The Triumphant Return of Buffy Sainte-Marie

Buffy Sainte-Marie, who made waves in the early Sixties with the protest anthem “Universal Soldier,” and later wrote the mega-smash 80’s hit “Up Where We Belong,” will release her first album in 13 years, Running From the Drum, on August 11. Marie describes the records as “a collection of powwow, protest, club re-mix, rockabilly and big love songs.”

From the press release:

After a 13-year absence from recording, Academy Award winning singer-songwriter and activist Buffy Sainte-Marie returns August 11 with the much-anticipated album Running for the Drum (Appleseed Recordings). Since Sainte-Marie’s debut 45 years ago, her original music, including the internationally acclaimed hit “Up Where We Belong,” has been covered by many world-renowned artists including Elvis Presley, Barbara Streisand, Janis Joplin, Cher, Bobby Darin, Roberta Flack, Courtney Love and Neko Case. Beyond her work as a musician, Sainte-Marie is also widely respected for her work as a visual and digital artist, an educator and, most notably, as a Native American social activist. In support of the record, Sainte-Marie will embark on a long-awaited North American tour this summer including a New York City show September 26 at The Highline Ballroom. Additional details to come.

Running for the Drum was recorded in Sainte-Marie’s home studio in Hawaii and was co-produced with Chris Birkett, as were her last two albums, Coincidence and Likely Stories and Up Where We Belong. “Every song is itself, but there are certain recurring human dilemmas that have been happening for thousands of years and Running for the Drum explores several,” reveals Sainte-Marie, who addresses contemporary themes such as corporate greed and the environment. “It’s a collection of powwow, protest, club re-mix, rockabilly and big love songs.”

In addition to the 12-track CD, the album package will feature a special DVD, Buffy Sainte-Marie: A Multimedia Life (CineFocus and Paquin Pictures). Directed by Joan Prowse, the documentary tells the story of Sainte-Marie’s life and includes interviews with many influential artists including Joni Mitchell, Bill Cosby, Robbie Robertson, Randy Bachman, fellow Appleseed artist Eric Andersen and Steppenwolf’s John Kay.

On top of being a landmark album for Sainte-Marie, Running for the Drum marks Appleseed Recording’s 100th release. Founded by Jim Musselman, the 12-year-old independent label specializes in a roster of creatively vibrant and often politically active musicians from the past five decades, including Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton and Sweet Honey in the Rock. Appleseed also planted the seed for Bruce Springsteen’s “Seeger Sessions” tours and recordings of several years ago back in 1997. Of the company, Musselman states, “We are more than a record label: we are a vision, in many ways using music as a tool of social change and peace.” In addition to Running for the Drum, Appleseed plans to reissue four Sainte-Marie albums within the next year.