XIT (band)

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XIT is a Native American rock band that released two albums in the 1970s on the Motown label, and regrouped in the 1990s as a new and different group under Tom Bee. They performed a 30th anniversary reunion concert and released a DVD, XIT: Without Reservation, in 2002.

Contents 1 History 2 Albums 3 References 4 External links

[edit] History

XIT was originally based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Members include founder and Native American Music Award winner Tom Bee, (writer of lyrics on Plight of the Redman). The original group were A. Michael Martinez (singer and lead guitar on Plight), Mac Suazo (narrator and bass on Plight), Lee Herrerra (drums on Plight), and R. C. Garriss (2nd lead guitar on Plight).

"XIT" stands for "crossing of Indian Tribes", according to Tom Bee.^[1] Their music often addresses themes of historic and contemporary Native American issues. Their initial recording, 1972's Plight of the Redman, is a concept album about the changes in Native American life since the arrival of Columbus.

[edit] Albums

• Plight of the Redman, 1972 (featuring A.M. Martinez on all vocals)
• Silent Warrior, 1973
• Relocation, 1977
• Entrance, 1994 (all songs written by A.M. Martinez and Mac Suazo)
• Drums Across the Atlantic, 1995

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Tom Bee's Sound of America Records
• XIT on Allmusic.com