Native American music can be traced thousands of years back. The Sioux, Blackfoot and Kiowa (plains indians) are credited the most for the creation or implementation of the Pow-Wow Drums, which are a foundation for Native American music. Navajo and Apache (southwestern tribes) are most credited for their nasal, high pitched vocal style as well as melodic leaps, which are both used in Native American music. The Cherokee, Iroquois and Choctaw (eastern woodlands tribes) are most credited for the stomp dance and their call and response vocal style. They most likely influenced the communal style of Native American music. All of these tribes work together musically to learn from each other and connect through their music.
This song is played by the Red Shadow Singers. This specific performance could be a celebration of sorts -- maybe a ceremony or prayer within the community. You can during the song that the performers do not care about how they sound, as long as its meaningful to them and the listener. This shows their spiritual strength. During the song, you will also be able to hear strong examples of vocables. They do this to communicate their message through song without limiting it to a specific language, so that it can be understood by anyone through the song itself, not having to rely on lyrics.
This selection features the Native American flute. The specific song was sung (or played) as a way to connect the rider with his horse. They would play this after a successful hunt or battle, signiying the strong connection between the two -- again, the rider and his horse, as they would be stronger together, and help each other.
> CHARACTERISTIC 01_ THE HEARTBEAT: DRUMS