AMG Review of Orenda

Jim Brenholts
All Music Guide

Joanne Shenandoah is a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul. Fittingly, she also has a beautiful voice with which she expresses her spirit and heart. Orenda, an Iroquois word meaning "the soul of all things," features her sweet vocals in harmony with Lawrence Laughing. She sings these ceremonial songs in their native languages. The instrumental accompaniment, by Tom Wasinger and Mark McCoin, is subtle and low-key. This is Shenandoah's CD. Her gentle style is both dynamic and serene. It fills the heart and soul of the listener. Laughing's harmonies are smooth and graceful. This is an excellent CD. It will appeal to fans of Walela and Mary Youngblood.