The temperature climbed to an uncomfortable 96 degrees yesterday in Denver,
but I was extremely fortunate to be sitting on higher ground in the Rockies
beneath a starlit sky, listening to one of the hottest bands in the Native
American Music Industry - Gary Small & the Coyote' Bros. Along with three
hundred other guests, I was treated to live music complemented by mountain
acoustics, a huge banquet of home-prepared foods, tubs of iced beer, and Jamaican punch. Next to the punch was a
colorful can for donations that will be disbursed to an impoverished community
in Jamaica. The host and hostess for the event have had an altruistic
relationship with this Jamaican town for many years.
Five bands performed from early evening until midnight, but it was Gary Small & the Coyote' Bros who stole the show with their reggae/tribal/world beat sound. I’m not just saying that because Gary was kind enough to invite me to the festival; their original music speaks for itself. Hostiles & Renegades, Wild Indians, Crazy Moon, Choke Cherry Wine & Indian Fry Bread, and Crazy Woman Mountain give voice to present day life on the Rez, as well as imparting a spiritual manifestation of the past. Music is a powerful healing medium, and the evocative instrumental, Children of the Snow, is a beautiful tribute to the Cheyenne women and children who ran from the Cavalry on a cold winter day back in the 1800s.
HOSTILES & RENEGADES by Gary Small & the Coyoté Bros Published Jan 10, 2013
While Small does not like to be categorized as a Native American artist, preferring to be known simply as a musician, his heritage is undeniable. His music demonstrates his inherent understanding of his people and his love for the Cheyenne culture. The other band members contribute their electrifying harmonious energy to produce the distinctive sound of the Coyote’ Brothers. Put all this impressive talent together and you have unique music that has won many awards. Most recently, “Best World Music Recording” for their CD Hostiles & Renegades at the 2013 Native American Music Awards. Other NAMA awards include: 2002 “Songwriter of the Year” for the CD Wild Indians, 2007 “Best Rock Recording”, and in 2011, Best Male Artist.
Little Red Rocks, September 7, 2013.
Gary Small & the Coyote Bros. performing "Wild Indians"
Gary Small-Vocals and Guitar, Jim Willey-drums, Jimmy Lange-Keyboards, Jobe Jennings-Bass
Teresa Lynne and the Dreamboats gave a solid blues performance, and her raspy voice, reminiscent of Janis Joplin, won my heart. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, the Denver music scene is lucky that she fell in love with the Rocky Mountains. She is also one of the best harp players I have ever heard. Judging from the whistles and cheers from the audience, I think everyone agreed.
This was my first time experiencing Little Red Rocks and it was a little slice of paradise. I met up with some old friends from Sheridan, Wyoming and also made some new friends. It was a night that makes you think, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”
