Episode 21: Matthew Nelson – On Transformation in the Grand Canyon and the Great-Grandfather of Percussion

Today, travel with Arizona Trails executive director Matthew Nelson along the Arizona trail, which spans 800 miles from the Mexico/U.S. border to Utah. Matthew helped complete the last 100 miles of the trail in his youth, which he credits as a turning point in his connection with the Southwestern landscape. In his early 20’s, he was launched into a career in Grand Canyon National Park. He tells the story of his transformative first experience with the Grand Canyon, and how that connection led him to create music with his group, Ongtupqa. If you’re curious to learn about clay percussion, ancient flutes and how he and his group invoke Earth, Spirit and Sky, don’t miss this episode of Songscapes!

You can find out more about Matthew on his “about” page at https://www.americantrails.org/presenters-and-authors/matthew-j-nelson, or on his musical group’s page at https://www.ongtupqa.com/media.

Find Charles on his Twitter at https://twitter.com/coplincharles

Host: Charles Coplin
Producer: Sustain Music & Nature
Editor: Harrison Goodale
Media Researcher: Lauren Myli
Theme Music: Harrison Goodale
Featured Music: Rain of Life, Vasey's Paradise, Rolling Thunder