Walela

by Steve HueyFamilial vocal trio Walela's self-titled debut album is also their finest to date, an amalgamation of Native American roots music (specifically Cherokee), singer/songwriter folk, pop, and Southern gospel that's also not unappealing to new age sensibilities. Although the music is deeply rooted in tradition, its hybrid uniqueness gives it a contemporary, even forward-looking feel. The angelic three-part harmonies of Rita Coolidge, sister Priscilla, and niece Laura Satterfield breathe exquisite life into these songs, which are already strong to begin with; the results constitute one of the best issues of contemporary Native American music in some time.