Search - Perry Silverbird :: Spirit of Fire

Fire is the inspiration for this release of the young Navajo/Apache artist, Perry Silverbird. To Native Americans, fire represents purity, creativity, and immortality; all of which are attributes of Silverbird's music. Purity is apparent in the serenely soulful notes of the flute that weave a tapestry of clarity and brilliance. The spirituality of his performance is awing which is not surprising considering that Silverbird strongly believes that the message of God is manifested through his music. The creativity of the artist can be seen in his imaginative, mystical chanting that can be dreamy, peaceful, and powerful at the same time. Encouraged by producer Steve Roach, this release includes much more chanting than Silverbird's previous work, and it can take a toll on the artist. Silverbird asserts that chanting does not come easily to him. The musician must get into an almost trance-like state in order to be able to express the essence of one's being and spirit through chants. Silverbird claims that a fire inside him kindles the need to express himself and chanting is surely an eloquent and powerful means of doing so. Finally, the constant, pulsing beat of the drums illustrates the immortality of man's spirit as he and his descendants continue to perform these ancient rhythms. The messages expressed in each song are also immortal in their significance to people everywhere. Silverbird states that each song conveys a situation or emotion that most people have experienced. For example, one of the most poignant songs, Tsegihi (Prayer of the Night Flute), paints an aural picture of how we are when alone. Fed by the flames of creativity and fueled by sparks of inspiration, the Spirit of Fire is a sizzling union of flute-playing, percussion, and chanting that is both primal and contemporary.