One of the greatest joys of NativeRadio.com is we get to listen to this amazing music from so many incredibly talented artists. A couple of weeks ago we received a new album from Michael Bucher called "Seven". We listened, and our jaws dropped. Several people in the room looked at each other then looked at me. I hit the replay button and we haven't stopped replaying it ...!
If Michael doesn't have a record deal in the next 8 weeks, I will start my own label just to sign him (smile). Michael Bucher is the next Bill Miller. His guitar riffs are flawless, his voice will draw you in, and his lyrics walk with you like a comfortable friend by your side.
This is simply the finest debut album we've ever heard. "Seven" was produced by another of our favorite performers,
Canyon recording artist
Peter Phippen. The production value is like every album Peter produces ..."perfect".
Please allow us to introduce Michael Bucher, in his own words:
"If this music helps one person to survive, to heal, or helps them on their way to wellbriety, it is all worth the effort. If it helps one person realize they do have a voice and can help stop the desecration, it did what it was intended. If it helps one person understand everyone of us makes mistakes, but it's never to late to return to our center, and in a good way, enjoy the journey we're on, it is complete.
I came from a musical family where almost everyone was self taught. I grew up listening to Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and all the popular country music artists of the day. As a teenager my musical tastes expanded to include Rock, Blues, and R&B.
By my early twenties I started writing my own songs and through the years have refined my style and approach to music. My influences and inspirations are broad and varied, but some of who include Buddy Red Bow, Johnny Cash, Buffy St.Marie, Neil Young and Bill Miller.
One of my favorite hobbies is Native style drum making. I made my first drum when I was eight years old with the help of my grandmother. Years later I came back to Native drums and now make hand drums and old pow-wow style drums, which are logs that I hollow out and lace various types of rawhide heads to. The Native drum that you hear on this CD, Seven, was made by me. My feelings for the drum are strong . The tree is a gift from the Creator. It is part of the balance and stays true to it's purpose. The drum is a sacred vessel that should not to be mistreated or disrespected. It is the heartbeat of the people."
Michael grew up in a multi-racial neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. In all the diversity, his large family did what they could to ensure that they didn't become an invisible Indian.
His Cherokee ancestors go back to the Trail of Tears and earlier. Prior to the forced removal many Cherokees moved to S.E. Missouri and N.E. Arkansas. Mike and his sisters and brother are only the second generation not to be born in S.E. Missouri. They have been told the stories passed down from generation to generation and encouraged to stay close to their culture.
He is reminded by his mother and great uncle, and by the words of his grandmother and great aunt who have walked on, not to forget the stories and struggles of his people and all Indigneous people.
From these stories are the basis of his music and songs along with his own life experiences. As part of those experiences, Mike has lived in many places thru his life, but now lives in the great northwoods of northwest Wisconsin. He stays close to his family, friends, to the stories. and to his beliefs. "There are no coincidences, everything is for a reason."
