A departure for my blog — to return to the Native American roots of my spirit if not DNA. I’m having a joy-filled pow-wow here, having just re-found this Native American chant that I sooo love and have not heard in sooo very many years! I’m so happy to share it with you.
I’m celebrating this music tonight, posting 3 versions of Witchi tai to, originally recorded by Jim Pepper to whom is was passed down by his grandfather. Something about this makes me teary-eyed with ancient emotions, and I can’t seem to stop replaying it! Been checking various versions on youtube—so many variations in sound quality, or video production (if any). Settled on the three you’ll find below.Anyone who has even the slightest appreciation of a good Indian chant will just LOVE this! I defy anyone to sit still and not be uplifted in a big way by this chant.
So the three versions are—first—the original recording by Native American jazz saxist Jim Pepper. Second is a later, live/livelier and longer version (also Pepper) that I just can’t sit still to, it is such a soul-lifter! The only drawback on this second one is, it gets cut off prematurely :(. Then the third one, since I’m on a roll here, is a whole other vibe by Brewer & Shipley.
Enjoy! Shake a rattle! Sing!
Love all ~ Whitehawk
Original Jim Pepper recording (short & simple):
Long & lively, w/a brief authentic pow-wow prelude:
Brewer & Shipley cover version (more folksy, harmonized, and ‘produced’ sound):
Whitehawk, I just want to say that I love your site! I think the ideas you communicate and the style in which you do so are fabulous! This post is awesome, and you have given me the idea that because we are all one through universal connectivity, that I am native american as much as a genetic Native American because of it. I’ve always felt connected to Native Americans, finding a lot of wisdom in their beliefs and culture, and feel great empathy and pain for their displacement upon the settlement of America by the English. Thanks for you aid in helping me to understand that what I feel is valid because of this oneness.
Dearest Kikibird, I am honored by your words and your presence here. As the coming months roll out, let us keep this ‘oneness’ in our hearts, because it is our saving grace. Namaste, Whitehawk
I heard this song in the movie Sleepers 2 nights ago and just had to find it online. How beautiful, it’s touched me somewhere deep inside and I’ve listened to it probably 30 times today alone :) thanks for sharing!
Thanks for visiting & commenting, Frank. Rediscovering this chant actually sent me on a little ride last week. I’ve had a photo of myself sitting directly in front of a man playing a sax in a cafe performance, for many years. I had forgotten the entire story of this situation (beyond knowing the cafe, as it was a hangout of mine for some time). Finding ‘Witchi tai to’ again brought this old photo to mind… is it POSSIBLE it could have been Jim Pepper I was listening to, so close up? I emailed my old boyfriend (owner of that cafe) to ask if it was in fact Jim Pepper. He confirmed. I then remembered meeting Jim earlier that day, and sharing with him how much I loved this chant; he then asked me to sit right in front while he played that night, because he liked having a friend in front. So I did :) Fun to have that little vignette return to mind after all this time. May Jim’s journeys through the afterlife dimensions be luminous and filled with love. I’m sure he’s aware that we’ve been appreciating him anew lately!
Great story :) Jim is a great example of someone living a relatively short life but inspiring people long after he’s gone. He must be happy to see the ripple effect! That song will live for a very long time to come!