Medicine Dream

As I've mentioned before, I was born in Alaska and belong to a native corporation in Anchorage. While searching their web-page, I came upon this article about a music group called Medicine Dream. (Their video is awesome!) They've won the Native American Music Award in 2006. Here's the article written by Daniel Weirich KIAL-AM 1450 Unalaska, AK 6 September 2008.


"Morphing rock and pop rhythms with Indigenous Percussion and Flute soundscapes, "Medicine Dream" delighted the 400 plus crowd with almost 2 hours of their original songs, largely from their 3rd CD "Learning to Fly".


Rock Guitar and Drums were enhanced by subtler tones from (2) Acoustic Guitars and rich tapestries of background vocals and Tribal Percussion instruments. Indigenous Blankets, Apparel, and Artifacts also adorned the stage, adding to the ambiance of the evening. 5 of the members are from various Native tribes, including lead vocalist, flutist, guitarist, songwriter, and founder Paul Pike, who originates from Newfoundland, but has been in the Anchorage area since 1990. Paul also produced their 3rd CD "Learning to Fly" which was an independent disc recorded in Anchorage's Mirror Studio.


Paul's pure and broad-ranged vocals led the show, with stunning unison passages and harmonies from the rest of the members. Tribal chants prevailed throughout providing a very powerful undertone to the often danceable rhythms. Also laced throughout were some unorthodox meters, that many jazz fusion bands incorporate. They were craftily implemented in a fluid way, which left listeners realizing this music was different than mainstream music, yet didn't detract from it's cohesiveness.


Not only were listeners enveloped with thick sound palettes . . . . they also were engaged by the thought provoking and positive messages in the lyrics. The band also presented some sobriety, wellness, and healthy living seminars to the community, with similar messages interlaced in their lyrics. The band's keyboard player was stranded in Cold Bay, but the band went on seamlessly, as if nothing was absent. Adjusting to Gymasnium acoustics, engineering sound from stage, and minus a key member . . . . the ensemble didn't miss a beat, and the old and new fans responded enthusiastically.


Many organizations were involved in getting this band here, including the Aleutian Arts Council, Ounalashka Tribe, Dr. David Baines, and several others.


Regardless of one's heritage, . . . . the music, good natured humor, and comfortableness within themselves, was infectious. "Medicine Dream" was indeed medicinal, and left Unalaska residents and visiting fans with a spiritual presence that is sure to linger."