The Heron Smiles by Annie Humphrey

I found a free download of the title song from Annie Humphrey's album The Heron Smiled at Rhythms of the Globe.

I don't own a lot of Native American CDs because it is harder to find radio stations that play the music, and I like to fall in love with a song before I buy. Most of my CDs are from artists that I've known, or heard thanks to attending a POW WOW or some other function. Perhaps that is why this song is there on Rhythms of the Globe Web site, now? It is really lovely, and they know the song advertises itself.

The lyrics in this song speak to me. Having grown up in a Native Alaskan family and close to those roots, I've always been drawn to animals and looking to them and to nature for insight. This song The Heron Smiled reminds me of animal speak and totems. I'm not sure if that is what the writer meant (I'm not sure that Annie Humphrey writes her own music), but it worked for me. Either way, Annie Humphrey has a lovely voice.

Here is a review of the album in Rambles, a cultural art magazine.