Review: Cheevers Toppah - True Melodies

The Grammy®-nominated, prolific singer, Cheevers Toppah comes from a long line of singers.  Toppah has spent most of his life singing around the Pow-Wow drum, something he continues to do.  Currently Toppah tours the pow-wow trail with the Thunder Hill drum group. Cheevers studied choir in high school, learning many cultures and singing in multiple languages, such as Latin and German.  In 2011 he was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. 

Toppah has been mentored by some of the greatest singers of the southern Plains and encouraged to carry the song traditions into the future which he is doing very well  ... The elders should be proud!

A beautiful harmonized arrangement of Native American vocal music traditions, True Melodies is nearly one hour in length, 13 tracks.  Drawing upon his training in choral singing, Toppah renders songs composed in the traditional song style of the Plains with multi-part harmonies and vocal arrangements.  The entire album is soothing and peaceful.  I have had it on the player on repeat for the last month.  True Melodies has an earthiness, a purity about it ... a unique sound with an unmistakable authentic quality.  A true gem ... resonates with the heart of Lady Gaia and all those who love her!

For more information or to sample this album, please visit Canyon Records.

Track Listing

1. Mahpiya To (5:54)    
2. Diné (Navajo) (5:19)    
3. Thunder Up (4:52)    
4. Diamond Gal (4:17)    
5. Everything of Mine (6:17)    
6. Bear Beats (2:53)    
7. The Man (3:18)    
8. Native American Church Song (2:45)    
9. MNX (3:41)    
10. Memories (4:33)    
11. Rankin Hops (4:05)    
12. Now and Forever (4:46)    
13. Native American Church Song (2:48)