Running for the Drum

Running for the Drum

A less than prolific Native-American musical legend, Buffy Sainte-Marie released her first album in 17 years with Running for the Drum. Her sound is hardly predictable, employing grandiose, anthemic rhythm sections (“No No Keshagesh”) and her own aggressive avant-garde vocal touches (“Cho Cho Fire”) to bring her world of conscience to life, as well as the gentler strokes of sublime folk music she once used to spread her message of peace and equality. “Working for the Government” channels her “protest” fire, while “America the Beautiful” brings her closer to pastoral closure. “Blue Sunday” hunts down Elvis Presley. “Little Wheel Spin and Spin” similarly recalls the rockabilly spirit with its haunted vocal echo. “When I Had You,” “Still This Love Goes On,” and “Easy Like the Snow Falls Down” catch Sainte-Marie in tender moments and moody ambience. Taj Mahal joins on piano for the New Orleans- inspired “I Bet My Heart On You.” Nothing here explains the long gaps between albums — her voice is in fine form — but it’s a welcome return nonetheless.

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