Another cut from the Innocent Allies album inspired by the art of Charles M. Russell.
A Crow tribal member with Assiniboine Sioux and Black heritage, Cary Morin was raised in Great Falls, Montana, surrounded by music and the art of Charles M. Russell. On his latest album — Innocent Allies, scheduled for release Jan. 26 — the acclaimed Americana guitarist and composer has returned to his roots with a collection of 17 songs that pair with his interpretations of Russell’s powerful paintings.
"As a Montanan, knowing his work was the same as knowing the Montana mountains, rivers, and the big Montana sky,” Morin says. “As a Native Crow, I think I observe details in Charlie Russell’s paintings from a cultural perspective that a non-Native person may not see. Situations depicted in his paintings that might not be obvious to some are subtle cultural or ritualistic details.”
“This record is a masterpiece worthy of its place among the great works of art it was created to honor,” says Trina Shoemaker, the Grammy-winning producer who mixed and mastered the album at her Alabama studio. “Through the songs, I was able to visualize these unseen paintings with uncanny clarity and feel the powerful emotions.”
“Indian Hunters Return,” a cut co-written with Morin’s son Elias and set for release as a single Dec. 1, launches with a plucky guitar riff some have compared to a classic Waylon Jennings tune, then powerfully and eloquently takes on the topic of personal grief, particularly as played out between a Native father and his son:
We saw a man on a hilltop all alone
From far away we could hear his song
I could tell he lost his only son
He’ll stay there to the bitter end…
My father’s heartbeat of the land
Children run through the waning light
I’m home and he watched over me
He helped me to make it right.
“Cary is a unique and brilliant player, songwriter and singer,” says legendary multi-instrumentalist and songwriter David Bromberg. “I have huge respect for his style and technique. If you haven’t heard him yet, you should. Try to remember that it’s only one guitar.”
