– General Description: Alanis Obomsawin is a American-Canadian Abenaki artist who has largely focused her work (in film and music) on issues affecting First Nation peoples. Bush Lady is a re-issue of a remastered version of her only album originally recorded in 1985. These original compositions merge her heritage with an avant-garde approach using Abenaki, English and French over spare and supportive orchestrations which serve to enhance her delivery of mournful words, such as:

“I walk around with the sorrows of my race engraved upon my face...”
“I know this place where no one cries/I know this place where no one dies.”

Obomsawin’s voice is full and luscious; a controlled and, at times, crystal-like soprano. This is a beautiful and haunting work — a treasure that should be played over and over again.

– FCC Compliant: YES
– Recommended Tracks: 1, 2, 3
– Track Reviews:
1.*** (3:40) Odana - lovely soprano voice singing a sad lament over spare orchestration
2.*** (10:04) Bush Lady, Pt. I - North American Indian huff singing and singing/talking story of dislocation
3.*** (2:45) Bush Lady, Pt. II - Bush Lady finds rest
4. (0:25) Of The Earth And Of The Sea - a simple spoken statement
5. (8:00) Theo, Pt. I - French spoken word story and calling with drum and spare orchestration behind
6. (8:08) Theo, Pt. II - continuation of the story
7. (1:06) Nziwaldam - voice only soft, clear lament