Hamana
Hamana
Hamana's debut album recorded in 1974, was issued on the local Phoenix label Canyon Records. To most of the '60s psychedelic rock/folk fans this is almost an unknown album, original pressings seem to be disappeared, only a few copies are known in collectors hands. Bruce Hamana, a native American, is member of the Indian Hopi Tribe and went in 1969 to college near San Francisco to live "in the white man's world". Instead of traditional native American themes he felt like writing "modern, revolutionary, contemporary music" - the result you hear on this album is powerful and melodic, and expresses perfectly the sunny California peace, love and freedom feeling, but also contains a social-critical message. "One of these days everything is gonna change, things you take for granted will be taken away from you..." The music itself is emotive with strong vocals, lots of Westcoast psychedelic guitar flashes, a bit garage flair but also loner folk style. The appeal of this album reminds of Quicksilver Messenger Service, The Byrds, X.I.T, Neil Young, Buffalo Springfield, Garrett Lund. Near unbelievable that on these recordings all instruments, bass, guitars, vocals and drums have been played by Hamana himself, to get overdubbed and to become finally a tasty and atmospheric stereo acoustic/electric mix. This CD-reissue is a mastertape release licensed by Canyon Records and contains an 8 page booklet plus 2 previously unreleased bonustracks. Highly recommended.