Along the River(Atsiaktonkie)
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Along the River(Atsiaktonkie)

Massena, NY | Established. Jan 01, 2015 | INDIE

Massena, NY | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2015
Solo World Singer/Songwriter

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"Atsiaktonkie, Four Wolves Prophecy, CD Review"

I am on my third listen when all of a sudden the hair on the back of my neck stood. Like Dylan and Leonard Cohen, Atsiaktonkie uses very simple arrangements and sing along chorus to communicate some very deep ideas. I would ask that you let me know when you are coming to the Southern California area. I will be in the audience singing along to every word. - Kamakaze Music Blog, September 2009


"Atsiaktonkie, Four Wolves Prophecy, CD Review"

The album retains his blend of Native, folk, and rock with a low key, mostly acoustic production that makes the tunes sound like they were captured in a comfortable living room in the presence of close friends. Standout tracks include “Waterfall” with shimmering lead guitar by Dave Anderson and Mohawk Vocals by Atsiaktonkie, “NDN Man,” a quiet anthem featuring the harmony vocals of Stacy Herne, and “Only 4 Me,” a quiet neo do-wop love song. - Native Peoples Magazine, July/August 2009, CD Review by J. Poet


"Atsiaktonkie, Four Wolves Prophecy, CD Review"

On the opening song "NDN Man," Atsiaktonkie sings of the "Indian Man doin’ what he can" to survive in modern America. The grungy, distorted guitar tones are reminiscent of nineties-era R.E.M. The track’s vocal and musical layerings convey the narrator’s sense of vulnerability and fatigue. "Fly with Me," fuses traditional Native American chanting with a catchy jangle rock melody to mesmerizing effect. "Race around the Railroad" ups the ante with a hard-rocking edge. "Born on a Rezervation" pokes fun at Native American stereotypes, while "Last Tribal Nation" closes the album with a reverent nod to Native American culture. Atsiaktonkie’s blend of strong musicianship, pointed lyrics, and crisp production has not been lost on his musical peers. - KindWeb, April 2009, CD Review by Jud Conway


"Atsiaktonkie, Four Wolves Prophecy, CD Review"

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Atsiaktonkie digs deep with his blend of folk, roots, rock and country. On "Four Wolves Prophecy," Atsiaktonkie sings from the heart about what he sees in Mohawk Territory, near Massena. Hghlights include "Fly with Me," with a searching melody reminiscent of Neil Young's classic "Heart of Gold," and "Hey Yo!" - The Post Standard, April 2009, CD Review by Mark Bialczak


"December Wind, Second Wind, CD Review"

As you might expect of anything branded ‘native American’ there are images of eagles, tribal beats, pipes and lyrical references to buffalos, Custer, ponies etc. But just how does that mix with rock? I must admit I had my reservations (excuse the pun).

Butterfly opens with acoustic guitars and a west coast sound. The vocals are strangely reminiscent of Michael Stripe. It’s surprisingly good and there are wonderful guitar breaks. It’s a throwback – classic rock. I’m somewhat taken aback.

Fly With Me follows. It carries on where Butterfly left off – melodic lead guitars, uncomplicated rock. Lynyrd Skynrd would have been proud of this.

The Indian drum beats, chants and pipes arrive with Ghost Dancers. For me, it doesn’t fit. Pretty Girls returns to rock – a boogie with a late sixties feel and more excellent guitar work. One And One and Dance To The Sun drop the pace and could be REM at their best.

Because You Want To opens with acoustic and Neil Young-like blues harmonica before the tempo picks up, but the peach is Custer’s Greed which has a wonderful Doobies Long Train Running feel. Again with some excellent guitar work.

Captain adds a bit of funk to the mix and more lead guitar than you could shake a stick at. The bass opening of Images rattles your speakers before the guitars kick in for another dose of melodic rock and haunting vocals.

I came to this album thinking it would be some sort of novelty record. I couldn’t have been more wrong. For the most part, they don’t make many albums like this anymore. And that’s a damn shame. - Get Ready to Rock, 2005, CD Review by Pete Whalley


"December Wind, Sacred Voices, CD Review"

This album reaches and refreshes the heart and the soul of the listener. "She Likes Flowers" is as heart rending a song to found anywhere. And "Eagle Cries His Song" can teach those of us without any Native American roots to be more empathetic and open to this way of life.

This CD is the type of CD that anyone and everyone can listen to and really enjoy very much. There are some fun songs and also songs from the heart. If you don’t get this CD, you are sure missing out on a very wonderful and great sounding production.

Their blending of old and new is some of the best I have ever heard, the words have a true message that can only come from the heart and is meant to stimulate both the heart and the mind. I can hardly wait for their next release - Three Customer Reviews from Amazon.com, July 1999


"December Wind to Play Two Reunion Shows at The 20th Annual Grassroots Festival"

TRUMANSBURG, NY (July 19, 2010) ---Native Music Award Winner Atsiaktonkie (ah-jeeak-doon-gee-ay) will rejoin Alter-Native Folk Rock Band December Wind for two highly anticipated Reunion shows at the 20th Annual Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival located on the Trumansburg Fair Grounds in Trumansburg, NY. December Wind will open up for Merle Haggard on Thursday July 22 at 3:30 PM on the Grandstand Stage, the band also will close show on Friday, July 23 at 12:00 AM on the Grandstand Stage.

Hailing from the Akwesasne (Mohawk) Territory nestled between New York and Canada, December Wind is Atsiaktonkie (lead vocals, guitar), Terry Terrance (bass), Randolph Furnia (lead guitar, vocals), Donnie Sharrow (guitar, vocals), and Billy Lashomb (drums). Prior to departing ways in 2006, December Wind released two highly acclaimed CDs; Sacred Voices (Canyon Records, 1999) and Second Wind (Strong Wind Records, 2005). Atsiaktonkie released his first solo project Four Wolves Prophecy (Strong Wind Records, 2008), which won the 2009 Nammy Award for Best Folk Recording/Album.

December Wind will be selling copies of their album Second Wind, as well as copies of Atsiaktonkie’s Award Winning Album Four Wolves Prophecy at the event. Festival-goers are encouraged to stop by December Winds’ booth, chat with the band, purchase an autographed CD, and join their mailing list.

“Melodic lead guitars, uncomplicated rock. Lynard Skyrand would have been proud,” states Get Ready to Rock Magazine. While Cutting Edge Review writes, “Lyrical traditions play out with earth sweetness and emphasis of pow-wow percussion.”

The band will be performing a mixture of 14 songs from their two albums, as well as some new material. A portion of the proceeds from album sales will benefit The Akwesasne Freedom School, which helps preserve the Mohawk culture and language that is diminishing rapidly.

Don’t miss the Reunion show that everybody has been talking about. Get your tickets today. For more information or to purchase a CD visit www.atsiaktonkie.com.

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- Nina Denny Public Relations Press Release, July 2010


Discography

CDs:

Along the River(atsiaktonkie)- Rise (Strong Wind Records, 2017)

December Wind-Sacred Voices (Canyon Records, 1999)

Atsiaktonkie-The Ancient Ones (Strong Wind Records, 2004)

December Wind-Second Wind (Strong Wind Records, 2005)

Atsiaktonkie-Four Wolves Prophecy (Strong Wind Records, 2008) Nammy Award Winner for Best Folk Recording (Album) for 2009

Videos:

December Wind Live at Grass Roots 2005(Strong Wind Records, 2005)

Atsiaktonkie and Friends Live at Grass Roots 2009 (Strong Wind Records, 2009)

December Wind Performing Live at the Grass Roots Festival (Demo Video 2010)

Photos

Bio



Hailing
from Akwesasne Nation Territory, 2-time Nammy Award winning
singer/songwriter, Along the River ( Atsiaktonkie) carries a message
of peace, healing, traditional values that is divinely inspired
through his "folk with feathers" genre that has touched
people's hearts around the world. " I love the messages in
your songs. Bless you in many words as you lift the spirits of many
with yours in reverence of all that is!" - Tammy Holl


Look
for his New CD,"Rise" released in July 2017! This
project will be coordinating with the rejuvenation of the Native
American Spirit! His new LP,"Rise" is his
most focused and passionate material yet!


Embarking
on this solo release with his strong influence of his native american
culture addressing spirit issues of the Native American of today.
With over 1500 songs to his credit this 2-time Nammy Award winning
Folk Artist has shared the stage with Meryl Haggard, George Jones,
Aerosmith, Foreigner, Carrie Underwood and many other amazing
artists! His prolific songwriting has touched so many with the
beauty of his songs, and in fact saved the life a woman from
Pittsburgh, PA who sought him out to thank him in person, about a
time she stood on a chair with a rope around her neck and his music
came on the radio. And she sought out the help she needed. A group of
inmates from San Diego State Prison sent him hawk feathers and said
that his music had set them free! We can find his upcoming
release,"Rise" at CD Baby, Amazon, Spotify, Rhapsody, i
tunes and many others.


"No
matter what they say, No matter what they do, We will still survive!"
Where are my People lyrics summarize Along the River's statement
calling for the rejuvenation of the Native American Spirit! - Shane
Wilder, Trans American Broadcast Corp- once wrote of his past
releases, " They dont come better than this. Grab it! Every cut
a gem! Five Stars!" Along the River (Atsiaktonkie) will be
recorded his recent CD,"Rise" at Lolo Studios
located in Massena, NY.



Band Members