Welcome to my new collection of songs, stories, and narratives under the collective title Tonalmachyotl - The Memory Stone.

What does Tonalmachyotl mean? It is a Nahuatl word; and by dissecting it we find its meaning to be:

Tonal = energy
Mach = to know
Yotl = heart

It also can be interpreted as "What works to understand the energy of the universe" or a synthesis of all the symbols and knowledge of Anahuak (the land mass surrounded by water - the American continent). I call it the memory stone. There is an actual Tonalmachyotl Stone, and today this twenty-ton sculpted stone resides in the Anthropology Museum in Mexico City. Some people refer to it as the "Aztec Calendar" or the "Sun Stone." Note: in its original creation and design it weighed over 40 tons. The two sections that flanked the centerpiece have yet to be recovered.

Why did I choose this name for such a varied collection of songs, stories, and narratives? Because it is in this collection where I share the knowledge that represents the diversity and advanced levels of understanding that the original people of Anahuak knew to be true, and passed from one generation to the next. The goal of this project is to reintroduce, in a contemporary manner, the history, philosophy, arts, foods, traditions and ceremonies of the ancient peoples of Anahuak - from the indigenous perspective.

I dedicate this new work to all those whose shoulders we now stand on - those original inhabitants of Anahuak who were the early botanists, chemists, mathematicians, astronomers, doctors, engineers, philosophers, artists, poets, musicians, historians, scientists, spiritual guides, and rulers who made it possible for us, the citizens of the new sixth sun, to rediscover a treasure of knowledge held for us as our cultural heritage. From my heart and through my lips I send sincere words of respect and thankfulness - Tlazokamati! Gracias a todos! Thank you all!
- Michael Heralda

Below are a few songs from this new work along with a brief description:

Tlakenahauke
This is my contribution to Danza. Reflecting the multi-layers and complexity of Danza, I created musical passages incorporating numerous rhythmic patterns and melodies reflecting, or mirroring, its concept. Ancient instruments were used such as the Atecocolli/Conch Shell Trumpets, Ayayotls/seed pod shakers, flutes, whistles, shakers, gourd water drums, and chanting. Symbolic representations were also utilized in the arrangements – conch shell horns representing the four directions, and the overlapping of all melodies in the final passage reflecting the melding of the human spirit with the cosmic (a form of liquification). It was an obvious choice for me to use this piece as the first musical presentation on the new CD. It was a way to re-introduce, right at the beginning, indigenous polyrhythmic patterns along with not-too-familiar musical scales and sounds.

The Planting Song
This piece is from my Corn/Tlaolli trilogy and is based on an ancient Nahuatl poem by an unidentified poet. I had an immediate connection to this poem when I found it and knew that it was destined to be one of the most symbolic and meaningful pieces on the new CD. Through the use of poetic metaphors it relays information to the listener about the symbolism and ritual of the ancient farmers with regards to ceremony and tradition.
This song also reminds me of an indigenous corn/Tlolli farmer I met in Cuernavaca by the name of Don Maya. The narrative in Spanish at the beginning of the piece represents the indigenous farmer (Don Maya) conversing with the seed. With tender and loving care he is going to place her (the kernel) into the ground, her bed of earth, so she can sleep until it is time for her rebirth. Because of the important information contained within this piece I wanted as many people as possible to understand what it represented so I decided to present it in three languages – in Spanish (the narrative), in the original Nahuatl language, and in English.

Ocelotl (Nahuatl name for the Jaguar)
This is an instrumental piece, and most importantly, a radical departure for me with regards to rhythmic patterns and arrangements. I discovered some wonderful areas to explore musically and the vocals towards the end of the song are enchanting and unexpected to say the least. What I wanted to present to the listener are the sounds of nature. All the instruments used were made by hand (with the exception of the vocals), either by myself or by my friends. This is a “sit back and relax” type of song. Try visualizing yourself within the piece and, oh yes, watch out for Ocelotl – the Jaguar.

Man Ze Kualli
This is a chant - an acknowledgement of thankfulness for the life sustaining energy of Tonatiuh, the Sun. This chant welcomes Tonatiuh at all three stages of his journey. From the eastern horizon and the direction of Ketzalkoatl (who represents all that is seen and known - the light), to the zenith point above (where the feminine aspect joins and guides his journey), then, on to its setting in the western horizon (where guided by the feminine aspect, he is metaphorically invited to sleep with the earth) - the direction of Tezkatlipoka (who represents all that is not seen, the darkness, the memory, and the home
of our feminine protector Ziuatlampa).

There are 12 tracks on this new work and aside from the ones already discussed I would like to call out one other piece - The Last Mandate of Kuauhtemok.
The Nahuatl narration is by my good friend Mariano Leyva (Director of La Universidad Nahautl). Huey Tlatoani Kuauhtemok’s Last Mandate is one of the most important speeches handed down through the oral tradition (in the family of Tlakaelel for 17 generations). Mariano recites it in its original classic Nahuatl (original Nahuatl version by Tlakatzin Stivalet). In the booklet that accompanies the CD I have included the original Nahuatl speech with Spanish, and English translations. This message is so important that I wanted as many people as possible to understand its meaning.

Below is a listing of all tracks on this new work:
Tlakenahuake
The Planting Song
The Oral Tradition
She is the Earth
Tortillas/Tlaxkallis
Mujer de Maíz
The People Song
The Plea of Kuitlahuak
Ocelotl
The Last Mandate of Kuauhtemok
The New Message
Man Ze Kualli