Artist Bio:
Robert "Tree" Cody (also known in the Maricopa language as Oou-Kas Mah Quet or "Thunder Bear") is a Native American flutist, dancer, artist, educator and actor who has performed throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, East Asia, Central & South America and Mexico. Standing 6 foot, 10 inches, "Tree" Cody holds a commanding presence whether on stage or on the pow-wow circuit as a prize-winning northern traditional dancer, master of ceremonies or arena director.
As an enrolled member of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Community and of Dakota heritage, Cody shares his knowledge of Native American culture, song, dance and music as a performer and invited lecturer at concert halls, universities, museums, schools, and colleges throughout the world.
A versatile flute player and a gifted singer, Cody has recorded eight albums. His most recent album, Crossroads, brings together for the first time the music of the native people of the Great Plains and Mexico. This recording teams him with Mayan flutist Xavier Quijas Yxayotl (Huichol). Native Flamenco fuses the Native American cedar flute with flamenco guitar and ethnic percussion into a hot lively sound. Guitarist Ruben Romero and percussionist Tony Redhouse perform with him on this groundbreaking recording.
Maze travels a musical journey through the Southwest. Set prior to the European arrival on Turtle Island, a wanderer of the North travels and meets the nations of the Southwest. Maze was a Native American Music Awards winner as Best New Age Album of 1999, and its track "The Bird Song" was a finalist as Best Song of the Year.
In 1999, Cody appeared as a featured guest artist on a Windham Hill modern jazz release by Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons.
Cody has a remarkable ability to communicate with people of all cultures. His knowledge of six Native American languages, in addition to English, Spanish and a bit of French and Japanese is useful when he travels abroad. Cody holds a special place in his heart for young people of all cultures, and generously gives of his time and many talents for people in need.
Cody resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife, Marlene (Assiniboine Yankton Sioux Tribe of Ft. Peck), and their four sons and one daughter.
— Courtesy Calabash Music
