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Darryl Tonemah had no idea that when he began writing songs, while attending college, that several years, shows, CD's, nominations, radio and TV appearances, and a Native American Music Award, that he would be releasing his 5th CD "Inkblot's & Random Thoughts" to what has be come an international fan base. All the time still retaining the same small town Midwestern point of view and great storytelling that has become his trademark. Growing up on and off reservations throughout the heartland, as well as his work today, have given Dr. Tonemah (he did manage to finish college) a unique perspective that is evident in his song writing. "I have had the blessing of seeing and experiencing a lot of things since the last CD, some great, some heartbreaking, some funny. I had started writing song ideas, and lines, and chord progressions, and drum patterns on pieces of paper I had in my pocket, and they somehow all managed to end up in the back seat of my car. When I couldn't fit anything else back there, I figured it was time to record. Which was great, because now I have a new CD AND a clean car."
As with Tonemah's previous releases "Ink Blots and Random Thoughts" Darryl maintains his honest singing style with honest lyrics that cut to the heart of the matter. "It is a challenge trying to put everything I want to say or express into a 3 minute song. I wanted to write this CD more efficiently than in the past. I thought it was important that each line was significant. Kind of like a movie short. In a movie short everything on screen has some symbolic value. I used a lot of metaphor while writing this CD to get the most mileage from each line."
Once again Tonemah has gone to Nashville, TN to record his latest work. Incorporating some of Nashville's finest session players Tonemah has created a heartfelt piece of music. Touching on feelings and experiences inherent in everyone. Tonemah is at times the Trickster, at times the son, at times the father, at times the seeker, but always the storyteller. A storyteller who offers meaning where the listener needs to find it. "In all the years I've performed with Darryl, one thing has always been evident, Darryl's songs touch people on a very personal level. You see it in their faces at every show. You hear it when they meet him afterward. People feel like they know him, and in a way they do." states Tonemah guitarist Ed Koban.
Tonemah has been receiving airplay in dozens of local markets throughout the US, Canada & even Alaska. A singer/songwriter in the purist sense, Tonemah combines the energy of rock, the intelligence of folk and the heart of country, to create a musical niche he calls, "Native Americana". In 2009 French record label, Dixie Frog Records, included the song "There's a Train" from the Welcome to Your Rainy Day as part of their compilation CD titled, Indian Reservation Blues. A multi-disc release that included Native American Musicians.
Tonemah has three bachelors degrees and a masters degree, as well as a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Cultural Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His undergraduate degrees are in Psychology, Sociology and Gerontology, and his masters degree is in Community Counseling. He's the director of the Health Promotion Program at the University of Oklahoma College of Continuing Education
Tonemah's' live shows, full band electric or an intimate acoustic set, always finds him connecting with his audience. Whether reaching out to Native youth through his many workshops & speaking engagements, or pouring it all out on stage and in the recording studio, Tonemah's personality always shines through. Tonemah Co- producer Larry Pacheco says it best; "During a recording project the artist usually brings ego, attitude or talent to the table, and rarely honestly lays it all out on the line. Working with Darryl Tonemah was different, he brought himself".
Notable Performances
2002 Winter Olympics is Salt Lake City, Utah John F Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts 2007 Native American Music Awards Grammy Sessions Live Radio Show
* In 2008 Tonemah won the Native American Music Award for Best Folk Recording for the CD Welcome to Your Rainy Day.
* In 2008 Tonemah was awarded the Silver Arrow Award for Contributions to Native American Music.
* In 2000 Tonemah made it to the shortlist when nominations for the 1st ever Native American Music Grammy were to be awarded.
* Longbow Guitar Company of New Mexico manufactures & markets the Tonemah Signature Model Guitar.
* Tonemah was the first artist to be featured on the "Grammy Sessions Live" national radio show & received rave reviews.
* Tonemah had the lead role in the stage production "Tribe", which toured nation wide & sold out all it's shows.
* Tonemah has appeared in 2 movies; The Last of the Mohicans & DMZ
* In Oct. of 2003 Tonemah received the Native American Recognition Days of Arizonas' Community Pride & Spirit Award for Outstanding Community Event, for his Annual Native American Childrens Benefit Christmas Concert & Toy Drive.
* Tonemah performed a 5 day stint at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
* Tonemah & his road band practice a drug & alcohol free lifestyle, perform at many benefits nationwide to promote wellness among young people.
* Tonemah has performed with several national artist such as; Foreigner, Three Dog Night, Hootie & the Blowfish, Creedence, Johnny Lang, Rusted Root & Donna The Buffalo, among others.
* Tonemahs Annual Native American Childrens Christmas Concert & Toy Drive began 10 years ago in Phoenix AZ, to a few dozen people, and has now expanded to California, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arizona, and is attended by hundreds.
* Tonemahs CD's are recorded and produced in Nashville, and have included: production on songs by legendary producer George Massenburg (Phil Collins, James Taylor, Journey,Bonnie Raitt & more),& included performances by Pete Wasner (sought after keyboardist, as well as hit song writer for Garth Brooks & the Dixie Chicks) and musicians that have recorded and performed with Van Morrison, Bob Seger, Lyle Lovette, Wynnona and others.
* Tonemah has created the "Music as Medicine Program" focusing on at risk Native Youth, using basic music skills, and incorporating modern recording techniques, to empower youth in a productive and creative manner.
* Tonemah is the director of the Health Promotion Program at the University of Oklahoma College of Continuing Education.
* Tonemah has three bachelors degrees and a masters degree, as well as a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Cultural Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His undergraduate degrees are in Psychology, Sociology and Gerontology, and his masters degree is in Community Counseling.
* Tonemah has worked with the National Institutes of Health on diabetes prevention and lifestyle change research among Indian populations. He also works with Native groups across the United States and Canada promoting health and wellness.
Discography
Ink Blots and Random Thoughts (2009)
Welcome to Your Rainy Day (2006)
One in Every Crowd. (2004)
A Time Like Now (2002)
Journals of my Misperceptions (2000)
The Ghosts of St. Augustine (1997)
Can You Hear Me? (1992)
