THE SINGER AND HIS SONGS

It is seldom that a record producer releases two records by the same singer simultaneously. However, when Philip Cassadore completed Canyon No. 6070 ("Philip Cassadore Sings More Apache Songs") he had so many songs still left over - crying to be sung - that Canyon Records felt compelled to do another album then and there.

We call it "Traditional Apache Songs" since many of these selections are from the Apache ceremonials handed down by medicine men and singers from generation to generation.

On the first side are a group of songs for GAN. A word of background for non-Apache listeners seems in order here. As Philip provides it:

"The Apache Indians were and are highly religious people. Their Apache religion teaches belief in God, a great holy power Who is above everything. He is good, He looks after the people of the world, and in the words of a chief, "He made us in order to have mercy on us."

"The Apache religion regards the universe (sky, stars, earth, winds, trees, air, etc.) as all one and related, and to be reverenced because the Supreme Being is in it.

Many traditions of the religion deal with the GAN - a collective name for the Mountain Spirits, who lived on earth in very ancient times but who believed to dwell within certain mountains. According to the teaching, the GAN have supernatural powers, and are able to help mankind.

This term GAN is also used to designate the Mountain Spirit dancers as a group, when they are representing the Mountain Spirits in a ceremonial, performed to ask blessings on those on earth. There are ceremonials for many specific purposes, and songs such as those on Side 1 are used during them.

On Side 2 Philip included two more songs for GAN, but also sings some of the interesting old-time songs he has learned through his family and tribal elders. Though he is a most Modern Indian he is anxious to preserve these songs of his cultural heritage, and finds modern non-Indians anxious to hear them and learn their meaning.

At the time of this record release he is living in Peridot on the San Carlos Reservation, and working for the betterment of the San Carlos community in his position at the tribal headquarters. He also conducts a popular Apache radio program at a nearby station. He is frequently called away from the reservation to present through lectures, panel discussions, and TV appearances not only the story of the Apache cultural past, but also the status and problems of the Modern Indian.

As on the cover of the jacket, he is also seen form time to time at public Indian pow-wows and celebrations as a performer, singing his songs.