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Welcome to our monthly column where we share some uniquely evocative recordings that will hopefully touch you in a "special way." As spring makes way for another wonderful summer, here are three more albums worth mentioning. Seek them out and hear for yourself. Each is receiving airplay on our internationally heard radio program, Musical Starstreams. Golana'
- WALK BETWEEN TWO WORLDS Golana' is the Cherokee name for Raven and the artistic title given to the group of musicians led by Scott Cunningham, himself of Cherokee descent. What we have here is basically a blend of Native American flute as played by Cunningham, mixed with the keyboard and guitar work of David Chamberlain. There are also a few tracks with added Native American percussive elements, but for the most part this work is very peaceful, relaxing and predictable. Although sometimes too syrupy for our tastes, we do like track six, the guitar driven "The 7th Direction" which also features chants, vocals and flute and was first recorded at Virginia Lakes in the Sierras. Another favorite is the closing piece, the moody "Standing at the Gate" which is also very floaty and ethereal. If Native American flute is your thing, you should like this.
Hawaiian guitarist Shastro is cool. He has good taste and it shows in both his music and the colorful artwork of Malimba Moon, his third release. "Maui no ka oi" and Shastro's soothing Spanish guitar stylings are also the best. To be sure, no new ground is broken here but there is a depth and warmth to each selection that is so quietly efficient, you find yourself being touched with simple, good feelings during each listening session. We especially like track four "Awakening" and because it was recorded in our 50th state, you'll find a definite "island" flavor to the music from the reggae flavors of "Earth Song" to the front street bazaar sounds of the "Fruit Market." A great album for guitar folk of every persuasion. Tonic
Solfa - ENCOUNTER We first became enamored with Belgium's Tonic Solfa a few years back with their rather pleasant debut release, Spiral Craft. Here they are, back again with Encounter and sounding better than ever with decidedly more mature sound that is no less appealing. The basis for their music remains the flute work of Ludwig Lapauw which is complemented nicely with Piet Rommelaere on keyboards and Phillipe Ryckman on keyboards and programming. One thing a bit different on Encounter is the length of the tracks; they are longer now than the first album and seem far less improvisational. They've also thrown in some attractive sampled voice bits that fit the theme the title of the album conveys. The bass-flute and piano driven "Breeze" is extra special in our opinion. A real sleeper worth seeking out and enjoying! Please always remember that ultimately what constitutes "good" music involves the personal taste of each of us. If we direct you to an album that you didn't know existed and you end up enjoying it, then we both feel a sense of accomplishment. As always, your input is welcome. Feel free to e-mail us at our address below with your comments or questions.
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