Renowned singer-songwriter Donita Large is set to redefine the contemporary musical landscape with the release of her highly anticipated full-length album, The Ancestors, out now. A lifelong performer who has graced prestigious stages like Carnegie Hall, Donita’s solo journey has been nothing short of meteoric. As a Cree artist, her artistry is rooted in tradition and the stories of the land, and is ignited by a modern signature style, which she describes as “folk with Indigenous sizzle”.
The creation of The Ancestors is a masterclass in collaboration, bringing together industry legends to craft a sound that is both timeless and urgent. Donita partnered with Grammy winning producer Chris Birkett and the versatile musical artistry of Anthony King to produce a record that seamlessly blends a landscape of folk, blues, rock, country, and Cree traditional sounds. Recorded across studios in Toronto, Los Angeles, and ending at Riverdale Recorders in Edmonton, the album features a band of world-class musicians whose collective artistry creates an unforgettable auditory experience. This record represents a defining moment in Donita’s evolution, merging her powerful low range and spine-chilling high notes with compelling narratives that resonate in your body and soul.
Listeners are taken on an auditory journey throughout this evocative track list starting with “Sweetgrass”, a gentle acoustic invitation on balance, gratitude, and ancestral guidance. Layered with warm guitar, deep upright bass tones, hand drum heartbeats, Donita’s heartfelt vocals of “Mind, body, and spirit / All connected as one” are not just words; they are a bridge to her Cree traditions, communicating a path to healing and spirit.
The album’s depth is further showcased through technical and creative milestones: the production expertise of Chris Birkett (known for his work with Sinéad O’Connor), the masterful guitar work and co-production of Anthony King, and a powerful, rearranged cover of rock anthem “Run to the Hills” features L.A. based Derek Frank on bass and Matt Hankle on drums. Every note on this record is intentional, designed to celebrate the strength and memory of the Indigenous experience.
Thematically, The Ancestors is a profound exploration of truth, reconciliation, and guise of reconciliation and “After The Battle” is a song that questions all leaders who choose attack, as there are no real winners in the human cost of conflict. This song pulls you in with a haunting chant with the storytelling power of a post battle film scene. Donita’s lyrical writing calling for humility, unity, and a deeper understanding that we are all interconnected, is both poignant and embedded with ancestral wisdom. In the moving track “Kokom” (Grandmother), she explores the enduring love we feel when loved ones pass on and wish we had listened more, and if only we could “rewind our song”.
This album stands as a vital cultural statement and is the sonic manifestation of her commitment to her community and her craft. By honoring her ancestors and the stories of Treaty Six Territory, Donita creates a musical space where heritage is celebrated as a living, breathing force. The Ancestors is a powerful celebration of Indigenous strength that promises to leave a legacy in the Canadian musical canon.
To celebrate this milestone, Donita Large & The Small Band will embark on a series of live performances, beginning with a special one-night-only Album Release Concert on February 8, 2026, at the Backstage Theatre (Fringe Arts Barns) in Edmonton, AB. Fans can also look forward to a major summer performance at the RavenWood Music Festival in Sherwood Park, AB, on July 12, 2026. These shows will feature the full brilliance of the band, including Anthony King, Alan Tymofichuk, Mira Angela, Harry Gregg, and Jamie Cooper, as they bring the spirit of The Ancestors to life on stage.