released August 12, 2009

Producer and arranger Lisa Patterson of imaginit music is the main creative genius behind the beautiful arrangements – the way the instruments and vocals are all put together so seamlessly.

And Rohan Staton, being a producer and arranger as well, added his own magic to the arrangements. Rohan’s guitar laid the foundation for the rest of the instruments on several songs for this album. A prolific talent, Rohan has had his music on various films and TV shows, as well as touring with Jully Black.

Lisa Patterson also engineered (recorded) and mixed the album. She spent countless hours on this project, making sure my traditional Indigenous sound was honoured and at the same time straddling the world of contemporary music. Lisa was able to balance it all, keep us focussed on the original vision, and create something beautiful, magical even.

Dub poet icon Lillian Allen was a surprise addition to the album. I was walking by her place one day and the thought popped into my head: “Ask Lillian to do some spoken word for the album!” The idea so compelled me to act upon it that I followed through immediately and the result can be heard on “Woman.” Even though the original song – the chant and melody – came to me, this song was shaped by Lillian Allen’s poetic words and magic, Lisa Patterson, myself and the woman I was working with for whom the song came. Without the coming together of our energies, this song would not have the medicine that it does.

I am blessed to have Tony Campbell playing guitar for “Be Here Now”. Tony has played for pretty much every reggae superstar who has graced a stage in Toronto over his incredible career and yet he remains one of the most humble, beautiful spirits I have ever met. It is Tony who introduced me to Lester Boyke, who plays bass on “Be Here Now.” Lester and Tony also accompanied me on stage for my Canadian Music Week 2009 showcase in Toronto. Lester is a kind, talented musician who can learn a song so quickly I couldn’t believe it. And he knows how to pick up and bring out the feel of a song, which is so important to me. Bassist Dennis Mohammed came off as a quiet, soulful person when I first met him in the studio. When he gets down to musical business, he becomes one with the song at hand. Dennis has worked with Jesse Cook and various Canadian Idol singers.

Derek Thorne, percussionist for Kobotown, was in the studio on the same day as Dennis and it was a joy to watch the two play off each other. Derek is this huge bundle of energy and joy, and at the same time calm and thoughtful. His drumming is expressive and full of life.

When world renowned musician Ernie Tollar arrived to work on the album, my producer looked at me and said “he’s got 100 flutes or something with him!!” I figured she was exaggerating but indeed, Ernie had brought 75 flutes to the studio that day!! Ernie is an intuitive player who naturally infuses spirit into his sound. I am blessed to have him on the album. He has worked with Maryem Tollar, Chris Mckhool, Maza Mezé and many other world music artists.

It’s so strange to think that I wasn’t even in the studio when Gillian Stecyk and Tom Lillington added their colourful background vocals to the last song on the album, “Back in the River.” But alas, schedule conflicts prevented us from meeting, to this very day still! I look forward to the opportunity to meet both of these wonderful singers, as their warmth and generosity shine throughout the song and give it just the gospel feel we were looking for.

When we were almost finished working on the CD, Lisa felt something was missing from “One Door Opens.” I felt it too but we weren’t sure what to do about it. Then Lisa had the inspiration to bring the fabulous Morgan Doctor in to add the cahoun to the song. Morgan was in and out of the studio in such a short time it was mind-boggling. The sweet percussion she added to that song was exactly what was needed and helped it turn into the timeless piece it is now.

To add to my own background vocals on a few tracks, I asked my friend Veronica Johnny to come in. She not only sang on this album but also took many of the photographs you see in the eBook.

The cover art is a painting by Brenda MacIntyre, the CD design was created by Charmalee Knox, and the photography was graciously gifted by Rick Chard.

The eBook just wouldn’t be complete without crediting Andy Krehm of Silver Birch Productions. Andy is an expert at mastering CDs. Mastering adds the final touches, polishing each song and the album as a whole and making it sound like you want it to. And I wanted this one to sound like it was done with a major record label budget, but without spending the millions a major label would to get that effect.

I’m sure you’ll agree that we achieved our goal, and I can tell you that much of the sound quality you hear is due to the professional mastering of this album. My producer Lisa Patterson gave her input as well, to help Andy give the right atmosphere to the songs. Silver Birch also did the manufacturing, meaning the CD you now hold in your hands was physically created by Silver Birch Productions in Toronto.

All photographs in the Medicine Song eBook were taken by me or my daughter Kaillin MacIntyre except for the ones on pages 23, 43 and 45, which were taken by Veronica Johnny. All paintings (except on the studio walls) are my original work.