Requiem For The Americas -
Songs From The Lost World
"I saw myself on the central mountain of the world, the highest place, and I had a vision because I was seeing in the sacred manner of the world. But the central mountain is everywhere"
--Black Elk
Magic, chance, providence, whatever word you choose, it's a powerful force in everyone's life. I didn't realize just how much until I was down a trail that has occupied my and a great many others for the past couple of years. I composed the songs on Requiem as a tribute to the spirit and vision of the Native American.
Introduced by a friend to the stirring images of Edward Curtis' "The life and Times of a Shadow Catcher", I felt compelled to read, listen and learn everything I could get my hands on about our native American culture.
My wish with Requiem is to reflect the inspiration from all I've absorbed, remaining attentive and true to the spirit of these native tales. In looking back, I've come to see how relevant that world is to our own and the cycles of our lives. I would like to thank all the artists on the project for giving us their valuable time and for their very generous contributions of music and spirit.
--Jonathan Elias, New York City, 1 August 1989
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