Marx Cassity - 2Sacred (2023)

A Native American LGBTQ+ artist it’s music from acclaimed singer-songwriter Marx Cassity (vocals/acoustic guitar/piano). A member of the Osage Nation, a mid-western American tribe of the Great Plains with tribal land in Oklahoma & other states. The PR states that the music is considered “Folktronic Native Americana.”

The CD is a groundbreaking effort produced by Marx Cassity with Lynx DeMuth. The 10 tracks of 2Sacred examine what it’s like to be Two-Spirit (a Native American LGBTQ+ person & one who has learned to love & accept themselves & pursue art as an act of devotion).

Despite some listeners not being Native American or LGBTQ+ this should not deter their listening experience. The music is enchanting with a spiritual edge that’s enthralling. “Somewhere” opens the CD & it’s an intoxicating melody. Cassity’s vocals are articulate & may even explore the worlds of singers like Enya, Ferron & Phranc — voices that shape songs with many colors. The music here is easy to like. While some songs need to be understood it also possesses an ability to penetrate the ears & become one with the soul.

“Mourning Dove,” has a beautiful Native American feel but the attraction comes from the same place that occupied Susan Osborne’s “Lay Down Your Burden,” on the Paul Winter Consort LP “Common Ground.” The vocalizing is earthy, haunting, pastoral & melodic.

There’s a lot more to this effort about hardships & persevering that I don’t have space to explain. I’m only qualified to comment on the musical effort & what I hear from Marx Cassity is wonderful dedicated work. The emotionally strong “How Long,” is a driving near-spiritual conjuring of feelings – some perhaps recessed maybe not.

A Little Better,” curiously has a soulful vocal style that’s well-performed with falsetto similar to singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading on some of Joan’s exciting pieces. The sinewy “They Way You Move,” is solid — very early Armatrading in tradition. The tunes are catchy, some even heavy & intense as “Thunderbird.” Though each carries a responsible message. Sometimes that’s the best kind of music. You may learn something. The synth used in this folky effort was used with expertise & folk traditionalists should enjoy the showcase.

A final thought maybe that the thread through each tune is “You’re here for a reason.” Indeed.
Highlights – “Somewhere,” “Mourning Dove,” “How Long,” “A Little Better,” “Thunderbird,” “The Way You Move,” “Fly Away” & “2Sacred.”