Eskimo Songs from Alaska

Recorded on St Lawrence Island by Miriam C. Stryker in 1966 this album features songs from the "Yupik" Eskimos that have long occupied the Island and who live in two separate villages Savoonga and Gambell. Eskimo legend tells of the Island’s formation: "The Sea Goddess, picking up a handful of ooze from the bottom of the sea, squeezed it between her fingers, forming mountains that are part of its interesting terrain." This rugged terrain means a hard life for a people who live off the land. The songs relate through subjects such as hunting, fishing, boats, animals and the like. The lyrics are often very sparse and sometimes the song consists solely of chanted syllables. Liner notes include history of the Yupik Eskimos and song information.
RELATED LESSON PLAN
"Music from the Edge of Civilization Inuit Music for the Classroom"
Track Listing
101
|
Small Owl | Nick Wongatilin | 0:54 | |
102
|
How Much Will I Get for the Ivory Carving? | Nathan Noonwook | 3:08 | |
103
|
Looking for Someone Who Wants to Eskimo Dance | Amos Penayak | 4:35 | |
104
|
Balloon Song | Nick Wongatilin | 2:02 | |
105
|
Walking from Savoonga to Gambell | Paul Jensen | 0:55 | |
106
|
Cowboy Song | John Apongalook | 0:53 | |
107
|
Praise, Praise God | Nick Wongatilin | 1:18 | |
108
|
Helicopter Song / Second Helicopter Song | Nathan Noonwook | 5:17 | |
109
|
Drum Song | Nick Wongatilin | 2:05 | |
201
|
Like a Little Girl | Laurence Kulukbon | 2:52 | |
202
|
Little Indian Boy | Fred Angi | 2:35 | |
203
|
Indian Exhausted | Fred Angi | 2:04 | |
204
|
Rise Up Helicopter, Like a Bird | Gambell village Eskimo singers | 1:45 | |
205
|
Guitar Song | John Apongalook | 2:33 | |
206
|
Eskimo Rock 'n' Roll | Gambell village Eskimo singers | 2:47 | |
207
|
Little Cowboy | Gambell village Eskimo singers | 2:12 | |
208
|
Swing Your Drum | Gambell village Eskimo singers | 1:43 | |
209
|
I Couldn't Wait | Gambell village Eskimo singers | 2:00 | |
210
|
Old Song | John Apongalook | 2:12 |