Asani (“rock” in the Cree language), a contemporary Aboriginal women’s trio from Edmonton, has been captivating audiences with their breathtaking harmonies, their dynamic vocal artistry and their powerful rhythmic style. Carrying with them the traditional influences of First Nations and Metis music accompanied by drums and rattles, their songs resonate with their own blend of traditional vocals infused with the sounds of jazz, folk and blues.
Asani’s debut CD “Rattle and Drum” (2005) has been nominated for 11 music awards throughout North America, including a 2006 Juno Award nomination for ‘Aboriginal Recording of the Year’. Asani received a Canadian Aboriginal Music Award in 2005 for Best Female Traditional/Cultural Roots Album.
Asani performs frequently in Canada as well as around the world, and has composed and performed musical soundtracks for documentaries, film and television. Having performed at both Carnegie Hall, New York and the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C. Asani is currently garnering national acclaim for their unique arrangement of “O Canada”.
Debbie Houle - Lead vocals, harmony, drum and rattle. As a Cree Metis, Debbie was born in Edmonton and was raised in the Elizabeth Metis Settlement in
Northeast Alberta. She has been singing since the age of five and studied voice at the
Grant
MacEwan
Community College in
Edmonton, Alberta. Debbie currently works with the Edmonton Winter Light Festival and the Wicihitowin Circle of Shared Responsibility & Stewardship as a community coordinator. Email Debbie at d_houle@shaw.ca
Sarah Pocklington - Lead vocals, harmony, drum and rattle. Sarah is Cree Metis and graduated from the vocal program at
Grant
MacEwan
Community College , has a B.A. in English/Anthropology, a Masters Degree in Native Studies and is currently working towards a PhD in Education Policy Studies with a focus on contemporary Aboriginal music. She has also taken courses in dance, drama and percussion. Sarah has been teaching, developing courses, and conducting workshops in the field of Native Studies for the past 20 years. Email Sarah at spocklin@telus.net
Sherryl Sewepagaham - Lead vocals, harmony, drum and rattle. Sherryl is from the Little Red River Cree Nation in northern
Alberta . She began singing since a young age and went on to study classical voice and piano at the Alberta College Conservatory of Music in Edmonton and
Douglas
College in
New Westminster, BC . She has completed her Bachelor of Education degree in Elementary (Music). Sherryl is currently an elementary music teacher and conductor of the Aboriginal children’s choir, Awasisak Nikamowak. Email Sherryl at sherryls@shaw.ca