Nikumoon CD Press Release

By Rhonda Head

Posted on

Rhonda Head – Nikumoon CD Press Release

                                                                    

Classically trained Mezzo Soprano Rhonda Head has recorded a new CD titled Nikumoon - which means "Sing" in the Cree Language.

When Rhonda performed at the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Indigenous Music Festival in 2012 she performed some Cree Hymns which inspired her to record. "When my accompanist and I were rehearsing the pieces, there was a spirit in the room and we both felt it. I immediately knew that I had to record them."

Her latest CD consists of 10 Cree Hymns that have been sung in her home community of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB for decades. Some of the Hymns recorded - the popular How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. Rhonda said, "Performing in the Cree Language is like singing in the languages of Love - Italian, French, and Spanish. I compare it to them because the Cree Language flows in time with the music. It's beautiful and it has a spirit."

Rhonda had the privilege to work with Winnipeg based producer/mixer Neal Cameron from Private Ear Recording Studio in Winnipeg, MB - He has been nominated three times for Recording Engineer of the Year at the PMA’s and has both WCMA and Juno nominated and winning projects.  And with Master/Engineer Jamie Sitar - Jamie’s work has won Juno Awards and earned Gold and Platinum record sales. His credits include Bif Naked, Randy Bachman, Chilliwack, Swollen Members, Classified, as well as many indie artists.

Rhonda collaborated with cellist - Julian Bradford, Julian has performed and recorded with a range of artists from home town electro funk fusion party sensation Moses Mayes, to pop songstress Chantal Kreviazuk, to smooth jazz legend Kenny G.  Violinist John Paul Peters - JP is a classically-trained violinist also fluent on numerous other instruments including guitar, bass, drums, and keys. Traditional hand drummer Co Co Ray Stevenson - one of the most respected singers on the pow-wow trail.  Piano accompanist Andrew Legeny is a full-time music teacher, the President for The Pas Arts Council and involved with The Pas Community Choir, Aurora and Theatre 53.  Andrew received a Music Builder’s Award from the Canadian Music Educator’s Association in 2012 for emphasizing the importance of music education in the community.

Rhonda's debut CD Kayas won her a 2011 Native American Music Award in Niagara Falls, NY for Best World Recording and a nomination for the Indian Summer Music Awards in Milwaukee, WI for Best Spiritual song for Amazing Grace. The CD is recorded in five different languages-Italian, French, Latin, English and Cree.

Rhonda continues to get invited to sing at community events, concerts, and galas. Nikumoon will be released on September 27, 2013.  To get your copy of, contact Rhonda at tansi_1001@yahoo.com or you can purchase at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rhondahead3 and Itunes.
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Rhonda Head
tansi_1001@yahoo.com
www.reverbnation.com/rhondahead
204-620-5640

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