R. Carlos Nakai

[El_Jeffe]

Single-handedly, R. Carlos Nakai has raised the music world’s consciousness in terms of traditional indigenous music of Native North Americans with his recordings of the Native American cedar flute. Without question, the worlds most talented Native American flute player, who was originally trained in classical trumpet & music theory. But when Nakai was given a traditional cedar wood flute as a gift, he dared to push his own musical boundaries & has since released about 35+ albums, some featuring guitarist William Eaton, flutist Paul Horn, composers James DeMars & Phillip Glass & various symphony orchestras. However his real musical treasures are his solo outings.

Nakai’s musical artistry has been shaped by a desire to communicate an interpretation of Native American culture & society that transcends the common stereotypes presented in mass media, to teach & tell people the real stories through music. The spiritual power & purity of tone in Nakai's playing has caught the ears & imaginations of many around the world, now placing the cedar flute firmly within the context of mainstream contemporary jazz. His flute creates a vast panorama of moods, from sorrowful laments of mourning to soaring beauty & joy. Beautiful provocative music, capturing the timeless serenity of the instrument with a strong sense of freedom, such free flowing compositions that soothe the spirit & carry the listener to the far realms of the mind. Well worth checking out.

Any fans, share some love & discussion?

[El_Jeffe]

This isn't music I would expect most of you to listen to just whenever, but it certainly has it's place in any music collection. Certainly more than just background music, take it the same way you would take a jazz great. Listen to the stories the instruments are sharing. This might perhaps grow on many of you.

Here's a few songs, the videos are fan made, so not important to watch, just something for you guys to listen to.
R. Carlos Nakai & Nawang Khechog performing "Wisdom"
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"Creation Chant" a solo offering from Nakai
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"Ancestral Home", again solo
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His work with Peter Kater is fantastic too. Here is "Surrender"
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Here is "Crazy Horse Prayer", where his skills as a composer are being used instead of the flute
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These aren't even his best works, just random clips I could find on youtube.

[StreetSpirit76]

I'm liking this, Craig. Very soothing. What would be a good album to start with?

[Broden Terry]

Wisdom sounds fantastic. I'll give the rest a listen shortly.

[El_Jeffe]

I'm liking this, Craig. Very soothing. What would be a good album to start with?

Umm depends what you took a liking too haha, but two of his solo recordings stand as some very essential listening. They are Earth Spirit & Canyon Trilogy. In a Distant Place is more of a band effort, akin to the first video. Hope you find something to enjoy.

Wisdom sounds fantastic. I'll give the rest a listen shortly.

Good man. If you're in the right frame of mind/mood, this music paints beautiful visions & emotional landscapes throughout your mind.

[StreetSpirit76]

Umm depends what you took a liking too haha, but two of his solo recordings stand as some very essential listening. They are Earth Spirit & Canyon Trilogy. In a Distant Place is more of a band effort, akin to the first video. Hope you find something to enjoy.
I'll go for the two solo records first. Thanks.