dedicate a sculpture to the people of the United States by Apache artist Allan Houser.

Ms. Shenandoah is the co-founder and president of Round Dance Productions, a non-profit educational Native operated foundation dedicated toward the preservation of Iroquois culture. Round Dance has begun to initiate activities which will result in the creation of a Native American traditional music archive, performing arts center and recording studio.