I grew up in the poor Italian neighborhood of East Boston. I first heard this version of this song on 1972. I was a first year teacher in the first year of Boston school desegregation. Too much anger and hatred and racism. I discovered Charles Laquidara of BCN played it as his opening frequently. I swear I only got by and was able to be a decent person and teacher because of this song. I’m crying now remembering how this got me through those years
I grew up on Boston, too, and I'm now in my 70's. I recall all too well all the racism, and damn, was WBCN ever an oasis for progressive culture back then. I miss it every day.
Back again ... when I'm grateful I come here.... when I'm sad I come here .. when I'm missing all my dead loved ones I come here and think about how grateful I am for having them then and how grateful I am for everything and how beautiful life is and how beautiful Earth is . And when I'm happy I come here to give thanks I remember a wonderful person named Jim Pepper
I first time I heard this song was on WBCN in Boston played by Charles Laquidara. I don't think I ever heard it anywhere else, but I was hooked. Makes me feel glad that I'm not dead. Indeed.
Dedicated to all at Standing Rock fighting to preserve clean water "Water spirits feelin swimming round my head makes me feel glad that i'm not dead" #Water is Life
OTOH without that pipeline we will be buying gas from Venezuela, Russia, Iran, gas that is less regulated and probably pollutes the environment more, like they say be careful what you ask for
@@GeorgeCMcRae me too since decades ago spending time with a Yaqui medicine man who’s now a life long friend and others I came to know I learned so much about the spirituality of their indigenous culture.
I heard this song once in the early seventies, and it has stuck with me every since. I have been searching for this version for a long time. Many thanks to the poster and to all who enjoy music from the heart!
I had the coolest dad. He played everything from Glen Miller band to Led Zep. This album was played at every party. Love Jim Pepper. Know it by ❤. I was just talkin about this...wow! Miss you DAD. Best parties ever growing up.
47 years ago after a friend died I was lifted, again & again, by Jim singing, "Water spirit feelin' springin' round my head, makes me feel glad that I'm not dead." Thank you.
First heard this song when I was in college at The Univ of Bridgeport, played by Earle Bailey on WPKN 1972. Recently heard it again on SiriusXM by..... Earle Bailey. Some 48 years later it's still a meaningful song to me. Thank you Earle.
+Maurice Laffin Chucka-lucka-ducka lol! Same age, same city, same facial salad, same drinking water. WBCN was truly awesome as was WAAF. I even miss 1966 - 1972 WRKO.
WBCN!!! That's where I heard it! So much feeling and resonance in this song. As a teen, I memorized my personal version of the lyrics and can still recite them along with the chant today at age 61. Spirit and love, Jim Pepper.
Such a sacred song. The jazz fusion band Oregon covered this song on their “Out of the Woods” LP a good long while. A beautiful version my wife and I used it has our wedding march. Ralph Towner and Glen Moore, two of the founding members of Oregon surely knew Pepper as they were all from Oregon State. and hung with many musicians of the early jazz fusion movement like Jan Garbareck and Larry Coryall.
I almost fell off my chair today when I heard this played on Sirius XM "Deep Tracks" Haven't heard this on the air since the late 80's. Makes me long for the days when disc jockies used to try to educate their listeners.
I actually own this album. One of my favorites when I was growing up in the 70's. I was watching "Aloha" tonite with Bradley Cooper & Emma Stone and they had a version of this in the movie! I couldn't believe it. So here I am now listening on youtube and connecting to others who love this also. Awesome. Thought I was the only one...
I first heard this in 1971 when in high school on WMMR in Phila. Today it came to mind, but I could only remember the line "makes me feel glad that i'm not dead". Did a lyrics search, and here I am. Wow.
Thanks so much. Found my 20 year old transcription and so wanted to hear it again. So powerful, makes me cry and ... very glad I'm not dead. Here's to Jim Pepper & His Spirit and to All of Us that forget sometimes. Witchitia To Friends!
Much thanks,Grizz! My Dad has this album when I was in my early teens. I can remember putting on his headphones ,shutting off the lights in the living room and listening to this song and it Always made me Proud I'm Native. Even now....if I'm at work and someone or something gets me down...I sing this to myself and get all pumped up inside!! Aho!!
Regretably , I'm NOT NATIVE AMERICAN ... but have for MOST of MY LIFE REALLY WISHED I WAS . BUT I AM MOST FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD NATIVE AMERICAN REAL TRUE FRIENDS . I AM ESPECIALLY PROUD TO KNOW JAKE RIVERA of Lewisville, Texas ... ... MAY OUR DEAR JACOB ALWAYS ALWAYS FLY HIGH and be as FIERCE AS THE EAGLE , AS FUNNY as THE FOX , as DELIGHTFUL as THE LITTLE BIRDS , as WISE as THE TURTLES , and as MYSTERIOUS as THE FISH , as EXQUISITE as THE HORSE , as READY as THE MOUNTAIN LION , as TIMELY as THE BEAR , as WONDERFUL as THE COYOTE , as NOBLE as THE DEER and as FAITHFUL to HIS BELIEFS as THE DOG TO HIS FAMILY . MAY HE CONTINUE TO HAVE THE WARMTH OF THE SUN , SHINE AS RADIANTLY as THE STARS , BE as LIFE GIVING , EFFORTLESS and ACCOMODATING as The WATER , as KNOWING as THE WIND , as NURTURING and SANE as THE EARTH BENEATH OUR FEET , as GROUNDED and IMMOVABLE as THE MOUNTAINS , as SELFLESS as THE FRUIT BEARING TREES , as CONSOLING and PERFECT as THE RAIN , as SURPRISING as THE FLOWERS , as STRONG as THE ANTS and as BREATHTAKING as THE SKY ... as JUST and INDUSTRIOUS as THE EXHORTER , and as ETERNAL as THE GREAT SPIRIT .. ... MAY JACOB RIVERA continue to be as UPLIFTING as THIS SONG , WITCHI TAITO , AND AS GRATEFUL as HE EVER WAS FOR EVERYTHING . ... Jacob's friend , gardens of the gods , franciepants , known as jazmin to Jake Rivera .
I haven't cried in about 10 years not real crying.... something is wrong with me the closest I came to real crying was when my mom died last year and even then I could not cry like other people do . So when I say this song gives me tears I would be crying if I was able to cry but all I can do is have tears sad and uplifted at the same time and very very grateful
Jim James Gilbert Pepper RIP My beloved husband at our moments on earth. Always in our music jazz A good man An amazing family With fond memories and deep respect for a great soul jazz mu Ravi p
I was introduced to the Group Oregon by my oboe professor when I was at Eastman School of Music. He happened to know Mr. Paul McCandless very well. Eventually the Group Oregon came to Eastman, had a concert and master class where I was introduced to Witchitaito. Later, I happened to move to Portland OR. without knowing it's where Jim Pepper was from. I heard his name mentioned often by the local jazz players. After spending 34yrs total in the US, now I moved back to my country, Japan. But I still keep playing this, with my fond memory of the US/Oregon.
Bonnie Prince Billy and The Cairo Gang covered this at the Birchmere in Alexandria. I can't remember ever being happier to hear a song at a show. Pure Bliss.
This is like a hymn and anthem to me. It touches many of us at a very deep level apparently. I first heard it when I was 70, now at 72, it goes even deeper. Decided to hear it again on this Summer Solstice, Full Moon Day! Thank you so very much, Jim Pepper (RIP), and all your wonderful backup! May Great Spirit continue with you!
Isn't it amazing when one discovers an artist later in life? I discovered Quebecois composer and singer Gilles Vigneault 6+ years ago when I was in my late 40s and he was in his early 80s. On a trip to Quebec, I bought his 1963 debut album in a second hand store, not knowing what it was about. But I was entranced by the music from that record and was amazed to learn that he was Monsieur Vigneault was still around and active. A year or so later I spotted that he was performing in a Magog, small but intriguing town in Quebec not far from the Vermont border, and I immediately bought tickets, and when the date came, we drove up from NYC. It's hard to sum up on a phrase or two, but Vigneault's performance that evening captured all of the subtlety and energy of his 1963 recording. Truly an amazing experience for me, and perhaps that most significant experience with art (and all that flows from it) that I have had in 50+ years. And, to top it off, I met Monsieur Vigneault that evening and he gave me a book of his poetry. I discovered Jim Pepper and his "Witchitai-to" this evening (courtesy of KAOS-FM). While I stand no chance to see Jim Pepper in concert (at least not in this world), the sense that I feel this evening is comparable to the sense that I felt when I discovered Gilles Vigneault via an old second hand store LP. I wish you the most fruitful of listening.
In the end of the 60's and early 70's this was played in the Boston area daily on WBCN the rock of Boston...before they went commercial....and they are NO MORE.....rock on Jim Pepper ...RIP...makes me feel glad I'm not dead... A true anthem to american rock n roll / jazz blues fusion....my copy was a freebie radio only airplay not for sale...
i had the privilege to be at concert with Jim Pepper and I believe Ry Cooder in Portland back in 1971. This album is on the high water mark of American music.
This Came out in 1969 as a 45 album, then The Entire Pow Wow Album Resurfaced coming out in 1970... Great Song very Spiritual and Effects everyone's Soul Differently
It was released in an album on Vanguard. Called Everything Is Everything. This was the only Jim Pepper tune. I think the version on that was the best version.
Thank you so much for sharing this song. It is important to know that the roots of this song are sacred to Native American people and as I heard it , it was taught to Jim by his Grandfather. I just wanted to share this as it was shared with me. Care for the water and Earth is holy. Thank you Jim, RIP. Blessings to you all xoxo
Sheesh! Pepper was a buddy of mine back in the 70's, and we played in a band together in Colorado for a short while. If he were alive and read all of these comments he'd be laughing at the lot of you ;-)
I remember watching Jim Pepper live in downtown Portland every weekend, and Russell Ferrrante now of the Yellow Jackets was his keyboard player. They were so good!
i humbly suggest it has that effect because it's beautiful music. for me, the tears are of joy and gratitude for that music, and sadness at this country's treatment of Jim Pepper's ancestors. Like many commenters below I first heard this on WBCN back when it was a great free-form FM station. Pepper's "Yana Ho" is another classic.
I met this insistent and mesmerizing music in the late 70's on WBAI-FM, NYC's Pacifica station. I thought my head was gonna explode out in my Central NJ suburbia. Long live the spirit of Jim, the one eyed Ford, and them hopeful musical histrionics of life abounding in the face of life- denying profitude. May this be the song that never ends.
@Melinda Bruckler: I found this song today 03/30/2020, Hearing it for the first time in at least 40 or more years. Brings back memories of listening to a radio program called "The Marconi Experiment", the DJ was the late David Herman on the then "underground radio station" WMMR-FM . I heard a lot of wonderful and interesting music back then and gained a education and appreciation. that influenced my life. The few bits of the song I remember lead me to RUclips and thus to you and the others who recall as I do WMMR. Peace Everyone !
Whoa. This is rocking some memory cells. WMMR in Philly. Michael Tierson. Michael Kuscuna. Dave Herman later moved to New York FM and his story didn't end up so well. It was a golden age for FM radio. This tune, White Bird, Time Has come Today, so many others. Thanks for posting.
my dad played this song for me when I was super tiny, after HE had been searching for it for 20 years after he first had it played for him as a child.. we both are immensely connected to it thank you so much for uploading
My wife growing up in Oklahoma mid 60s heard this at a pow wow wither mom. Years later, I gave her a listen to Jim Pepper here. She told me how she heard the chant way before I did listening to JP in 1971 (East Orange, NJ radio station played it where I first heard it.) Similar souls drift together, it seems.
Witchi-tie-to, gimee rah Whoa rah neeko, whoa rah neeko Hey ney, hey ney, no way Witchi-tie-to, gimee rah Whoa rah neeko, whoa rah neeko Hey ney, hey ney, no way Water spirit feelin' Springin' round my head Makes me feel glad That I'm not dead Witchi-tie-tie, gimee rah Whoa rah neeko, whoa rah neeko Hey ney, hey ney, no way Witchi-tie-tie, gimee rah Whoa rah neeko, whoa rah neeko Hey ney, hey ney, no way
Heard this first on WMMR Philly in the 70's on a rare tracks show. Blew me away of course with all that talent and the great vibe. Love the double time right near the end too. Thanks!!
+Thomas Bowen When they use to play this song on WMMR it was done by "Redbone." I had the original album it was on. The album eventually had to remove the song on later prints due to protests by American Indians. the song is very spiritual, and they felt it was a sin to have it played for non Indians to hear.
+Roggo Ranzzabar, I love Ed but it was Tierson, probably the "Psycedelic Psupper". On the same show, he played "Top Of The Pops" which started me off on the Kinks proper. This could well be too far a reach but I think around that time he promoted then played "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" with the "missing" verse, which turned out to be him reading said verse over the music, which seemed sort of lame but I guess I wasn't in on the joke. In any case, those were the days. It's great to hear some of these DJ's again on XM playing that great music.
I never heard the Redbone version that I am aware of I'll take your word for it...I'll have to check out their version. On "MMR" I heard the Pepper version as part of a rarities show probably in the mid 1970's. I remember it was the first time I recorded off the radio direct to cassette. A lot of kids my age (11 in '71) went from WFIL to WIFI 92 then discovered the "album" stations a few years later...thank goodness. The disco clouds were forming up way over the horizon though. Another story for another time.
One of the great pieces of music from the early 70s, in my memory, which goes back to Buffalo in those days and the friends who played JIm Pepper's album -- and I hadn't heard it again until a couple of years ago when I looked for it and found it here. And yeah, tears.
I don't usually cry listening to music, or at all to be honest, but this is one of those songs that just makes me cry. It has so much energy behind it and I love it. I'm Muskogee (trying to reconnect to my family and culture) and i'm a big fan of Jazz, Fusion Jazz, etc. And I'm so glad I have someone from my nation to look up to in this area. Thank you Jim Pepper, for making such an amazing classic song. According to everything I can find online, this is a re-imagining of a traditional Commanche chant celebrating the healing power of water and water spirits. To me It's also a celebration of being alive and experiencing the world. Thank you Jim Pepper, Thank you Water Spirits. I'm so blessed to be alive and listening to this. (I guess this is a bit sappy for a comment left by some random kid online but I'm in that kinda mood).
The one in Sleepers is the original by Everything Is Everything, released in 1969. Jim Pepper was a member of that band and sang lead vocals for this song.
Lovely Pavement cover of this in Manchester last night, what a gorgeous track! Can see why they love it, "water spirit feeling springing round my head" sounds like a Malkmus lyric lol
I was turned on to this while I was living in Tucson. It was absolutely magical living in the desert. I'm back in Ohio, but when I visit the first thing I do is get an Egees and drive out to see the living Sonoran desert.
Don't know who gave you the 6 negative responses to that song. They are either clueless or they didn't even listen to it. I don't know who might ever read this, but I make about 1 comment every 5 years on the internet, because I just don't have the time or knowledge of the discussion. There are so many great songs over the last half century. But if you're a true blue rock nroller, it would be hard not to put that as one of the greatest songs ever. Doesn't matter whether your a rock, jazz, blues, country or blue grass. That song connects in every way possible. And like the person that left the comment before me, Witchi Tai To, is a song that never loses its edge. Will be as well received 50 years from now , as it has the same feeling as when it came out, 50 plus years ago.
I grew up in the poor Italian neighborhood of East Boston.
I first heard this version of this song on 1972. I was a first year teacher in the first year of Boston school desegregation. Too much anger and hatred and racism. I discovered Charles Laquidara of BCN played it as his opening frequently. I swear I only got by and was able to be a decent person and teacher because of this song. I’m crying now remembering how this got me through those years
I grew up on Boston, too, and I'm now in my 70's. I recall all too well all the racism, and damn, was WBCN ever an oasis for progressive culture back then. I miss it every day.
My husband grew up in Eastie on Valor Rd. near Suffolk Downs.
Teaching 20+ years and I still need to hear some music to clear my head and spirit...... blessings to you... thanks for the reminder
If you cried growing up in East Boston ..
you literally didn't grow up
@@TeeKay19 " progressive culture ) sounds
very scary,
As personal friend of Jim Pepper I approve of this message. It was a golden era .Portland, Oregon used to be great. Pepper made it great.
This man saved my life.
the place is still great. the spirit is willing.✌
Very cool. Sang this in summer camp in the 00s on Oregon coast.
Thank you! This helps me grieve my high flying Dad.
Wonderous!
Due to all the listens to this song i have decided to upload the whole Pepper's Pow Wow album for all of Jim's fans to listen to.
Hope You Enjoy!
Thank you ever so much for the upload I have to come here every now and then for my witchi tai toe fix .... absolutely magical
Thanks! Loved that album!
Back again ... when I'm grateful I come here.... when I'm sad I come here
.. when I'm missing all my dead loved ones I come here and think about how grateful I am for having them then and how grateful I am for everything and how beautiful life is and how beautiful Earth is .
And when I'm happy I come here to give thanks I remember a wonderful person named Jim Pepper
With Larry Coryell and Billy Cobham. Wow
Used to listen to the album all the time, especially this amazing song. Thanks for sharing it!
I'm not afraid of anything when this song is playing.
I first time I heard this song was on WBCN in Boston played by Charles Laquidara. I don't think I ever heard it anywhere else, but I was hooked. Makes me feel glad that I'm not dead. Indeed.
Dedicated to all at Standing Rock fighting to preserve clean water "Water spirits feelin swimming round my head makes me feel glad that i'm not dead" #Water is Life
eric jones "I don't like snow. It is white and on my land." - Chief Ike from Slapahoe tribe.
I posted this during Standing Rock...over 1000 views !!
@@sodajerk8167 Good one Soda, I owe ya one, lol. right on
OTOH without that pipeline we will be buying gas from Venezuela, Russia, Iran, gas that is less regulated and probably pollutes the environment more, like they say be careful what you ask for
GOD IS LIFE
At the Smithsonian-National Museum of the American Indian they have his sax and carry case on display, along with this album.
I still get goosebumps every time I hear this just like when I first heard it as a teenager on the radio back in the 70’s. Never forgot it.
Same!!!!!! and tears!!!!!!!
@@GeorgeCMcRae me too since decades ago spending time with a Yaqui medicine man who’s now a life long friend and others I came to know I learned so much about the spirituality of their indigenous culture.
000l))l
Same here. I used to listen to the album all the time. So nostalgic to hear it again now. Still love it!
Every time that I hear Traffic's 1970 'John Barleycorn Must Die' I think of the obvious influence.
A beautiful, magical, healing song. Probably the greatest sax solo. Ever.
A great very simple basic 3 chord song, the terrific sax makes everything pull together.
I heard this song once in the early seventies, and it has stuck with me every since. I have been searching for this version for a long time. Many thanks to the poster and to all who enjoy music from the heart!
I'm also so glad to have found it. I had the original album back in the day and listened to it all the time. Feels wonderful to hear it again.
I had the coolest dad. He played everything from Glen Miller band to Led Zep. This album was played at every party. Love Jim Pepper. Know it by ❤. I was just talkin about this...wow! Miss you DAD. Best parties ever growing up.
Here because Pavement closed their Primavera set with it. What a song, what a message.
Same! But last night in Chicago for me.
Two nights ago in Melbourne, Aus.
Glad to hear that a current band covers this amazing tune. I'd love to do a cover of this with Kaddiwampus (tacoma, WA band)
47 years ago after a friend died I was lifted, again & again, by Jim singing, "Water spirit feelin' springin' round my head, makes me feel glad that I'm not dead." Thank you.
This song makes tears run down my face.
Jim Pepper was a national treasure, who left us all too soon. Thank you for downloading his amazing music.
My older brother and I loved this song. May He R.I.H.
First heard this song when I was in college at The Univ of Bridgeport, played by Earle Bailey on WPKN 1972. Recently heard it again on SiriusXM by..... Earle Bailey. Some 48 years later it's still a meaningful song to me. Thank you Earle.
Was 19 when first heard this; Charles Laquadara. Nothing can go wrong when you hear this song!!!!
+Maurice Laffin Chucka-lucka-ducka lol! Same age, same city, same facial salad, same drinking water. WBCN was truly awesome as was WAAF. I even miss 1966 - 1972 WRKO.
'Twas great when djs had little or no restraints on them and Charles would play this 8' gem as well as Circus Maximus "Wind" among others
WBCN!!! That's where I heard it! So much feeling and resonance in this song. As a teen, I memorized my personal version of the lyrics and can still recite them along with the chant today at age 61. Spirit and love, Jim Pepper.
Same but I was much younger
Such a sacred song. The jazz fusion band Oregon covered this song on their “Out of the Woods” LP a good long while. A beautiful version my wife and I used it has our wedding march.
Ralph Towner and Glen Moore, two of the founding members of Oregon surely knew Pepper as they were all from Oregon State. and hung with many musicians of the early jazz fusion movement like Jan Garbareck and Larry Coryall.
My spirit is soaring like a hawk, thank you Jim Pepper
Realizing we're all connected to each other, the distant stars and everything - such freedom, such responsibility to be sung and danced!
I almost fell off my chair today when I heard this played on Sirius XM "Deep Tracks" Haven't heard this on the air since the late 80's. Makes me long for the days when disc jockies used to try to educate their listeners.
waterbite it came up today :) i love deep tracks
I actually own this album. One of my favorites when I was growing up in the 70's. I was watching "Aloha" tonite with Bradley Cooper & Emma Stone and they had a version of this in the movie! I couldn't believe it. So here I am now listening on youtube and connecting to others who love this also. Awesome. Thought I was the only one...
Yea! I heard it on Deep Tracks this week.. had me entranced! Great song
I heard them play that too, it was late at night as I recall.
They must play it once a year as it was on yesterday afternoon. I never heard it before and searched it out here.
I first heard this in 1971 when in high school on WMMR in Phila. Today it came to mind, but I could only remember the line "makes me feel glad that i'm not dead". Did a lyrics search, and here I am. Wow.
Witchi Tai To Gim-Mie Rah, Whoa Ron-Nee Ka, Whoa Ron-Nee Ka,Hey-Ney Hey-Ney No Wah..... Mitakuye Oyasin! I wish all of you a beautiful journey! xxx
Thank you, St. Jim... this is a holy, holy song.
IT IS A SACRED SONG ONE OF MANY. THOUSANDS..A PEYOTE SONG.
I have always loved this song for the very first time I heard it on the radio in the 70s....it is magical .
Thanks so much. Found my 20 year old transcription and so wanted to hear it again. So powerful, makes me cry and ... very glad I'm not dead. Here's to Jim Pepper & His Spirit and to All of Us that forget sometimes. Witchitia To Friends!
Much thanks,Grizz! My Dad has this album when I was in my early teens. I can remember putting on his headphones ,shutting off the lights in the living room and listening to this song and it Always made me Proud I'm Native. Even now....if I'm at work and someone or something gets me down...I sing this to myself and get all pumped up inside!! Aho!!
Regretably , I'm NOT NATIVE AMERICAN ...
but have for MOST of MY LIFE REALLY WISHED I WAS .
BUT I AM MOST FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD NATIVE AMERICAN REAL TRUE FRIENDS .
I AM ESPECIALLY PROUD TO KNOW JAKE RIVERA of Lewisville, Texas ...
... MAY OUR DEAR JACOB ALWAYS ALWAYS FLY HIGH and be as FIERCE AS THE EAGLE , AS FUNNY as THE FOX , as DELIGHTFUL as THE LITTLE BIRDS , as WISE as THE TURTLES , and as MYSTERIOUS as THE FISH , as EXQUISITE as THE HORSE , as READY as THE MOUNTAIN LION , as TIMELY as THE BEAR , as WONDERFUL as THE COYOTE , as NOBLE as THE DEER and as FAITHFUL to HIS BELIEFS as THE DOG TO HIS FAMILY .
MAY HE CONTINUE TO HAVE THE WARMTH OF THE SUN , SHINE AS RADIANTLY as THE STARS , BE as LIFE GIVING , EFFORTLESS and ACCOMODATING as The WATER ,
as KNOWING as THE WIND , as NURTURING and SANE as THE EARTH BENEATH OUR FEET , as GROUNDED and IMMOVABLE as THE MOUNTAINS , as SELFLESS as THE FRUIT BEARING TREES , as CONSOLING and PERFECT as THE RAIN , as SURPRISING as THE FLOWERS , as STRONG as THE ANTS and as BREATHTAKING as THE SKY ... as JUST and INDUSTRIOUS as THE EXHORTER , and as ETERNAL as THE GREAT SPIRIT ..
... MAY JACOB RIVERA continue to be as UPLIFTING as THIS SONG , WITCHI TAITO ,
AND AS GRATEFUL as HE EVER WAS FOR EVERYTHING .
... Jacob's friend , gardens of the gods , franciepants , known as jazmin to Jake Rivera .
I waded thru a bunch of B's just to har the mighty song..thanks for posting LETS NEVER FORGET THIS SONG an' find joy in life no matter.😮😮
Powerful, moving, a classic! Bless all Native American people!
What a great song. Makes me cry every time.
Absolutely, because our spirit senses the spirits of the Indians. It happened to me too, when I heard this for the first time.
I haven't cried in about 10 years not real crying.... something is wrong with me the closest I came to real crying was when my mom died last year and even then I could not cry like other people do .
So when I say this song gives me tears I would be crying if I was able to cry but all I can do is have tears sad and uplifted at the same time and very very grateful
Jim
James Gilbert Pepper
RIP
My beloved husband at our moments on earth.
Always in our music jazz
A good man
An amazing family
With fond memories and deep respect for a great soul jazz mu
Ravi p
Wow 50 years ago created by Mr. Pepper and still sends a spiriual feeling. Thank you, I need this!
I was introduced to the Group Oregon by my oboe professor when I was at Eastman School of Music. He happened to know Mr. Paul McCandless very well.
Eventually the Group Oregon came to Eastman, had a concert and master class where I was introduced to Witchitaito.
Later, I happened to move to Portland OR. without knowing it's where Jim Pepper was from. I heard his name mentioned often by the local jazz players.
After spending 34yrs total in the US, now I moved back to my country, Japan.
But I still keep playing this, with my fond memory of the US/Oregon.
its hard to explain but this song goes right to my soul in a way that is indescribable and beautiful .....
Bonnie Prince Billy and The Cairo Gang covered this at the Birchmere in Alexandria. I can't remember ever being happier to hear a song at a show. Pure Bliss.
First heard in Cleveland early 70's. A friend played it for me. I've never gotten it out of my head. I'll call him tomorrow. Thanks, Jim.
WMMS played it often.
Once you hear it you'll never forget it. Ever.
This is like a hymn and anthem to me. It touches many of us at a very deep level apparently. I first heard it when I was 70, now at 72, it goes even deeper. Decided to hear it again on this Summer Solstice, Full Moon Day! Thank you so very much, Jim Pepper (RIP), and all your wonderful backup! May Great Spirit continue with you!
Isn't it amazing when one discovers an artist later in life? I discovered Quebecois composer and singer Gilles Vigneault 6+ years ago when I was in my late 40s and he was in his early 80s. On a trip to Quebec, I bought his 1963 debut album in a second hand store, not knowing what it was about. But I was entranced by the music from that record and was amazed to learn that he was Monsieur Vigneault was still around and active. A year or so later I spotted that he was performing in a Magog, small but intriguing town in Quebec not far from the Vermont border, and I immediately bought tickets, and when the date came, we drove up from NYC. It's hard to sum up on a phrase or two, but Vigneault's performance that evening captured all of the subtlety and energy of his 1963 recording. Truly an amazing experience for me, and perhaps that most significant experience with art (and all that flows from it) that I have had in 50+ years. And, to top it off, I met Monsieur Vigneault that evening and he gave me a book of his poetry.
I discovered Jim Pepper and his "Witchitai-to" this evening (courtesy of KAOS-FM). While I stand no chance to see Jim Pepper in concert (at least not in this world), the sense that I feel this evening is comparable to the sense that I felt when I discovered Gilles Vigneault via an old second hand store LP.
I wish you the most fruitful of listening.
Mitakuye Oyasin........
Check out Pavement’s cover from there 2022 tour, I’m so glad that they made me discover this awesome bliss song
Just heard Pavement play this song in concert. So glad they made me discover it!
In the end of the 60's and early 70's this was played in the Boston area daily on WBCN the rock of Boston...before they went commercial....and they are NO MORE.....rock on Jim Pepper ...RIP...makes me feel glad I'm not dead... A true anthem to american rock n roll / jazz blues fusion....my copy was a freebie radio only airplay not for sale...
This always just flies me away to a greater, more beautiful place, just as it did the first time I heard it in the 1970s.
Felt the same way when I first heard it back then, and still to this day.
i had the privilege to be at concert with Jim Pepper and I believe Ry Cooder in Portland back in 1971. This album is on the high water mark of American music.
Ry Cooder, 3rd base Dodger Stadium, if you never heard it. A must.
This Came out in 1969 as a 45 album, then The Entire Pow Wow Album Resurfaced coming out in 1970... Great Song very Spiritual and Effects everyone's Soul Differently
It was released in an album on Vanguard. Called Everything Is Everything. This was the only Jim Pepper tune. I think the version on that was the best version.
This was my favorite song at age 12. While my less evolved peers were crazy about Donnie & Marie!
Erin O'Looney Yes, same here!
Erin O'Looney me too.
Haha Donnie and Marie can't compare to this!
Thank you so much for sharing this song.
It is important to know that the roots of this song are sacred to Native American people and as I heard it , it was taught to Jim by his Grandfather.
I just wanted to share this as it was shared with me.
Care for the water and Earth is holy.
Thank you Jim, RIP. Blessings to you all xoxo
On the King Biscuit Flower Hour...the parting tune each week. How I long for the 60-70's
Nice. King Biscuit Flour Hour. Nice.
Sheesh! Pepper was a buddy of mine back in the 70's, and we played in a band together in Colorado for a short while. If he were alive and read all of these comments he'd be laughing at the lot of you ;-)
If there is a Heaven, the residents should have the pleasure of laughing at the living.
I remember watching Jim Pepper live in downtown Portland every weekend, and Russell Ferrrante now of the Yellow Jackets was his keyboard player. They were so good!
Tears in my eyes…
i dont know why, but it has the same effect on me...
i humbly suggest it has that effect because it's beautiful music. for me, the tears are of joy and gratitude for that music, and sadness at this country's treatment of Jim Pepper's ancestors. Like many commenters below I first heard this on WBCN back when it was a great free-form FM station. Pepper's "Yana Ho" is another classic.
Loving this today after so much sadness in our world this week. Been on my turntable since I was 13! Peace and love.
this is a real native American artist, not fake like redbone
Me too ... Can't explain. Very deep. THX.
Heard this song once, had it my head for weeks after. Now I’m just obsessed with it. So glad to see I’m not the only one. Peace
Yes it's truly unforgettable.
I still have this LP. There's another version by Brewer and Shipley and it pales in comparision to this one.
Tears in my eyes. Thanks Jim.
You S.O.B.s. That was magic. Even without the peyote! :D
this is a very special song, thanks for uploading it, and thank you jim pepper for giving us this wonderful music.
I met this insistent and mesmerizing music in the late 70's on WBAI-FM, NYC's Pacifica station. I thought my head was gonna explode out in my Central NJ suburbia. Long live the spirit of Jim, the one eyed Ford, and them hopeful musical histrionics of life abounding in the face of life- denying profitude. May this be the song that never ends.
I too grew up deep in the heart of Jersey, although I first heard this on WNEW in the early 70s.
One of the Best Albums Ever, Classic!!!!!!!
saw Richie Havens do it in 1971...Dayton Ohio....the vibration was tremendously high....so was I. ....DMT
I'm from Dayton! :-) LOVE THIS!
@@dantackett4109 I would've smoked some bud and lay down and chill to it.
Sounds pretty epic brother
To me its the perfect song to listen to while high.
@@ppumpkin3282 True, but the song itself will get you high.
An absolute classic and catch that marvelous sax solo. Indeed, those were the daze!!!
I knew this song through Brewer & Shipley!!!
Nice, just gave shout out.
The first time I heard this song it was on a Philadelphia station WMMR back in the 70's
Same here!
So did I
@@landencharles1295 Now you will only here this on WXPN
@Melinda Bruckler: I found this song today 03/30/2020, Hearing it for the first time in at least 40 or more years. Brings back memories of listening to a radio program called "The Marconi Experiment", the DJ was the late David Herman on the then "underground radio station" WMMR-FM . I heard a lot of wonderful and interesting music back then and gained a education and appreciation. that influenced my life. The few bits of the song I remember lead me to RUclips and thus to you and the others who recall as I do WMMR. Peace Everyone !
Whoa. This is rocking some memory cells. WMMR in Philly. Michael Tierson. Michael Kuscuna. Dave Herman later moved to New York FM and his story didn't end up so well. It was a golden age for FM radio. This tune, White Bird, Time Has come Today, so many others. Thanks for posting.
this might be the best song I ever heard
free Leonard Peltier 36 years of injustice...
Nope
Haunting, Powerful, Timeless!!!
God have I fallen in love with this song and this version of it.
Never heard this before until SiriusXM played this on deep tracks. Amazing.
1975 wake up song on radio bcn & hcn. I still seek it on you tube regularly! It's been part of my brain for a very long time
my dad played this song for me when I was super tiny, after HE had been searching for it for 20 years after he first had it played for him as a child.. we both are immensely connected to it thank you so much for uploading
First time I heard this tune was when BLF Bash ( Billy Freeman ) played it some late weekend night on WMMS of Cleveland, Ohio in the 70s....
My wife growing up in Oklahoma mid 60s heard this at a pow wow wither mom. Years later, I gave her a listen to Jim Pepper here. She told me how she heard the chant way before I did listening to JP in 1971 (East Orange, NJ radio station played it where I first heard it.) Similar souls drift together, it seems.
Great to hear your WMMS reference. I grew up clearly hearing that radio station even living an hour away. Cheers!
RIP the great Larry Coryell, and Pepper, and marvel at the fact that music of this quality was once in heavy rotation on mainstream radio.
For those who don't feel the sprit,love and vibe of this song,i hope someday you will,i'm flyin high
Discovered this song after hearing pavement cover it recently and I am completely obsessed!!!
This song made me cry by the end. I don't know why.
Witchi-tie-to, gimee rah
Whoa rah neeko, whoa rah neeko
Hey ney, hey ney, no way
Witchi-tie-to, gimee rah
Whoa rah neeko, whoa rah neeko
Hey ney, hey ney, no way
Water spirit feelin'
Springin' round my head
Makes me feel glad
That I'm not dead
Witchi-tie-tie, gimee rah
Whoa rah neeko, whoa rah neeko
Hey ney, hey ney, no way
Witchi-tie-tie, gimee rah
Whoa rah neeko, whoa rah neeko
Hey ney, hey ney, no way
No wah
@@mcdjinn6975 Right.
First heard this song in a movie scene called Sleepers. Looked it up and was hooked on Jim Pepper! Great talent.
Heard this first on WMMR Philly in the 70's on a rare tracks show. Blew me away of course with all that talent and the great vibe. Love the double time right near the end too. Thanks!!
+Thomas Bowen When they use to play this song on WMMR it was done by "Redbone." I had the original album it was on. The album eventually had to remove the song on later prints due to protests by American Indians. the song is very spiritual, and they felt it was a sin to have it played for non Indians to hear.
+Joe Mason I loved Michael Murphy's version and wondered why I haven't been able to find it.............
+Theresa Pytell, I never heard that version. If you find it, put it on here, please.
+Roggo Ranzzabar, I love Ed but it was Tierson, probably the "Psycedelic Psupper". On the same show, he played "Top Of The Pops" which started me off on the Kinks proper. This could well be too far a reach but I think around that time he promoted then played "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" with the "missing" verse, which turned out to be him reading said verse over the music, which seemed sort of lame but I guess I wasn't in on the joke. In any case, those were the days. It's great to hear some of these DJ's again on XM playing that great music.
I never heard the Redbone version that I am aware of I'll take your word for it...I'll have to check out their version. On "MMR" I heard the Pepper version as part of a rarities show probably in the mid 1970's. I remember it was the first time I recorded off the radio direct to cassette. A lot of kids my age (11 in '71) went from WFIL to WIFI 92 then discovered the "album" stations a few years later...thank goodness. The disco clouds were forming up way over the horizon though. Another story for another time.
Great saxophone on this one. He's really goin off. Mad props.
Just heard it today on XM radio. A mystical chant with a killer sax solo. It just flows.
WMMS in Cleveland played this in the 70s. Always brings a year toy eyes. What a beautiful song.
A Portland, Oregon treasure. Jim Pepper. Beautiful music, sir. Thank you for leaving it for us.
First heard this in the late 80's. If I heard this in the early 70's I would still be playing my sax today. Inspirational!
One of the great pieces of music from the early 70s, in my memory, which goes back to Buffalo in those days and the friends who played JIm Pepper's album -- and I hadn't heard it again until a couple of years ago when I looked for it and found it here. And yeah, tears.
Just heard this for the first time on the local jazz station KMHD Portland, WOW, what an amazing song! Thank you for posting this 😻
Classic tune..
Here is the best version of this song. Typically, Spotify does not have it.
I don't usually cry listening to music, or at all to be honest, but this is one of those songs that just makes me cry. It has so much energy behind it and I love it. I'm Muskogee (trying to reconnect to my family and culture) and i'm a big fan of Jazz, Fusion Jazz, etc. And I'm so glad I have someone from my nation to look up to in this area.
Thank you Jim Pepper, for making such an amazing classic song. According to everything I can find online, this is a re-imagining of a traditional Commanche chant celebrating the healing power of water and water spirits. To me It's also a celebration of being alive and experiencing the world. Thank you Jim Pepper, Thank you Water Spirits. I'm so blessed to be alive and listening to this. (I guess this is a bit sappy for a comment left by some random kid online but I'm in that kinda mood).
They just played this on Siriusxm on the deep tracks station. Haven't heard this is decades.
One of my 5 Favs EVER! So happy to find this...
The wonderful gem graced my ride to work this am. What a great way to start the day!
This version, Jim's original of this w Everything is Everything & the Harper's Bizarre cover are all just really magical recordings of a healing song.
The one in Sleepers is the original by Everything Is Everything, released in 1969. Jim Pepper was a member of that band and sang lead vocals for this song.
+Richard Lesses Both versions are great!!
Listened to this song back in 2001 when I watched the movie "Sleepers" in the bar scene when the warden was shot dead. Great track for this movie. 😎👍
Straight from the heart to the heart.
Lovely Pavement cover of this in Manchester last night, what a gorgeous track!
Can see why they love it, "water spirit feeling springing round my head" sounds like a Malkmus lyric lol
Am really hoping they’ll play it in Amsterdam in a week and a half!
I was there...great show but I'm sad the night I saw them was one of the few nights they didn't play The Hexx 🤦🏻♀️
I was turned on to this while I was living in Tucson. It was absolutely magical living in the desert. I'm back in Ohio, but when I visit the first thing I do is get an Egees and drive out to see the living Sonoran desert.
Sorry to hear you're back in Ohio.
WMMS in Cleveland used to give this song a lot airplay back in the day
Don't know who gave you the 6 negative responses to that song. They are either clueless or they didn't even listen to it. I don't know who might ever read this, but I make about 1 comment every 5 years on the internet, because I just don't have the time or knowledge of the discussion. There are so many great songs over the last half century. But if you're a true blue rock nroller, it would be hard not to put that as one of the greatest songs ever. Doesn't matter whether your a rock, jazz, blues, country or blue grass. That song connects in every way possible. And like the person that left the comment before me, Witchi Tai To, is a song that never loses its edge. Will be as well received 50 years from now , as it has the same feeling as when it came out, 50 plus years ago.
I heard Jim Pepper today on KNKX 88.5fm. I've never heard of him until today. Awesome music!
WBCN staple back in the early dayz never left my dna...
Gets me every time I listen…a most beautiful song.
Great Song RIP Pepper
wabc. after midnight they played this. looked forward to it every nite. Still love it and prob always will!!!
the best sax ever heard!!!!!!!