The Father’s Dance

By Broken Walls, Jonathan Maracle

Broken Walls, formed in 1995 by Jonathan Maracle, base their music on the ancient sounds of the First Nations People of North America. The Father’s Dance, which has been nominated in six categories for the 2008 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, is a call to freedom and a message of restoration for the family. Broken Walls combines the musical sounds of rattles, the powwow drum and Mohawk wind flute with contemporary instruments. The CD opens with “Sing to the Mountains,” which was nominated for single of the year. This fast-paced track describes how creation displays our God. The title track declares freedom for all mankind and restoration of dignity, trust and hope. “Surrendered” is a graceful and peaceful instrumental track highlighting the flute. The chorus on “Everything to Me” is especially beautiful and poignant: “You are the hand extended / The calm at the heart of the storm / The voice that calls in the darkness / I know that I am not alone / I see Your face in the stars / I hear Your voice in the silence / I feel Your breath in the wind / You’re everything to me.” For those who like to experience new genres of music, The Father’s Dance is the perfect introduction into Native music. But all listeners can enjoy the spirit in which Broken Walls sings and worships the Lord. —LEIGH DEVORE, Charisma Magazine