Description

2021 reissue on black vinyl with insert and a bonus track. Limited 200 copies

Winterhawk was formed in San Francisco in 1978. They were such a rarity as a Native American hard rock band formed by musicians of the Indian Cree tribe. Fringed leather tunics, furs, feathers, and loincloths are not the standard garb of the average rock band, and neither were many popular bands quite literally gushing with Indian blood and heritage. Likewise, few bands indeed carry high the philosophies, and traditions of their forefathers cultures as did Winterhawk. A Native American foursome that specialized in rapidfire, hard rock and roll. But the striking thing about this band is not so much the warrior beliefs, but their sincerity and genuine faith in themselves and their culture. Winterhawk appeared in the 1983 US Festival and has opened for such big names as Tina Turner, Santana, Country Joe and the Fish, Steve Miller, Van Halen and Motley Crue. Alexander says; Music is a very sacred part of Native American lifestyles. If a person of a tribe possesses a rattle or a drum or a stick to beat the drum, those articles are treated with great respect. Winterhawk carried that same reverence toward music, because the ability to play music is a gift.It’s important for people to realize that the band Winterhawk were not posers, Alexander emphasizes. The majority of our songs have a very deep message in them. I believe in setting an example for young people. Young people really look up to rock and rollers. We carry high the values our forefathers did: keeping our environment clean, taking care of the creatures, including ourselves. I don’t drink. The idea is to be a positive force in front of the young people, he explains. If theres any music that is close to traditional Native American music, a war dance beat, it’s straight rock and roll. Our best received songs are Indian ones – like their Custer’s Dying, a hard-edge, head-banging rocker with serious lyrics about guess who. The band was founded by singer and guitar player extraordinaire Nik Winterhawk Alexander. During their active 6 years the band released two amazing rock albums, Electric Warriors (in 1979) and Dog Soldier (in 1981). Both albums are considered to be huge classics and the original vinyl records are monster rarities, being impossible to find and among the most sought after U.S. rock records of the 70s and 80s. Unfortunately, Nik Alexander, lost his battle against cancer in 2017 but his memory lives on through the timeless compositions he created, that will surely be remembered and enjoyed by every serious music fan and collector unto the ages of the ages. Hail

Track list:
1. Prayer
2. Got To Save It
3. Black Whiskey
4. Dark Skin Lady
5. The Wind-from New Oasis compilation 1983
6. Restaurant
7. Selfish Man
8. Custers Dyin
9. Fight