Indiens Des Plaines: Chants et Danses de Cérémonie et de Guerre

Capturing the aural magnificence of a pow wow is always going to be hard; the sight and sound of circles of singers seated around large frame drums raised on blocks with dancers twirling and shimmying to the hypnotic beat is an unforgettable experience, and one that's unfortunately beyond this recording of songs and sun dances.

It's a short album, at just over half an hour, and not brilliantly recorded – the tones and richness of the drums and singing are hard to hear. French liner notes limit the market and use the designation ‘Sioux’, a French/Canadian term generally considered insulting – ‘Lakota Nation’, comprising the Hunkpapa, Oglala and Santee residing in the northern plains, is generally preferred. Highlights include the North Arapahoe calling and responding in their sun dance, a ‘Danse de Serpent’ featuring a single voice and drum and a lively ‘Danse de Guerre’. It's great to have these recordings available but a higher audio quality would have been preferable, with clearer info.