This CD is dedicated to my People, whose ancestors were Native American groups populating what is now southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, when the Spaniards arrived in the early 1500's. Many people currently refer to this group of indigenous people as "Coahuiltecans."

1. Zuni Sunrise (3:27)
One of my favorite songs that I always play as an opening prayer to start my public performances. This is also a frequent selection of most Native American flute players.

2. Apache Moccasin Game Song (2:31)
A traditional song used by game players to confuse their opponents, who are trying to guess which of several shuffled moccasins contains a hidden object. Usually the words to moccasin game songs are just nonsense, adding to the confusion.

3. Honor Song (3:23)
A traditional Diné song taught to me by my Southern Ute and Diné friend and brother, William Gutierrez. We use Honor Songs to honor places, events and persons.

4. Ancestral Voices (5:02)An improvisational melody performed live at "Body Count" an AIDS awareness event on December 1, 1998. We performed by Barton Springs Pool near the former site of one of the first Texas missions. My ancestors conducted spiritual ceremonies at these sites long before the missions were built.

5. Hey Ney Yani (3:46)
A traditional Diné story also taught to me by William Gutierrez. I like to perform this song for children to tell them a story about not judging others by their looks, but by the beauty inside us all.

6. Lakota Love Song (3:08)
An old Wioste Olowan, which is Lakota for love song.

7. Song for Homer (3:20)
(Mourning song for a brother) I rearranged an old Tlingit song for my brother Homer, when he went to the spirit world in 1996. As my oldest brother, he was very influential in my life.

8. Lakota Wedding Song (4:04)
An adaptation of an old Lakota love song which is now known as a wedding song.

9. Farewell to the Warriors (3:39)
In 1967 and 1968, the University of Texas and the Texas Historical Commission removed over one hundred and ninety remains of our People from the "campo santo" (holy grounds) at San Juan Mission in San Antonio, Texas. After more than a thirty-year struggle, most of the remains were finally re-interred on November 27, 1999. I participated in this historical ceremony. This adaptation from an old Ojibwa song is in honor of these remains.

10. Amazing Grace (2:33)
This song is very popular with Native American flute players. I like to perform this song to demonstrate the versatility and legitimacy of the Native flute.

11. Down in the Valley (3:01)
An old traditional song that I like because of the sentimental, melancholy tone.

12. Mahtzo's Lament (4:51)
I composed this song for my animal brother Mahtzo. He joined our family at four weeks old when he cried for his mother on the way to his new home. I have learned a lot from him.

Total playing time: 43:13

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