TW11 - Gifts From Heaven

I could not possibly speak and sing loud enough of the glory of this audio accomplishment.  I was invited to my first Potlatch many years ago. Hosted by the late Jone McGimpsy family of The Makah Nation in our community hall at Neah bay Washington, I had never heard Native song and dance that equalled this experience.  Truly this was a vision of heaven.  Songs that had melody while sung in the ancient Makah language. The Wolf head dress with breathtaking capes and danced with spectacular grace to the rhythm of the drums voice of cadence. Spoken words in their ancient language.  A total lack of criticism about any one.  Just encouragement spoken as I had never witnessed before in my life.  I was truly getting a preview of one of the rooms in God's mansion of many rooms. 
 
I leaned next to Ron Hilbert, who asked me to drive him and share this experience with him. I whispered to Ron, one day I'm going to record them and let the world hear the deepest spiritual singing I've ever experienced.  Ron laughed and said they will kill you before they'll let that happen.  After ten years of knowing and earning the trust of my now-adopted cousin, Spencer McCarty, and my adoption to one of the great cultural keepers of the Makah, the Tribal elder at the time (Viola Johnson) said “have Spencer teach you how to sing our songs. You will be my Son.”  Thirty years later, this album composed of Spencer’s songs sung at numerous Potlatches is here to share a peek into the Makah's Potlatch tradition.  There is no public example on planet Earth that can allow you to experience the glorious voices and holy beauty of the Makah Potlach like this album can.  I personally guarantee this. Songs from the voice of Makah. They are gifts from Heaven.
 
Paul David Guy Eubanks