This May Be the Last Time

Director Sterlin Harjo's This May Be the Last Time serves two purposes: to document Native American spiritual songs, and to revisit his grandfather's mysterious disappearance. Although he attempts to tie the two together, they work best as separate narrative strands. In 1962, Oklahoma authorities found the wreckage of Pete Harjo's car, but no sign of his body. While searching for Pete, his relatives sang songs. Now, Harjo sets out to learn more about these enduring hymns. During the Trail of Tears march in the 1800s, Harjo's ancestors sang songs in which Christian and Native imagery converged. Harjo interviews several Oklahoma citizens, who not only explain how the songs fit into their lives, but also often sing a capella renditions. Says Joy Harjo (no apparent relation), "A song appears when it's needed." Wotko Long sang to himself while serving in Vietnam. In the midst of the horrors he witnessed, the songs brought him comfort. Harjo's grandfather, who fought in World War II, shared an interest in music, but instead of singing in a church, he played standup bass in a swing band. Jessie, his widow, remembers that he was well liked in the community. She was particularly fond of a Native adaptation of the Negro spiritual "This May Be the Last Time," which would gain fame from cover versions by the Staple Singers and the Rolling Stones. Hugh Foley, a radio show host, has been attending a Native church for years. Inspired by the connection between Native American, Negro, and Scottish spirituals, he has been working on a book about Muscogee Creek hymns. As he puts it, they represent "the first American music." An interesting music documentary with a personal touch, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)