Pace Professor Publishes Newest CD 'Earthdance Anthology'

Evan Pritchard’s second grade teacher asked whether he wanted to be a fireman, policeman or a doctor when he grew up—his answer: a Renaissance man.

Though the teacher told the now 56-year-old Pace University professor that this was no longer possible—he simply told her told her it was, and he would prove it.

“I continue to be interested in a whole lot of things and how they fit together,” said Pritchard, who has taught at both the Pleasantville and White Plains campuses.

“I knew that’s what I wanted to do—look at the whole picture.”

In addition to being a professor of Native American studies, world religion and philosophy—Pritchard, who has Mi’kmaq Native American and Celtic blood, is a musician, composer, poet, author and artist.

The Poughkeepsie resident's latest work—a 12-track album titled “ Earthdance Anthology,” recorded at Robert Jackson AIF Music Productions’ studio in Mamaroneck, combines all of these talents.

Pritchard describes the union as a “Native American Bandstand” that teaches about living in harmony with each other and the environment—while getting everyone to dance, as the act is considered a prayer or sacred to Native Americans. 

Pritchard—who has penned distinguished titles like “Native New Yorkers: The Legacy of the Algonquin People of New York,” “No Word for Time, The Way of the Algonquin People,” and “Henry Hudson and the Algonquians of New York”—has also appeared on TVs shows as an expert, including the History Channel's pieces on the Holy Grail.

He is also the founder of The Center for Algonquin Culture, and authors "The Landkeeper" newsletter. Pritchard, whose Algonquin name is “Chipmunk,” is a firm believer in the Native American perspective that one needs to know their history to know their future.

He has made it his mission to help heal New York by restoring lost history, and the planet by restoring forgotten wisdom teachings. These messages are delivered to a toe-tapping beat in Pritchard's newest CD.

“I think it’s a very healing and grounding experience to find out about your past,” said Pritchard. “If you resolve conflicts in the past, we can heal ourselves in the present.”

“Earthdance Anthology,” tells of the beginning of creation, in songs like “Fire in Our Heart,” and brings listeners to modern times with “Cash is King” a humorous look at the economic financial crisis (click on the video to see it on YouTube).

“Earthdance Anthology”—a collection of Pritchard’s favorite songs that he has written and performed over the last 45 years—also focuses on Native American principals of taking responsibility for your own actions with songs like “Karma Blues.”

According to Pritchard, its the kind of blues song Gandhi would sing.

The album also focuses on the importance of preserving the environment. The song “So This is Heaven,” isn’t about religion, but uses metaphors to describe how wonderful nature can be, if it is respected.

“Turning Point of Time” speaks of Native American prophecies that tell of the terrible things to come if we don’t take care of the earth.

“It’s a difficult message to convey, but I think we need to be passionate about our efforts to preserve the environment—if we’re not careful we could be in a big mess,” said Pritchard.

“To live a better life, and help others to live better—that’s the message in each song.” 

“Earthdance Anthology” by Pritchard and the Sunheart Band—who consists of whoever is playing with Pritchard at the time—was produced by “Wild” Bob Jackson with British percussionist Mark Richardson using analog technology.

“I originally thought of doing something like ‘Sgt. Pepper’s’ then I changed my mind and made it more like Beethoven’s symphonies,” said Pritchard, who studied at The Juilliard School and performed as a composter at Lincoln Center.

The album brings together a wild primitive rock sounds with the layers, counterpoints and seven part harmonies you’d find in Beethoven’s work—producing a funky polyphonic sound.

“The way to describe this album in one sentence is: Neil Young runs into Gustav Mahler at a bar and they go see a Moody Blues concert where they run into Bob Marley,” said Pritchard, who has already started recording another album.

The album can be purchased by sending $12 to PO Box 140 Salt Point, NY 12578. You can also order albums, books or newsletters by contacting Pritchard at evan.pritchard7@gmail.com.