Dragon’s Domain Records presents the soundtrack release of WINDWALKER, featuring music composed and orchestrated by Merrill Jenson, conducting the National Philharmonic Orchestra, for the 1980 Western directed by Kieth Merrill, starring Nick Ramus, Serene Hedin, Dusty McCrea, Silvana Gallardo, Emerson John, Jason Stevens, Roberta Deherrera, Ivan Naranjo, Billy Drago, James Remar and Trevor Howard as Windwalker.

Released in 1981, WINDWALKER tells the story of an old Cheyenne warrior and his family as they travel through what will become the state of Utah during the Winter months of 1797. When he was younger, Windwalker (Howard) was witness to the death of his wife, Tashina, and the kidnapping of one of his sons during a raid by rival Crow warriors. After years of searching for his missing son, Windwalker dies, leaving the fate of his family in the hands of his remaining son, Smiling Wolf (Ramus). After Windwalker’s funeral, Smiling Wolf leads his family south to rejoin the rest of the tribe. During an attack by Crow warriors, Smiling Wolf is badly injured and the family is forced to hide. The Great Spirit reawakens Windwalker and he rejoins his family. Windwalker leads the family to a sacred Cheyenne cave, where he uses Cheyenne medicine to heal Smiling Wolf’s wounds. Windwalker and his sons prepare some traps for the Crow warriors and are able to whittle them down to two. One of the warriors is revealed to be Windwalker’s long-lost son. With his family safe and his son returned to him, Windwalker confronts the remaining Crow warrior and offers him peace. The Crow refuses him and forces a final confrontation. His son fights the Crow in his father’s place and defeats him, making it possible for Windwalker to return to the afterlife and his beloved Tashina.

Almost a forgotten film now, WINDWALKER was a refreshingly different film for its time. All the dialogue in the film, except for the opening narration, is spoken in authentic Cheyenne and Crow dialects, with subtitles where necessary to aid the storytelling. Also, unlike other Westerns of the day, there are no cowboys, ranchers or other characters one would expect to find in an American made Western.

Previously released on vinyl by Cerberus Records at the time of the film’s release, Dragon’s Domain Records is excited to bring WINDWALKER to compact disc, newly remastered by Digital Outland. The booklet includes liner notes written by composer Merrill Jenson.

1. WINDWALKER (Main Title) (1:52)
2. Love Flute and Birth (3:50)
3. Tashina’s Death and Search (3:27)
4. Crow Village (2:49)
5. Burial Ground (3:53)
6. Resurrection (4:11)
7. Little Warriors (2:40)
8. Bear Kill (3:53)
9. Return of Grandfather (3:10)
10. Final Battle (2:47)
11. Walk in the Wind of Eternity (5:21)
12. End Titles (2:03)

BONUS TRACK

13. Windwalker Suite (4:23)
Total Time: 44:53