WLM Fall 2013 | Page 53

WLM “I worked on perfecting that note,” says Small with a slightly wry smile, “The hardest part was making it sound easy.” A member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Small grew up in Wyoming and Montana. He recalls his childhood impression of the mournful wail of the Indian singers. “I’ll never forget the first time I heard Indian music,” said the award-winning guitarist in an interview with Oregon PBS’s Art Beat program. “I was four or five years old, and I couldn’t have been ten feet from this Indian drum group. And all of a sudden that lead singer -- lead man, we call it -- took off in that high, whiny cry. I thought he was hurt or something. And I remember that sound to this day, that high, crying sound, and I have incorporated that sound into my guitar playing.” Even today, many of Small’s compositions contain a soulful sadness that persistently tugs at the emotions. The heart-rending guitar instrumental “All For You,” composed for his wife Deb, soars to the clouds and then, suddenly, bursts into a lively world beat that lures even the shyest members of the audience to the dance floor. After going off to college, where he earned a degree in Public Administration Indian Affairs, Gary left the Cowboy State behind and moved to Portland, Oregon, to pursue his musical dreams. He put together a tight little roots-rock band that included Joe Cocker percussionist, Bobby Torres and former Santana veteran drummer Graham Lear. Said Lear of Small’s work, “Having played over the years with a ‘legend,’ namely Carlos Santana, I can truly say that Gary brings to mind not only that caliber of ability, but also the same depth of spirituality and commitment to his art that is the hallmark of great talent.” John Graham of Willamette Week also wrote of Small’s eerie echoes of the guitar superstar: “Small’s guitar playing is so reminiscent of Carlos Santana it’s stunning. In fact, it wouldn’t be unfair to say Small could become the Santana of Native American music, translating his history through myriad musical forms in a way that speaks on several levels.” cover ar t courtes y Gary Small | music Gary shifted into high gear when he recorded his third album, Wild Indians. Released in July of 2002, the album netted him the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award from the Native American Music Awards, known colloquially as the Nammys. With songs like “Crazy Moon,” “Children of the Snow,” ”Warriors Overture” and the title cut, “Wild Indians,” Small not only showed his versatility but expressed a unique interpretation of his own heritage. Danceable, yet with thoughtful lyrics, the songs work on two planes. What followed was a burst of fame in the Northwest that kept the band working steadily for the next two years, but Gary, attentive to the needs of local Native Americans, had other business to take care of as well. “At that time,” says the guitarist, ”I was working a very demanding day gig for a Native American health organization as well as holding together a very polished band. 16- to 20-hour days come with a cost; I was burning my candle at both ends and in the middle.” As if that weren’t enough, Small’s father fell ill with a fatal throat tumor and the musician moved back to Wyoming to care for him. “When Dad passed away, I first thought my life would resume and I would return to Portland to pick up the pieces. I www.wyolifestyle.com 53