It’s been an exciting journey for Kalapuya native, Jan Michael Looking Wolf. After a dozen solo recordings and being named “Flutist of the Year” at both the NAMMYS and ISMA in 2008, Jan Michael wins “Artist of the Year” at the 11th Annual Native American Music Awards for his flute-rock CD ‘The Looking Wolf Project’ .
Now he returns with a high energy rock CD, Breakin’ Free, and a stadium type live show with his band.
Solid contemporary hard rock ballads featuring stellar vocals by Jan Michael, flaming guitars, heart-pounding drums, and of course his legendary native flute solos, Breakin’ Free delivers the wild side of native rock.
After playing sold out shows with his band for nearly two years, they hit the studio with producer Keith Sommers and Spirit Wind Records. “Jan Michael’s vocals and music have evolved into a world class act”, says Sommers, “this new CD is like ‘Daughtry’ meets ‘Jethro Tull’ with native flute solos that travel into new places”.
Breakin’ Free is much more than a great native rock recording, it also gives a positive message of drug and alcohol prevention for native youth. In addition to the CD, the label released two music videos with the band in concert that shares a story of a native teen resisting the peer pressures of drug abuse.
Copies of the CD, music videos, and native youth drug and alcohol prevention posters are being distributed to every Tribe in the U.S. in January of this year.
“After winning the award, I wanted to try and give something back”, Jan Michael speaks softly while playing his guitar, “The Native American Music Awards have become a healing force to native communities across the nation by providing recognition of Native artists and through their programs that outreach to some impoverished reservations.”
Breakin’ Free also premiers 19 year old native guitar player Kenny Sequoia Lewis, who offers his blues rock style and emotional string bending to the song ‘Addiction’.
Other band members include Ledhead Ned on bass, Patrick McDermott on guitar, and drums by Nathan Myers. “We are more like brothers than band mates”, Myers said with a smile.
A world wide release of Breakin’ Free is underway, with tour dates both at large venues and reservations.
Donald Blackfox, CEO of Spirit Wind Records shares about the project, “This is by far Jan Michael’s best work to date. His band is amazing to see live and the recording is a work of art for sure. Every song is a hit and the message is strong…its hope for humanity…it’s that everyone is important…it’s that we are all related.”
To see more about the Jan Michael Looking Wolf Band, go to www.lookingwolf.com
