The Creative Act

The Story of 'Where The Water Cuts Through'

2011-08-31T11:36:00.001-06:00

'Where The Water Cuts Through' is one of my all time favorite songs. It is named after the Pueblo of San Ildefonso where my Patrilineal line is from. Po-woh-ge-oweenge is the Tewa name of the village which means 'Where The Water Cuts Through'. This is because the Rio Grande cuts through the Pueblo lands so the name is very descriptive and beautiful.

In this song, the guitar represents the water cutting through the Pueblo. The flute represents two birds calling to one another. These birds further represent the two peoples that make up the Pueblo. These birds symbolize the Winter People and the Summer People who constitute the Pueblo. Eventually the two birds, the two people, are united in spirit and purpose through the course of the song.

Although it took a while to refine and rehearse it, this song came to me in the course of one afternoon. The guitar part came first. I was hoping to capture the spirit of the river, the water, cutting it's way through the Pueblo. This is why harp like chordal structures are evident in the composition which I believe mimic the action of the water. It also serves as a foundation for the flute to find its place.

The flute part came next and was actually the easiest part. I was seeking to mimic the sounds of two different birds calling to one another. I was really trying to capture the essence of both Peoples. After a few frustrating attempts, I just let the flute do its work naturally in trying to find its place in the guitar arrangement. At that point, a melody broke free that actually left me a little shaken with its beauty and simplicity.

This concert performance was held in front of over 200 people. I prepared this concert program very carefully so that I had great confidence in my technique which resulted in nerves not being an issue. The song just played itself which allowed me to inject the necessary emotional treatment. Diligent practice cannot be overstated when playing this kind of song! I used an AKG C419 wind instrument microphone through a Fender PassPort 250 PA. At that time, I was using a Sony MZ-1 MiniDisc player/recorder for my backing guitar performance tracks. For effects processing, I used a Boss RV-3 pedal for Delay/Reverb. The 5 hole flute is made by my friend, Larry Spieler, and is in the key of A. It's one of my favorite flutes and is clear and bright and has lots of volume so it doesn't get lost in the guitar mix. It's made of Grenadillo which is a very hard wood and is responsible for the flute's brilliance. Most of my guitar/flute duets are in the key of Am or Em which lie really well on the fretboard.

Guitar/Flute duets are very effective because the instruments complement one another very well. The rapid decay of the plucked notes on the guitar against the long, sustained notes of the flute seems to have a very pleasing effect on the ear. The challenge is in letting the flute find its place in the arrangement. My experience has shown me that forcing the issue results in frustration. Letting the flute fly like a bird is what its all about with this kind of song!

Ronald Roybal Facebook Profile

2010-12-08T18:49:00.002-07:00

Ronald Roybal

Create Your Badge

Because of time and energy constraints, I have indefinitely suspended adding more blog entries to 'The Creative Act'. I invite you to friend me at my Facebook profile where I continue to post videos, notes, photos and more. In the meanwhile, please feel free to browse through my past blog entries. I hope to see you on Facebook!

Demo Xaviere budget Guitar through Gibson tube amp Boss Ds1

2010-09-26T22:39:00.000-06:00

I've been setting up and playing my new toy all afternoon. It's a semi-hollowbody Xaviere XV600 that is shaped like a Fender Telecaster. It has two P90 pickups and it sings! It's a low budget guitar that only cost me $213 with shipping directly from the dealer, Guitarfetish.com. My guitar is the same color as the one in the video and is turquoise blue. I'm amazed at how cool and well put together this guitar is for the price. I've been enjoying it because the semi-hollowbody gives it a different character from other electric guitars that I own. It's a fine addition to my cheap guitar collection!

Documentary About Fender

2010-09-24T13:45:00.000-06:00

Here's a pretty cool documentary about Fender guitars. It's part of Fender's rollout of the New American Standard series. Guitarists talking about their guitars...I like that!

Fender Factory Tour on Guitar Universe

2010-09-23T13:44:00.000-06:00

Take a tour of the Fender Guitar factory and see how a Stratocaster is made. I love my Fender Deluxe Players Stratocaster with Super Fat Super Strat pickups. I also own a Telecaster with P90 pickups. They're my favorite electric guitars!

Four Sacred Mountains (R. Carlos Nakai - Song For The Morning Star)

2010-09-22T13:41:00.000-06:00

The Navajo people believe that the Creator placed them on land between four sacred mountains: Blanca Peak in Colorado, Mount Taylor in New Mexico, the San Francisco Peaks in Arizona, and Hesperus Peak in Colorado. Here's a beautiful video of the four sacred mountains accompanied by R. Carlos Nakai.

Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless - Pretty Polly

2010-09-21T13:37:00.000-06:00

This amazing song is done the way the Oldtimers did it. I love this music for its feeling and its ability to tell a great story. Pretty Polly by Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless is a jewel!

Ten Bears

2010-08-31T12:25:00.000-06:00

Words of Life and Words of Death are spoken during this exchange between Commanche leader Ten Bears and the outlaw Josey Wales. A lesson in straight talk between people.

How Hollywood stereotyped the Native Americans

2010-08-31T12:22:00.000-06:00

This is a short video that explores the stereotypes that Hollywood manufactured and perpetuated over the years regarding the Native American. The scene with Ward Churchill explaining how 'white men are better at being an Indian than an Indian' is very ironic considering how he has been passing himself off as an NDN for years!

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

2010-08-25T12:13:00.000-06:00

George Weiss, composer, passed away at age 89 yesterday. He wrote 'What a Wonderful World', immortalized by Louis Armstrong. A musical legacy doesn't get much better than that!

antonio carlos jobim - wave unknown fantastic recording

2010-08-25T12:11:00.000-06:00

This is Jobim's bossa nova classic 'Wave' featuring the legendary Oscar Peterson on piano. I love this song and feature it on guitar during my show. A great melody that Maestro Peterson can really dig into!

Kokopelli, The Flute Player Animation Story

2010-08-19T12:04:00.000-06:00

Here's a great version of the Kokopelli story that tells of his origins, the sacred corn and its great cornstalk, the innerworld kachinas and the sipapu from which the people emerged into this present world. Being a flute player is a very powerful and sacred vocation. It comforts me but it also scares me sometimes. I'm not kidding here...it really is a very powerful path that very few people really understand!

1491: Interview w/ Charles C. Mann Video

2010-08-17T09:54:00.001-06:00

Disclose.tv - 1491: Interview w/ Charles C. Mann Video

John Herron interviews Author Charles C. Mann about his controversial book 1491: New Revelations of the Americas before Columbus (Vintage 2005) The book covers topics such as the berengia myth, more realistic population numbers, and the amazing technological, societal, and scientific achievements of the Natives of the Americas, some of which are touched on in the interview, that took place on Talking History, Dec. 2005. 1491 is one of my favorite books and will open your eyes as to the greatness of peoples of the Americas prior to the European onslaught.

From Publishers Weekly Starred Review: "In a riveting and fast-paced history, massing archeological, anthropological, scientific and literary evidence, Mann debunks much of what we thought we knew about pre-Columbian America. Reviewing the latest, not widely reported research in Indian demography, origins and ecology, Mann zestfully demonstrates that long before any European explorers set foot in the New World, Native American cultures were flourishing with a high degree of sophistication. The new researchers have turned received wisdom on its head. For example, it has long been believed the Inca fell to Pizarro because they had no metallurgy to produce steel for weapons. In fact, scholars say, the Inca had a highly refined metallurgy, but valued plasticity over strength. What defeated the Inca was not steel but smallpox and resulting internecine warfare. Mann also shows that the Maya constructed huge cities and governed them with a cohesive set of political ideals. Most notably, according to Mann, the Haudenosaunee, in what is now the Northeast U.S., constructed a loose confederation of tribes governed by the principles of individual liberty and social equality. The author also weighs the evidence that Native populations were far larger than previously calculated. Mann, a contributor to the Atlantic Monthly and Science, masterfully assembles a diverse body of scholarship into a first-rate history of Native America and its inhabitants."

SABICAS / SEGUIRIYAS / SOLEA / BULERIAS

2010-08-11T16:48:00.000-06:00

Sabicas was a genius. His musical ingenuity seemed limitless. If you watch his right hand you can see incredible dexterity stemming from total relaxation. This is how he is able to switch technique effortlessly. Simply amazing!

LA MALAGUEÑA.... Enamorada

2010-08-09T13:40:00.000-06:00

This is Malaguena Salerosa (the other Malaguena). I love this song, too, but it's a song to be sung not to be played. Here is a version from an old Mexican movie with a trio serenading a beautiful Senorita on behalf of her loving admirer. Even if you don't know Spanish, the song can be very moving. The long notes held by the singer can bring a person to the point of ecstasy!

La Malaguena

2010-07-28T10:51:00.000-06:00

Liona Boyd's guitar performance of Lecuona's 'Malaguena' is the closest to his piano arrangement that I have seen on YouTube. I have found the others to be good but somewhat cliche. I used to perform this piece but after years of getting requests for it, I grew tired of the version I was playing as well as the requests and stopped playing it. When people ask for it, I offer to perform Leyenda or Spanish Dance #5 instead. I might revisit and restudy the piece after hearing Ms. Boyd's rendition!

3 STRING SLIDE CIGAR BOX GUITAR

2010-07-21T23:34:00.001-06:00

I won an Ebay auction for this very same 3 string cigar box guitar a while back for only $80! I'm really enjoying it. I'm currently researching cigar box guitar construction and hope to make one when my schedule lets up a little. The cigar box guitar community reminds me of the native flute community in a lot of ways except that the 'CBG' community seems to have more 'MOJO'!

Prayer to the Sun

2010-07-19T23:29:00.001-06:00

A song to celebrate the Sun that pours light over all living things on this Earth.

Enjarre: San Francisco de Asis Church

2010-07-14T22:38:00.000-06:00

Each year, parishioners and volunteers replaster the San Francisco de Asis Church in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico USA. Using traditional adobe — sand, clay and straw — this method has served the church and its Roman Catholic congregation for almost 200 years. The quote at the end of the video is moving.

Pueblo Anthem

2010-07-13T22:35:00.004-06:00

http://www.indianpueblo.org/19pueblos/index.html

The front page of the 19 Pueblos website has a great 'Pueblo Anthem' that recites the Pueblo names in their original languages. It's composed and performed by Emmett Shkeme Garcia.

The Story of Your Enslavement

2010-07-12T22:33:00.000-06:00

I don't know how to adequately describe this compelling video. It's seeks to give an overview of freedom and enslavement throughout human history. What is freedom? What is enslavement? Are we as human beings capable of living free lives given the power the State has over us? Is our freedom merely an illusion granted us by the powers that be? Where is our power? What is the cost of waking up from the illusion and walking away? When I first viewed it, I had one of those 'Matrix/Blue Pill/Red Pill' moments!

American Holocaust of Native American Indians - Compared to Jewish Holocaust by Nazi Hitler, Rascism

2010-07-10T22:32:00.000-06:00

History is a circle, a hoop, bound to repeat itself. Why? I think it is because humanity essentially remains the same throughout history and is driven by the same base emotions. Every generation fools itself into thinking it is the most enlightened that has ever lived. History eventually reveals each generation's folly. - Ronald Roybal

Sacred Talk

2010-07-08T22:09:00.000-06:00

Listen to Garrett Drapeau, a young man who enlightens us all with his Sacred way of talking. His friends Migizi and Dallas have potty mouths, though. Anyway, Garrett is a really 'speerchul' guy and he is obviously destined to offer Sacred Talking workshops in Sedona!

Jr Redwater of Pow-wow Comedy Jam (Part 1)

2010-06-04T10:28:00.001-06:00

JR Redwater is something else! If you haven't seen him, here is a rare clip of his bit from the Pow Wow Comedy Jam Tour. He's the Lenny Bruce of NDN comedians. Here's the link to part two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl6kUK2Sp54

The Surrender - La Resa Dei Conti / The Big Gundown OR Inglourious Basterds

2010-06-03T10:26:00.000-06:00

Three duels in the Sun = Three deaths in the afternoon. Here's a heaping portion of Spaghetti Western for you. How can a gunfight be a work of art? Here's how! Music by Ennio Morricone.

Yehudi Menuhin and Andres Segovia - Granados - Danza española - Andaluza

2010-05-29T12:19:00.000-06:00

Spanish Dance #5 by Enrique Granados is one of my favorite pieces. I have been performing this selection for many years having been inspired by Segovia's rendition. This video contains two versions of this amazing piece. Yehudi Menuhin on violin accompanied by piano and Andres Segovia on solo guitar. If music is a healing balm, Spanish music is like an application of 'ICY HOT'!

JOSÉ ROMANILLOS | Classical GUITAR MAKER - Part 01

2010-05-28T12:16:00.001-06:00

This is a great find. The great Jose Romanillos invites you into his shop while he makes a guitar and talks about the craft. José Luis Romanillos Vega was born in Madrid in 1932 where he learnt the craft of cabinet making from the age of thirteen. He moved to England in 1956 to work in psychiatric hospitals in Epsom and North London. He made his first guitar in London in 1961 and in 1970 he moved to Semley, Wiltshire, where he began his professional career as a guitar maker encouraged by Julian Bream, who played Jose L. Romanillos guitars for many years. In 1987 he published the biography of Antonio de Torres, the first book written about a Spanish guitar maker. He has lectured on the history of the Spanish guitar as well as giving courses in many countries on the development and construction of the Spanish guitar. Although he has retired from guitar making he keeps in close contact with his son Liam Romanillos who continues with the family tradition in Gillingham, Dorset. He has settled in Guijosa, Spain, where since 2001 he has organised, with his son Liam, a course on Spanish guitar making. He also continues with his research into the development and the history of the vihuela de mano and the Spanish guitar.

Here's part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8iZBACWSDQ

Our Father

2010-05-27T12:12:00.000-06:00

Skyfather,
Holy One,
Let all your creation love and honor you.
Give us today what we need,
not what we desire.
Forgive us when we offend you,
remind us to forgive all who offend us.
Lead us on the good road,
pick us up when we stumble and fall.
Aho!

Yellow Hammer - Otoe Encampment Song

2010-05-26T12:10:00.001-06:00

Yellow Hammer has been one of my favorite Southern drum groups for many years. This Otoe Encampment Song is a strong song full of power. The Otoe were once part of the Siouan tribes of the Great Lakes region, a group commonly known as the Winnebago. At some point, a large group split off and began to migrate to the South and West. This group eventually split again, coalescing into at least three distinct tribes: the Ioway, the Missouria and the Otoe. The latter settled in the lower Nemaha River valley. They adopted the horse culture and semi-nomadic lifestyle of the Great Plains, making the American bison central to their diet and culture. For well over a century, since 1881, an annual Otoe-Missouria encampment is held every July in Red Rock, Oklahoma.

Native American Spirituality - How "Indians" Think

2010-05-07T16:27:00.000-06:00

Mike Tarbel has a really good message. Living an authentically spiritual life is not easy, it takes work. It means solving our own problems with the gifts that Creator has given each of us in the depth of our own being. Sing your songs, dance your dances, tell your stories and dream your dreams. Listen, seek and you will find.

Legend of the Hopi Boy & the Eagle

2010-05-06T16:23:00.000-06:00

I saw this movie when I was a boy and it made a great impression on me. It is the story of a gifted boy who was the object of derision by the other boys in his village. The story gave me hope at a time in my young life when I was dealing with bullies. After I saw this film on TV, I dreamed of Eagle later that night and was reminded that Eagle would always be with me. No one would have power over me if I would remember that my power was in my gifts. There was a time in my life when I forgot this lesson and the result was a great unhappiness. I was visited by Eagle in a dream years later. Eagle reminded me of the power of my Creative Spirit. This is a big reason why you can now hear my musical gifts. These songs are now offered to you so that you might feel their power to help make you well. Aho!

Arrow To The Sun

2010-05-05T16:18:00.003-06:00

This animated short by Gerald McDermott is colorful and beautiful. It tells the story of a young boy and his search for his father. There are also some elements of the story which resonate with Christianity.

The Ecstasy of St. Theresa by Gian Lorenzo Bernini: 1647-1652

2010-05-04T16:15:00.000-06:00

The Ecstasy of St. Theresa by Gian Lorenzo Bernini: 1647-1652

The two central sculptural figures of the swooning nun and the angel with the spear derive from an episode described by Teresa of Avila, a mystical cloistered Discalced Carmelite reformer and nun, in her autobiography, ‘The Life of Teresa of Jesus’ (1515–1582). Her experience of religious ecstasy in her encounter with the angel is described as follows:

"I saw in his hand a long spear of gold, and at the iron's point there seemed to be a little fire. He appeared to me to be thrusting it at times into my heart, and to pierce my very entrails; when he drew it out, he seemed to draw them out also, and to leave me all on fire with a great love of God. The pain was so great, that it made me moan; and yet so surpassing was the sweetness of this excessive pain, that I could not wish to be rid of it. The soul is satisfied now with nothing less than God. The pain is not bodily, but spiritual; though the body has its share in it. It is a caressing of love so sweet which now takes place between the soul and God, that I pray God of His goodness to make him experience it who may think that I am lying."

Romance - Romanza Antigua - Ronald Roybal - Classical Guitar

2010-04-24T23:34:00.000-06:00

Romance is a song that has a permanent spot on my guitar set list. It's one of the first pieces I ever learned how to play. It's a very recognizable, romantic number. Hope you like it!

Miklós Rózsa El Cid - The Barn / Love Theme (Rerecording)

2010-04-13T16:05:00.000-06:00

Miklos Rozsa was one of the finest composers of the 20th Century. Here is a recording of his Love Theme from his classic film score of 'El Cid'. This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. I have studied it for many years. I perform it every weekend at the Hotel Santa Fe as a Spanish Classical Guitar solo. I hope it gives you as much enjoyment as it has given me!

John Wayne - The Sons of Katie Elder - Music by Elmer Bernstein

2010-04-05T12:16:00.000-06:00

Here's another great theme by Elmer Bernstein, 'The Sons of Katie Elder'. I still remember seeing this movie when I was a kid. My parents took us to the drive-in movie theater to see this movie in 1965. They dressed us in our pajamas so we could sleep in the back seat during the second feature. I also remember playing on the playground equipment under the big screen with all the other kids who were in their pajamas, too! Everyone was excited to see John Wayne and I was no exception. I must admit that I have been a life long John Wayne fan. Yeah, I know... I just happen to associate John Wayne movies with good times with the family. I'm funny that way...

The Magnificent Seven - Elmer Bernstein

2010-04-05T12:14:00.000-06:00

Elmer Bernstein's birthday was yesterday (April 4, 1922–August 18, 2004). Here's his theme from The Magnificent Seven, one of the most recognizable of all movie themes. It just inspires a person to mount up and ride into their destiny!

Jornada del Muerto - Ronald Roybal - Native American Flute Music

2010-04-05T12:10:00.001-06:00

I forgot that I had this performance video so I posted it to my YouTube channel just now! I am playing the flute live against a backing track of my guitar performance. I have to perform this way because I can't find a guitarist who will learn my arrangements. Oh well, at least I don't have to split my fee!

The Strangest Secret in the World

2010-03-27T00:42:00.001-06:00

The 'Secret' spoken of in this video is really no secret. The principle has been spoken of by all the great sages, philosophers and prophets. It is a principle that has helped me to be successful. "We become what we think about". It's as simple as that and it is as challenging as that.

My experience is that people give more thought about their vacation plans or their automobile purchases than what they will do with their lives. I was on that track. Sure, the jobs I had were fulfilling in their way. However, I never gave myself the opportunity to really think about what it was that I wanted to spend my life doing. What was the one thing that deep down I really wanted to be? What was it that I really 'needed' to be?

It took an observership in a Trappist monastery where I could unhook from the world and really contemplate my true vocation for me to finally receive a vision of my mission in life. After I received it, I consistently thought about myself realizing that vision. Everyday, I would do something to make that vision into a reality. Practice and study became my discipline. Gradually, my vision has come true. I have become a musician. Not any musician, mind you. I have become a musician that is able to receive songs from the Spirit World and then offer them back to people so that they might be healed in the way that they need to be healed. This was the vision that was given to me. It has sustained me for over 22 years now. A good and powerful vision will do that...

ANDRES SEGOVIA ; Gavotte en Rondeau '67 (2/4)

2010-03-24T17:17:00.001-06:00

This Gavotte by J.S. Bach is the first classical guitar piece that I ever learned how to play. I taught myself how to read guitar score learning how to play this one. In my naive fervor, I had reasoned that if I could learn how to play this piece of music, I could learn how to read music and I could learn to play anything. It was harder than I thought but after a couple of months of practice, I could play it! Stubbornness can be a gift!

• The Native American Code of Ethics •

2010-03-24T17:16:00.001-06:00

Here is some good Red Road teaching that is applicable to anyone. These are great truths that transcend our differences yet manage to honor them. It's not an easy road unless the heart is open to being pierced by Creator's Love for His Creation. The Good Red Road is such a gift to humanity!

I Am America

2010-03-19T13:03:00.001-06:00

For all of her trials and tribulations, I can't think of any other place I would rather live than here in the United States of America. The land is so beautiful. There are beautiful people here, too. The freedoms which we enjoy here are rare and precious in the history of humankind. Throughout its history, there have been dark days and there have been joyous days. People have suffered at the hands of others and peoples have been liberated. Through it all, Liberty has been the elusive ideal that remains at the center of our lives as citizens of this land. The freedom to become who our Creator intended us to be is a sacred birthright won by sacrifice. Is America perfect? No. Are Americans perfect? No. No country is perfect and no people are perfect. However, America has held a promise that freedom, endowed by our Creator, can help us to achieve our individual promise thereby achieving a better union of persons. I am a human being who is an American. I feel no shame in saying it. I am very blessed to be one and to be here.

Flute Medicine

2010-03-14T03:34:00.000-06:00

The flute is an amazing instrument. Actually, it is more amazing than most people realize. I have spent my life digging deep into its medicine. I believe it is a force for good in the world. However, I can't help but feel that it is being trivialized and underestimated by many, both NDN and non-NDN, and because of this it is in danger of losing its medicine.

Today, non-NDN flute players and makers vastly outnumber NDN ones mainly because NDN people, for a variety of reasons, have let go of it. Flute playing started its decline during the period of prohibition of traditional music instituted by the Federal Government during the first half of the 20th Century. The instrument of focus, for many good reasons having to do with cultural survival, became the drum. As time went on, many NDN men my age and younger chose not to be involved with the flute because they didn't want to seem like a 'stereotype'. Today, some mock those of us who are trying to keep the instrument alive because they think we are giving the white man what he wants to see. In addition, there are now so few flute players in many NDN communities that good instruction is a rarity. The prohibitions against women playing the flute in many tribes cuts the potential number of NDN players in half. These reasons and more have led to the steady decline of the flute in NDN country.

I believe the flute is more than a simple instrument. The flute, along with the drum, is a gift the Creator has given to NDN people for their survival. I feel that NDN people need to wake up because they are about to lose something very important. There are flute songs that have been created to help us and they are in the Spirit World waiting to live out their destiny in the hearts of NDN people. I have been blessed to hear some of them and I have brought them through. I can attest to their life giving power and their ability to open the human heart to Creator's strong, loving hand. Could the flute be the gift that Creator has given the people to help them to gain the inner strength to overcome drugs, alcohol, hopelessness and suicide? I want to believe this. I do believe this. The flute can be a conduit to the Spirit World where Creator sends songs to heal and strengthen His people. I wish more NDN people would take up the gift that was given to them so long ago and access its gentle power!

The flute's sacredness is to be found in its ability to change lives. Some non-NDN flute players can attest to this and this is in large measure why they have adopted it and adapted it. If flute playing makes them into better human beings, then this is something to be encouraged. If, on the other hand, flute playing makes them into a caricature, a poseur, a wannabe, a disrespecter of NDN people, then one has to question their true motives. The Creator has the job of sorting all of this out in the end. Unfortunately, the living have to deal with the offense. I ask non-NDN people to be sensitive about how they use this instrument and how they represent themselves while doing so. Experience has shown me that honesty and integrity in these matters are what honors NDN people, honors the flute and honors the songs that are patiently waiting in the Spirit World for all of us to bring them through.
~HwAn-Pi-Khaw=Ronald Roybal

Bachianas Brasileiras - No. 5 for voice and 8 cellos (193

2010-03-09T23:15:00.001-07:00

March 5th was the 123rd Birthday of Heitor Villa-Lobos who was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1887. This is the Aria from his Bachianas Brasileiras - No. 5. I'll bet you have heard it before and wondered...what is that beautiful music and who brought it into the world? Well, now you know!

Honesty and Heritage

2010-03-07T13:42:00.004-07:00

I am a Mestizo, a mixed blood. My Dad's Great-Grandfather on his patrilineal line left the Pueblo of San Ildefonso (Tewa) with his family in the 1870's and eventually settled in southern Colorado. By searching through the archives of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, I have documented my Dad's Great-Grandfather's baptism at the mission church of the Pueblo identifying him as an 'Indio' of the Pueblo. However, my blood quantum as documented is not enough for enrollment in the Pueblo. My Dad's Mother's matrilineal line is mixed blood Indian and Spanish Colonial but I have been unable to document the specific tribal relationship because of the lack of written records. Being from southern Colorado, her tribal roots were most probably Southern Ute and/or Genizaro. Genizaros were Native people taken captives as youths by other Native people and traded into slavery to the Spanish in New Mexico. I am the product of generations of mixed blood people mixing with other mixed blood people as well as families that were predominately Spanish Colonial in descent such as my Mother's family. We developed our own ways which were greatly influenced by indigenous ways of being and we have had to adapt to changing historical circumstances much like other people on the planet.

Do I find it disappointing that I can't be enrolled? Not really. I am three generations removed from life in the Pueblo. I am not a Pueblo Indian in the strict cultural sense and yet it is part of my heritage. I'm not a pure Spaniard either! However, Spanish Colonial descendents don't have enrollment issues and standards of blood quantum as recognized by the Federal Government.

I have taken the time to learn about my heritage, both Pueblo Indian and Spanish Colonial. I like to go to Pueblo Feast Day dances, I like to visit friends at the various Pueblos who see me as a distant relative and who enjoy my company. I like to learn about Pueblo history, music, dancing, spirituality, language and other aspects of culture. I incorporate these aspects into my own life where appropriate. I do the same thing with my Spanish Colonial heritage. I am who I am and I am very interested in what has brought my soul and body to this place in time and space. I am a Mestizo, a mixed blood, and I have very deep feelings of pride and love toward all my ancestors as well as their living descendents.

I find it very important to be honest with myself and others about my cultural heritage. My cultural heritage is a treasure to me and has brought me great comfort and power. My music is a reflection of this identification with my heritage. I recommend that all people explore this aspect of their being. The guiding light in your exploration must be honesty. It's OK not to know all of the details of your heritage. Don't make things up. Don't pretend to be something you are not. It dishonors your ancestors as well as your distant relations that are sharing this time and space with you. 'The truth will make you free' is really the operative phrase in the exploration of your heritage!

10,000 hour rule

2010-02-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

Malcolm Gladwell proposes the idea that it takes a person at least 10,000 hours of practice to master a discipline. Speaking from my own experience, this sounds about right. 10,000 hours sounds like a long time, but if you love what you are doing, it flies right by! All you young musicians out there...don't underestimate the power of diligent, intelligent practice. If you want to make a career out of music performance, practice is the bedrock foundation of all accomplishment!

Rain Song - Ronald Roybal - Native American Flute Music

2010-02-26T22:43:00.001-07:00

This is 'old style' flute playing. Some people like it, some people don't. It's a hard style to play and I hear very few players doing it. It takes lots of practice and lots of deep digging into where the song lives. It's what I do.

Skyfather's Dream - Ronald Roybal - Native American Flute Music

2010-02-22T10:31:00.001-07:00

I uploaded this video to my YouTube channel this weekend along with my previous blog posts. This one is a rare concert performance of 'Skyfather's Dream' on solo Native Flute. The inspiration was to imagine a song that describes Creator dreaming us into existence. It is the title track of my 'Skyfather's Dream' album. The setting of this beautiful house of worship set a wonderful mood!

I'm Going Home - Ronald Roybal - Classical Guitar

2010-02-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

This is one of my solo guitar compositions that I have grown to love. I wanted to evoke an 'American West' feel that was sentimental and nostalgic. I performed this frequently at the Hotel Santa Fe last season and have also included it in some of my concert programs such as this one. I'm thinking about including it in my next album. Guitar can be such an evocative instrument!

Where The Water Cuts Through - Ronald Roybal - Native American Flute Music

2010-02-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

Here is some rare concert footage of me performing 'Where The Water Cuts Through', a classical guitar and flute duet. In concert, I perform flute live to a backing track of my guitar performance. I can't find anyone who will learn my guitar part so I remain a solo act! This song is in honor of my ancestral Pueblo of San Ildefonso whose name in Tewa means 'Where The Water Cuts Through'. Enjoy!

"Be The Best"- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2010-02-15T15:26:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite speeches by Brother Martin. He exhorts us to be the best at our calling in life. In this way, no one can blame our heritage for our failings and we can't use it as an excuse not to aspire to greatness. This speech made a huge impact on me when I was a boy and his words have been in my heart as long as I can remember. Thank you Lord for giving him to us...

A Dream by John Dowland - Guitar Solo

2010-01-30T12:42:00.001-07:00

I was recently exposed to this beautiful Pavan by Elizabethan Era Lute Master, John Dowland. I've been working on the fingering for this piece all week and have finally completed that stage of the study. The next phase is to play it with fluidity and grace (that's the really fun part!). Many people are under the false impression that all a guitarist has to do is read the notes off of the page and play it. Studying a piece is much more complicated than that. As you can see from watching this guitarist's fingers, there are many complex decisions to be made concerning the proper placement of the fingers in order to 'set up' the next chord or phrase of the piece. All of this is figured out during the fingering stage. Of course, that can all change as the 'fluidity and grace' phase may dictate that a fingering position be changed for the sake of the proper performance of the piece. It really is very challenging!

The best way I can describe the study of a complicated piece such is this is to imagine looking through a very dirty window pane. You know that there is a beautiful vista on the other side of the pane, but you just can't view it immediately. With each practice session, more obstructions to the view are removed and just a little more of the image can be seen. Eventually, the reward of diligent, intelligent practice is that a beautiful sight can be perceived without obstruction. The vista in all its glory can be beheld! Another reward is that the musician can continue to perform the piece for the rest of their life and share it with others.

There are many rewards in being a musician. Most of them are interior such as overcoming a great challenge as well as being able to play a beautiful piece of music for ones own self and for others. The material rewards are few. Love for the music and for the instrument on which it is played is what makes a musician's struggle worthwhile. I'm glad that my love affair with music has never wavered and that we have been ever faithful to one another!

Navajo String Games by Grandma Margaret

2010-01-22T16:02:00.001-07:00

This video brought back great memories of my Grandparents teaching me string games. When I was in grade school, I used to keep myself occupied with these games and always kept a loop of string in my pocket to practice. My friends were amazed when I would make the 'Crows Foot', 'The Blue Corn Bowl', 'The Fish Net', 'The Dog's Paw', 'The Foot Bridge', 'The Trap' and many more that I can't seem to remember... On long road trips to gather firewood, I would keep myself busy in the truck with my string games. I was easily amused as a child, kind of like now. I haven't thought of string games in a long time! This is so cool!

Sacred Mountain - Ronald Roybal - Native American Flute Music

2010-01-08T20:58:00.001-07:00

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place.

Show respect to all people and bow to none. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and nothing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home. ~ Tecumseh

Journey of a Vision

2010-01-05T21:15:00.001-07:00

A vision is important. A great vision is life changing. I am a musician because of a great vision I received nearly 22 years ago. Was it a hallucination? No, it was an unfolding in my spirit of what I knew I must do. It's really very hard to describe. The promise I received was that I would bring in many songs from the Spirit World for the benefit of all people but only after travelling a long, difficult road. The road would include long hours of study, practice and prayer. The road would include pain, loss and rejection. Sacrifice would be part of my daily life. The road was a red road! Now, I look back and find great consolation in being given this vision and the strength to follow it. "A great vision is needed, and the man who has it must follow it as the Eagle seeks the deepest blue of the sky" - Crazy Horse

Salve Regina

2010-01-03T23:20:00.003-07:00

When I was discerning my vocation in life at St. Benedict's Trappist Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado, I would look forward to our weekly chanting of this beautiful hymn. I enjoyed singing it so much that I was frequently 'busted' singing it in the the garage and barn where I was assigned. To this day I find myself humming and singing this beautiful melody. I received my music vocation at St. Benedict's and 22 years later I am still living out the vision that I received from my Creator. 'Ask and you will receive, knock and the door will be opened to you' - Yeshua

Eagle Dance Song - Ronald Roybal - Native American Flute Music

2010-01-02T18:51:00.001-07:00

Oh Eagle! Accept our prayers and carry them on your wings as you journey into the Spirit World. We thank you for allowing yourself to be burned by the heat of the Sun as you rise higher and higher looking for the great hole in the sky. We honor you and the great gift of your feathers. They have been scorched by the Sun and we are blessed by them. Oh Eagle! Creator has made you for this great journey and your cries inspire us to cry out for His help as we walk the good road that He has made for us. (HwAn-Pi-Khaw = Ronald Roybal)

The Spirit and The Earth

2009-12-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

I once asked a Pueblo elder his thoughts concerning traditional Pueblo beliefs and Catholic Christianity. He told me that The Book tells us that people are made in the image of God. This must mean that God has two ears just like human beings. God hears the traditional Pueblo prayers with one ear and the Catholic Christian prayers with the other ear. Pueblo people are blessed to be able to have God's full attention with both ears!

This short documentary speaks to the dual beliefs of the people of Laguna Pueblo and their love for the beliefs which sustain them. It also seeks to explain the importance of Franciscan spiritual values to the people and how it has been a good fit with their traditional beliefs. Harmony, Peace and a Love of Creation are highly valued among Pueblo people and the Christian teachings of St. Francis of Assisi were instrumental in their conversion so many centuries ago. Their continued devotion to their beliefs is evident and instrumental in their continued survival as a people. It truly is an inspiring and enchanting mixture that I greatly love and respect!

Las Maravillas de Navidad: New Mexico Ancient Adobe Churches

2009-12-25T11:07:00.001-07:00

Set to the beautiful music of the Santa Fe Desert Choral, KNME goes on a stunning photographic tour of some of New Mexicos most beautiful and ancient adobe churches -- Las Trampas, Ranchos de Taos, Chimayo, Santa Cruz de la Canada and others. Seeing these beautiful churches at Christmas time, the tradition of giving is personified by stories of great love and even miracles. Made hundreds of years ago, these ancient churches were constructed and are maintained with a deep devotion. Today they are symbols of the rich cultural heritage New Mexicans share.

Stuck in the Smoke Hole of our Tipi.

2009-12-22T22:22:00.001-07:00

Ho Ho Hoka!

Winter Boy

2009-12-21T22:43:00.001-07:00

Winter Boy, born on a snowy day. A little boy with midnight in his hair and diamonds in his eyes...

The God Theory

2009-12-21T22:38:00.001-07:00

I believe in a Creator of all things. I can't prove the existence of a Creator. Neither can anyone disprove Creator's existence. People are left with the choice to live their lives with a Creator or without One. My personal vision is more complete with Creator in it. Blessings can be seen around every corner. I've tried life without Creator and found it wanting. The Creator Is. This is my belief...

Native American YHWH

2009-12-17T01:50:00.001-07:00

I've sung a lot of straight songs and I've found the syllables YaHWeH to be in many of them. My experience has been that the songs with these syllables and their variants seem to be the strongest for me. This video explores this idea further and is accompanied by a great song by Robbie Robertson. RR

Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular Flame and Eagle

2009-12-14T10:26:00.001-07:00

I was taking a break from guitar practice and stumbled on to this. Great music, singing and gymnastics express the inspirational qualities of Eagle. Betty really liked this one and I agree with her! This must have been something to see in person. What a great performance by all!

Ndn 12 Days of Christmas

2009-12-13T14:14:00.001-07:00

Ho Ho Hoka!

Jana Mashonee - Little Drummer Boy (San Juan Tewa Pueblo)

2009-12-06T23:28:00.001-07:00

Here's a great version of Little Drummer Boy sung in Tewa language by my friend Jana Mashonee. Tewa is the language of San Ildefonso Pueblo where my patrilineal line comes from. I'll be posting more of Jana's Christmas songs in the days to come as part of my Christmas on Facebook Celebration! RR

Lakota Peyote Healing Song

2009-11-30T13:10:00.001-07:00

My heart is filled with gratitude for the blessings You have given me. Thank You for opening my heart so that Your Spirit can send me the good songs that You have made. You are making me a hollow bone and I thank You for playing your sweet music through me. Koon-Tah. Thank You. ~HwAn-Pi-Khaw=Ronald Roybal

Under A Dakota Sky - Rick Braveheart - Ronald Roybal

2009-11-30T11:00:00.004-07:00

Under a Dakota Sky from RICK BRAVEHEART on Vimeo.

This is a beautiful video of images from Badlands National Park in South Dakota. My friend, Rick Braveheart, is Artist In Residence at the park and is an amazing photographer. My song 'In The Stone Circle' is the soundtrack to the video. I am so fortunate to have talented friends like Rick! I hope you like it! RR

Badger Warrior - Ronald Roybal - Native American Flute Music

2009-11-16T15:38:00.001-07:00

'Badger Warrior' is a flute and hand drum song that I first released on 'Eagle's Journey Into Dawn'. Not many flutists play flute and hand drum songs. I am very fortunate to have been exposed to so many good drummers and singers over the years who helped me to learn how to bring good songs into the world! RR

Kenny G Circular On Practice And The Music Biz

2009-11-05T12:04:00.001-07:00

Kenny G talks about practice and the music business. A professional musician has to love to practice. I know I do! It's one of my favorite things to do and I look forward to it. I have several practice sessions a day of at least an hour in length. I practice and study at least three to four hours a day. My time is split between the flute and the guitar as well as piano and traditional style singing. Now you know where the time goes! RR

Fantasy General "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence."

2009-11-03T12:00:00.001-07:00

The name of the song is "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence." It's an ancient (400 A.D.) Christian hymn arranged for English to a medieval French tune. I've been studying a guitar arrangement for this song this morning. I think I will really enjoy learning this one. I happened on this recording from an old video game called 'Fantasy General'. I actually enjoy some video game soundtracks! RR

The Blood Cries Out DVD

2009-10-28T13:21:00.001-06:00

This playlist contains all ten music videos from the film "The Blood Cries Out" produced by Ronald Roybal, Native American Flutist and Guitarist. "The Blood Cries Out" was nominated Best Long Form Music Video of the Year in the 2007 Native American Music Awards and was a featured selection of the 2007 Santa Fe Film Festival. Ronald is a six-time Native American Music Award Nominee and is a two-time New Mexico Music Industry Award Winner. A high resolution DVD of this film can be ordered at www.ronaldroybal.com.

A Fistful of Dollars（1964） - Suite [PART 1]

2009-10-14T23:10:00.001-06:00

Ennio Morricone remains one of the most inventive of movie soundtrack composers. In this selection from 'A Fistful of Dollars', he perfectly matches the visual imagery of the movie. The dusty land and the desperate characters come alive when I hear this soundtrack. I also like the classy use of the electric guitar!

Eagle Dance Song - Ronald Roybal - Native American Flute Music

2009-10-09T02:09:00.001-06:00

Eagle flies higher than any other other creature so that he can enter the Spirit World while still alive. Eagle does this to deliver all the prayers of all the creatures. As he flies higher and higher, his wings are burned by the heat of the Sun. Hear him screeching in pain as he seeks the hole in the sky which is the entrance to the Spirit World. At long last, after great suffering, Eagle enters the Spirit World and the prayers are brought to Creator. The mission for which he was made has been accomplished. Eagle is a great symbol of steadfast love for Creator and His Creation. Thank you Eagle for being true to your purpose! (HwAn-Pi-Khaw = Ronald Roybal)

Sun Journey - Ronald Roybal - Healing Native American Music

2009-09-21T21:39:00.001-06:00

When I was younger, I arose before dawn and went to a promontory in the desert and drew a circle around me. I blessed the 4 Directions as the Sun was born into a new day. I stayed in that circle all day long, fasting and praying and watching the Sun journey across the sky. I saw the Sun battle the forces of darkness until, reddened with many wounds, it returned once more to the Earth. One day, my Body will return to the Earth bearing many wounds but my Spirit will be singing all the way into the Spirit World... (HwAn-Pi-Khaw = Ronald Roybal)

Peyote Song. Blessed Father

2009-09-10T23:53:00.001-06:00

Sky Father,
Holy One,
Let all your creation love and honor you.
Give us today what we need,
not what we desire.
Forgive us when we offend you,
remind us to forgive all who offend us.
Lead us on the good road,
pick us up when we stumble and fall.
Aho!

Where The Water Cuts Through - Ronald Roybal - Native American Flute Music

2009-09-03T00:49:00.001-06:00

The title of this song is actually the true name of San Ildefonso Pueblo translated from the Tewa language. The guitar represents the Rio Grande that flows through the Pueblo. The flute represents two birds calling to one another. These birds symbolize the Summer and Winter people of the Pueblo. The photographs that I selected for the video represent Pueblo women as the vessels of life that they are. Enjoy!

Dream Warrior - Ronald Roybal - Native American Flute Music

2009-09-02T23:26:00.001-06:00

The idea of 'Dream Warrior' actually came to me in a dream. It was a great dream that actually told a very interesting story. The Dream Warrior, in my dream, protects my Song Spirit. He protects my musical gifts from harm so that the music can continue to help the people. This is the song that describes the Dream Warrior that lives in all of us.

Shlomo Mintz:Bach Sonata No.2 BWV1003 ⅰ

2009-08-31T12:27:00.001-06:00

Bach's humanity shines through in this movement from the Sonata in A Minor. Maestro Mintz is a gifted interpreter and plays with a grace that leaves me breathless. Words cannot express the depth of emotion that I feel when I hear this. Music is a healing power and I am so fortunate to have ears to hear it...

The Hubble Ultra Deep Field in 3D

2009-08-30T11:24:00.001-06:00

I wish everyone on Earth could see this and understand that we and our problems are not at the center of the Universe. We exist on a speck of dust floating in the Cosmos. Yet, we are capable of contemplating this awesome majesty. Could it be that Creator has endowed us with the ability to see this great truth so we can understand our true place in the Universe and act humbly before Him and each other?

Northern Cree-Red Skin Girl

2009-08-28T12:05:00.002-06:00

Red Skin Girl - Sung by Northern Cree

take a look
just one more time
beautiful smile
beautiful eyes
that's a red skin girl
she's so pretty
she's so fine
red skin girl
i'll love you all the time.

Hoka!

Evening Song - Ronald Roybal - Native American Flute Music

2009-08-26T13:29:00.001-06:00

I wrote 'Evening Song' in memory of my Dad's parents. When I was a youngster, my Grandparent's called me 'Rabbit Boy' because I was a good hunter of cottontail rabbits. During the Winter season, I would visit them on the weekends after gathering firewood and go hunting for them in the evening. I remember them looking through the frosty window pane to see me return. When I would come into the house, Grandma would warm me up with a bowl of Atole, blue corn mush sweetened with honey and cinnamon. Grandpa would tell me stories about what a good hunter he was when he was a boy. They loved rabbit and I was so proud to be able to hunt for them. I included photos of lodges to go with this song because the song is about home and good memories.

ARTS: Being a Successful Musician

2009-08-25T10:36:00.005-06:00

Larry Livingstone, Professor at Thornton School of Music, speaks about the four pillars of being a successful musician.
Skill, Agility, Range of Expertise and Passion are what are needed to be successful in this most risky of professions. You budding musicians out there, learn from Dr. Livingstone and apply the teaching to your situation. In my experience as a successful musician, his advice is spot on! RR

THIS OLD GUITAR - John Denver

2009-08-14T10:14:00.001-06:00

This song is how I feel about my guitar. I have a guitar that I have played nearly every day for the last 20 years. I still have the guitar I bought with my paper route money when I was 12 years old. I was so excited when my Dad took me to the store to get it. The flute is a wonderful instrument, but the guitar is my first love. The guitar was the instrument that I played for Betty when we were first courting. I won her over with songs that I composed just for her. I hope I can play the instrument until the day I pass into the spirit world...

Santa Cruz- David Qualey

2009-08-10T11:46:00.001-06:00

David Qualey's 'Santa Cruz' is one of my favorites. I remember the first time I heard it. I was having some home brewed Raspberry ale with a guitarist friend of mine. He asked me if I had ever heard of David and put his record on the turntable (yes, it was that long ago!). 'Santa Cruz' came up and it was just one of the most joyful pieces of music I had ever heard. The Raspberry ale just added to the experience. This song and the memory of hearing it for the first time has stayed with me for many years. I hope you enjoy it! RR

John Denver - I Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado

2009-08-03T10:52:00.001-06:00

I've been very homesick about Colorado the last few days. I have lived in New Mexico for 12 years but I was born and raised in Colorado. Don't get me wrong...I really like New Mexico and there are things I can do here that I could never do in Colorado. There are no NDN Pueblos in Colorado. I could never make a decent living as a performer in Colorado. My ancestors left New Mexico in order to make a living in Colorado. I ended up doing the opposite.

I miss Colorado because of the enormity of the mountains. The beauty of the alpine meadows is hard to describe. The numerous streams and lakes filled with fish found throughout the state can keep a fisherman busy for a lifetime. The state seems to be designed for outdoor recreation of all sorts.

I used to listen to this song often when I was attending Theological Seminary in the early 80s in southern Indiana. My classmates could tell that I was homesick when they could hear this song playing in my room. It was hard to be away from Colorado and most of my family and friends sometimes. It still is. RR

Spirit - Eagles and Horses

2009-08-02T22:52:00.001-06:00

I had a Vision of Eagles and Horses...like Eagles and Horses, I'm flying again! RR

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

2009-08-01T13:29:00.001-06:00

'Rocky Mountain High' was the first album I ever bought with my lawn mowing money. I thought this song was a like prayer. I still get choked up when I hear it...( a musician thing). I now live in New Mexico but I grew up in Colorado. I miss the mountains in Colorado so much. There's something about them that feels so good when you are up there looking down on the world below. It's a piece of heaven... RR

Hispano Comanche Dancers (Strictly New Mexico)

2009-07-13T14:26:00.001-06:00

New Mexico has so many stories to tell. This video is about the Comanche Dance tradition. Found throughout the Pueblos as well as Hispanic communities, the Comanche Dance honors the greatness of the Comanche people and the peace that was finally negotiated between the Comanche and village residents, both Pueblo Indian and Spanish Colonial. I am a Coyote (mixed blood) and I take great pride in these traditions! RR

Maria Martinez: Notable New Mexican

2009-07-07T10:16:00.001-06:00

Maria is my hero. She didn't waste her time feeling sorry for herself or trying to get the white man to feel sorry for her and her people. She created objects of great beauty in order to show the world that bringing beauty into the world was a higher calling. The world saw and was amazed. The Pueblo of San Ildefonso loves her still and respects her and her way by continuing to bring beauty into the world. RR

Michael Jackson ( Grammy 1988 )

2009-06-29T20:23:00.002-06:00

This performance of Michael Jackson at the 1988 Grammys was when he was at the peak of his powers. The world will never again see such a force of nature as this. I can't help but feel the connectedness with all things that he must have felt while performing that evening. He probably felt most alive while doing what he loved. I know that is how I feel about performing. The dilemma is in finding peace between performances. The after performance letdown for Michael must have been very difficult and might explain many of his struggles. I have been saddened by his death for I can relate to many of his struggles with his life. There are lessons to be learned if a person will spend a little time contemplating Michael's life and tragic death. Performance artists especially should pay some attention to those lessons. Be at peace, Michael... RR

John Denver - "The Eagle and the Hawk"

2009-06-26T11:25:00.001-06:00

The first time I ever heard this song was on my Dad's truck radio. I was only 12 years old. We were on our way to gather firewood and it was a cold, but beautiful, day. It had snowed the day before so everything was covered with white. Earlier, we had scared up a huge herd of mule deer...over 50 head. We could see a layer of steam above them as the breath from their nostrils warmed the air. The song started and we stopped to listen and watch. We just stayed for awhile, neither of us talking. I could tell that my Dad had to regain his composure. Later that morning, as we crested a hill, we scared an owl who dropped a fresh kill of cottontail rabbit at our feet. My eyes were as big as saucers! I still remember that day as though it were yesterday. This song brings it all back. Good songs do that kind of thing...

Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity

2009-06-08T10:14:00.004-06:00

Elizabeth Gilbert has given a wonderful talk for TED concerning the role of genius in the creative life. Rather than artists possessing genius, she is of the opinion that a healthier approach might be that genius possesses artists. In this way, the pressure that artists feel to create is relieved by giving the responsibility to a muse much like the ancients used to do. I have used a similar approach which I explain here: http://ronaldroybal.blogspot.com/2008/02/visited-with-my-good-friend-sky-redhawk.html

This really is a very fascinating talk and should be very helpful for artists in their struggle to balance their creative life with their 'real' life. We need all the help we can get! RR

The Tao of Kung Fu

2009-06-04T22:08:00.005-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=0A60D2D6C036E986

Here is a wonderful YouTube playlist that explores the Taoist philosophy of the TV series 'Kung Fu'. David Carradine passed away yesterday and the event got me to thinking of the 70's series. David Carradine's role in 'Kung Fu' made an enormous impact on me and many of my friends when growing up. I remember talking about the episodes with my companions as we walked home from school. I also remember how useful the teachings were when I would get bullied. These episodes helped me stay sane during a difficult adolescence. 'Kung Fu' helped me become aware of the strength that comes from developing an interior life. It was more than a typical TV show! Farewell, Grasshopper... RR

Native Instruments Maschine Demo Performance by NuVintage

2009-06-03T09:48:00.001-06:00

I've been playing with my new Maschine. Native Instruments' installation and activation protocol leaves much to be desired but once I cleared that hurdle, Maschine worked flawlessly. Like any other musical instrument, it takes time to learn to play well. Like most musicians, I do like to practice so that's not a problem. I want to use Maschine to produce backing tracks for jazz guitar arrangements as well as ambient music production. It's fun, creative and cool! RR

[NAMM 2009] Native Instruments Maschine

2009-05-14T11:11:00.001-06:00

I have just ordered Maschine and hope to get it in a few days. I'm really excited about this new instrument. I like working with loops and grooves but using a mouse is tedious and not very musical. Maschine is an instrument which will allow my creativity to flow rather than being obstructed by mouse clicking and dragging. I'm hoping to build mixes with it that I can use live with guitar, flute and EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument). It comes with a library of over 14,000 high quality sounds. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities for my music! RR

Kaori Muraji - Danza Del Molinero - Manuel de Falla

2009-05-04T15:21:00.002-06:00

I just recently became acquainted with the performance of Kaori Muraji. Many of her videos are on YouTube and I recommend them highly. This performance is "The Miller's Dance" by Manuel de Falla. When I think about Spanish Guitar, I think of this piece. Her interpretation is powerful and actually quite masculine, in my opinion. I really do think that she plays it the way it is supposed to be played! I am now a huge fan! RR

Hoyewaye, I am sending my voice so the People May Live

2009-04-27T13:50:00.001-06:00

Denise Giago, the maker of this film, is a gifted Lakota woman who I had the pleasure of working with many years ago when she was attending the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM. She impressed me with the depth of her heart and soul. She is a beautiful woman and a treasure. This is a beautiful film with poetry that speaks to the feelings of a young woman of mixed blood heritage longing for a deeper connection to all her relations. Her smile at the end is simply wonderful! RR

Susan Boyle sings "Cry Me a River" on a 1999 Charity CD

2009-04-20T20:49:00.001-06:00

Susan Boyle is the singer discovered on 'Britain's Got Talent'. This is a recording she made for a community benefit CD. It is the most moving rendition of this classic that I have ever heard and this includes Streisand and Julie London. I wish she would have recorded more when she was younger. It would be great if more material from this time period surfaced! RR

Chief Dan George in The Outlaw Josey Wales

2009-04-13T23:35:00.001-06:00

This scene from 'The Outlaw Josey Wales' is a classic and is one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies. Chief Dan George was a treasure. He steals scene after scene with his dignified, yet good natured portrayal. By the end of the movie, his role had become an icon for the all but forgotten Indian. This role broke ground with his representation of a thinking, feeling man who happens to be an Indian with a compelling story. 'Endeavor to persevere!' RR