Artist Spotlight: Robert Mirabal "In The Blood" & "Pueblo Christmas"
Robert Mirabal Launches New Star Road Records Website
I have been a fan of Robert Mirabal, and playing his music, for almost a decade. Robert is truly one of the most gifted entertainers in the world today. Raised traditionally, and living in the Taos Pueblo, Robert's music and stories combine his Tiwa heritage with a cutting-edge crossover style.
Robert has recently released "In The Blood" on his new Star Road Records label and this album is "Pure Robert". A lot of songs feature his Tiwa language and heritage and it will mesmerize you!
He has also released Pueblo Christmas on Star Road Records. Pueblo Christmas is a truly unique presentation of these favorite Christmas classics. I particularly like Robert's historical background on these songs and the timeline of Native American history when they were composed.
The band features Robert Mirabal (Vocals, flutes and percussion), Robert's brother Patrick Shendo-Mirabal (Vocals, flutes, percussion and tribal drums), Larry Mitchell (Guitars and programming), and Paul Fowler (Piano, keyboards, programming, vocals).
Star Road Records' new website was created by NativeRadio.com and my partner at Taos Interactive Dave Travis. StarRoadRecords.com features Single Song Downloads, Music Jukeboxes, Tour Schedules, Blogs, Gift Shop, and Photo Galleries. 95% of the website has robust Content Management Systems (CMS) allowing Robert, Drew and Barbara to update their website from the road, simply by using their browser.
"Welcome to Star Road Records
Thank you for coming to visit us at Star Road Records, my new record label based in Taos, New Mexico.
I grew up here at the Pueblo, in the village I still call home. It's a place where we live the tribal ways, speak the language of our ancestors, and practice the ceremonies passed down, person to person, for thousands of years. You'll hear it in my music.
I was raised traditionally, to be a farmer, a hunter, a horseman... but life called me to be a musician. And it's with this music that I reach out to you.
On this site you'll find music and videos to download, a schedule of our tour dates, and news of upcoming projects. And then check out my Blog and Guest Book and say hi...
Listen to the flute. Listen to the drum. With them we make prayers for the whole world.
Love and Blessings,
Mirabal"
Robert Mirabal "Pueblo Christmas"
Won "Best Male Artist 2007" Native American Music Awards!
(Click to Play | Scroll Tracks)
This collection of classic Christmas Carols was specially arranged and recorded at Taos Pueblo. As you listen, remember that many of these songs became popular during the 19th Century, a time of great change in America. But this was the music of the people; beautiful, uplifting and inspiring. I hope you enjoy this unique presentation of sound and holiday spirit... Robert
"People ask me why I've made a Christmas album after all the struggles between Indigenous Peoples and Christianity. My answer is that I needed to address the contradictions. Our Native religion is based on Nature and is a 24/7, 365-day spiritual concept, but then on the corner there's a Catholic Church. For many Americans, Christmas is a time when they become concious of spirituality, and I wanted to connect our cultures at this special time. No matter what the politics were like when these songs were first heard, the music was created to fill the listener with love, hope and joy. They show that beauty can go beyond conflict to a place where music is the hero." ~ Robert Mirabal
Green Chili Christmas 3:29
Angels We Have Heard On High 3:46
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 3:52
We Three Kings 3:06
Away In The Manger 4:29
Silent Night 4:28
Hark The Herald Angels Sing 3:12
Go Tell It On The Mountain\Jesus Loves The Little Children 2:39
What Child Is This / Greensleeves 4:22
Winter Solstice 3:07
The First Noel 3:34
Cantique De Noel (O Holly Night) 2:20
Christmas Eve 4:43
Jingle Bells 2:43
Click here to purchase "Pueblo Christmas"
Robert Mirabal "In the Blood"
Nominated 2007 "Best Rock CD" Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards!
(Click to Play | Scroll Tracks)
After a four-year hiatus, Robert Mirabal is back with the strongest album of his career. The thirteen tracks on "In the Blood" blend scenes from the American experience-past, present and future-with themes from contemporary Native life, some sung in English and others in Mirabal's native tongue, Tiwa.
Love songs merge with ghost songs that further roll into Americana ballads and full-on tribal rockers. Produced by Nashville legend Andy Byrd, the record will please dyed-in-the-wool Mirabal fans as well as attracting a brand new following. "It's the strongest songwriting and performance that I've heard being put forth today from an indigenous point-of-view," says Byrd. "This album follows a narrative cycle of songs that reflects the quest for a brighter future."
In your blood is me forever...
"This collection of songs reflects the traditional life I live at Taos Pueblo, and also the experiences of a man fortunate enough to travel the world. Many of these songs are sung in Tiwa, my native tongue, which is not a written langueage but passed orally from one generation to the next. If you live a traditional life, you see things differently - spiritually and musically. My music is informed by the ceremonial music I've heard all my life. What I create comes out of my body and soul in a desire to take care of the spirits of the earth." ~ Blessings, Robert Mirabal
I grew up here at the Pueblo, in the village I still call home. It's a place where we live the tribal ways, speak the language of our ancestors, and practice the ceremonies passed down, person to person, for thousands of years. You'll hear it in my music.
