This is a brief bio of Jan Michael Looking Wolf Reibach, a multiple award winning native flute recording artist and performer. Looking Wolf is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and resides close to his reservation in Western Oregon. He is a Kalapuya Native with Celtic decent who is committed to the path of the native flute…. A path of healing…..A path of PEACE.
In spring of 1994, he suffered two large strokes from a very rare unknown genetic enzyme disorder and had blood clots pass through his heart and cause bleeding in the lungs. As a result from the strokes, he was paralyzed on the entire left side of his body. He received a miraculous healing and recovered 100% from the strokes. Read the full documented story.
Since then, Looking Wolf has become an accomplished Native Flutist with 14 CDs and 2 DVDs recorded on various Indie Record Labels - earning 25 National Award Recognitions. His prior work ranges from Solo Flute, blues, jazz, classical, to Indie Rock with a full band. In 2007, the CD Spreading Wings, climbed to no. 10 on the New Age Charts.
In August of 2008, “THE LOOKING WOLF PROJECT” becomes available online, with full release slated for early 2009. This highly anticipated Edgy Alternative Rock CD is being hailed as a breakthrough Album by the critics. Jan Michael’s flute playing has evolved and he takes it to the limits on this CD. A true blend of a authentic hard hitting alternative rock band with the native flute, this music is more than groundbreaking….it’s a first of its kind! About half of the songs are instrumental with the flute singing the lead melodies and the other half premier Jan Michael as a lead vocalist, with several original songs and a cover of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”. Jan also shares his talent as a lead guitarist on “Rise of the Phoenix”. Produced by renowned Sony Artist Keith Sommers, with GRAMMY Winning producer George Noriega contributing his talents as well, this recording is the high point of Jan Michael’s music career thus far. Noriega is known for producing such artists as Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, and Gloria Estephan.
Native Flute music by Looking Wolf is featured in the motion picture TILLAMOOK TREASURE that will be released onto DVD soon! He also has a part in the movie as a native flutist! In the modern day scene, Looking Wolf is playing on the beach with Floyd Red Crow Westerman (from the movie Dances with Wolves). For more information about the movie go to www.tillamooktreasure.com.
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What to expect with Jan Michael in concert? For most venues he offers songs from all his recordings, with acoustic versions from the rock album, beautiful solo flute, heartfelt stories, and amazing vocals. With over 400 appearances across the country and international distribution of his music, Looking Wolf has become a well known performer – highlights include: Headlined 2008 Flute Quest, Performer at 2008 NAMMYs and ISMA, Featured Performer at the 2007 NAMMYS, Co-headliner at 2006 Flute Quest with Mary Youngblood, Robert Mirabal, Gary Stroutsos, Ron Warren, and Jeff Ball. He has also played for the Oregon Governor, the EPA, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Tribal Leaders at the Oregon Tribal Summit, ONABEN, and a 7,000 person environmental conference in Portland, Oregon.
When not performing, Looking Wolf instructs native flute classes at Oregon State University with his close friend Benjamin Grimes. Participants learn about the origins and history of native flutes from North America. This is the first class of its kind, making history and helping promote native culture. He also teaches “Native American Music”, a course that offers a look at the roots and journey of music from Native American people.
Through lessons, workshops and university courses, Looking Wolf has taught over 1,200 people how to play the native flute. Even with all the success musically and the emergence as a nationally known performer, Looking Wolf maintains a focus on family and healing. For years, he studied the indigenous principles of One Heart, and now his life and music are founded on them.
“I would like to thank all my family, Tribe, friends, and fans for the great support of the music. During the journey here, I have found that it is true that we are all related…It is important to respect all cultures, after all, everyone and everything is born to the earth and sky.”
Conaway Nika Tillicum (all my relations)
Jan Michael Looking Wolf Reibach
Biography last updated Oct , 2008 |
