One of the most popular artists in Native American music, Mary Youngblood, of Aleut/Seminole heritage, was also one of the first female artists to professionally play the Native American flute. BENEATH THE RAVEN MOON features her exquisite flute skills backed by a contemporary sounding mix of acoustic guitar and percussion. This unique blend, which at times calls to mind blues and folk music, gives her heartfelt melodies and sense of adventurous soul. Highlights include the acoustic title track, a solo flute performance on "Within My Heart" and the upbeat "And We Shall Dance."
Mary Youngblood was inspired to compose the music for DANCE WITH THE WIND after a thunderstorm, where she witnessed a tree thrashing amidst the brisk and sometimes violent winds. Over time, she began to see that the tree was actually dancing with the gusts, and it struck her as a metaphor for finding strength and persistence during the "storms" of life. The music is a shift from the Grammy-winning flutist's past couple of albums, which swayed toward folk and blues elements. Such elements are present, but toned down in favor of more emphasis on her haunting flute melodies, backed my subtle piano, guitar and rhythm. She sings on three of the songs as well, which echo feelings of freedom and peace. Youngblood's albums keep getting better and better - she is certainly one of Native American music's most brilliant instrumentalists.
If you've had the pleasure of hearing one of Mary Youngblood's previous releases, you're well aware that this talented flutist is a master of her instrument - one of the few females to do so. Each album seems to expose more of Youngblood's deep reservoir of talent; with FEED THE FIRE, not only is her flute skills on display, but her vocals, piano playing and compositional abilities as well. The album has a strong sense of warmth and earthiness with melodies that can be characterized as Native American acoustic folk music, especially the vocal tunes like "Long Long Road" and the title cut. One song, "Far From Home," exhibits hues of classical music as well. Both vocalist Bill Miller and flutist Ian Anderson make guest appearances.
The next evolution of Mary Youngblood's original sound promises to take listeners to places they have never been with the Native American flute. Colorful, poignant and textured, these songs are uniquely presented including vocals by Joanne Shenandoah on six
tracks and instruments including guitar, cittern,
dulcimer, bass, drums, eagle bone whistle and of
course, Youngblood's exquisite multi-chamber Native flutes. Both meditative and playful, this recording is a true celebration of the heart. Dedicated to three Americans who worked with the U'wa people of the rain forest, this recording is named Heart of the World, the name the U'wa people have given their native lands in South America. A portion of the proceeds from this release will benefit the U'wa people.
The Native American flute comes alive in the hands of Mary Youngblood. Of Aleut and Seminole ancestry, trained on several varieties of wooden flute, and having played for over 25 years, Youngblood is a perfect vessel from which to hear these songs. THE OFFERING is comprised of all original compositions by Youngblood recorded live in the Moaning Cavern, 180 feet underground. The album consists of only Youngblood's flute, breath and an occasional drop of cavern water. These unique and powerful songs are like "liquid poetry" creating a dynamic musical experience. Each track holds a story that will come alive in both your body and soul as you listen.
One of the most popular artists in Native American music, Mary Youngblood, of Aleut/Seminole heritage, was also one of the first female artists to professionally play the Native American flute. BENEATH THE RAVEN MOON features her exquisite flute skills backed by a contemporary sounding mix of acoustic guitar and percussion. This unique blend, which at times calls to mind blues and folk music, gives her heartfelt melodies and sense of adventurous soul. Highlights include the acoustic title track, a solo flute performance on "Within My Heart" and the upbeat "And We Shall Dance."
MP3 CLIP TRK 3
Mary Youngblood was inspired to compose the music for DANCE WITH THE WIND after a thunderstorm, where she witnessed a tree thrashing amidst the brisk and sometimes violent winds. Over time, she began to see that the tree was actually dancing with the gusts, and it struck her as a metaphor for finding strength and persistence during the "storms" of life. The music is a shift from the Grammy-winning flutist's past couple of albums, which swayed toward folk and blues elements. Such elements are present, but toned down in favor of more emphasis on her haunting flute melodies, backed my subtle piano, guitar and rhythm. She sings on three of the songs as well, which echo feelings of freedom and peace. Youngblood's albums keep getting better and better - she is certainly one of Native American music's most brilliant instrumentalists.
If you've had the pleasure of hearing one of Mary Youngblood's previous releases, you're well aware that this talented flutist is a master of her instrument - one of the few females to do so. Each album seems to expose more of Youngblood's deep reservoir of talent; with FEED THE FIRE, not only is her flute skills on display, but her vocals, piano playing and compositional abilities as well. The album has a strong sense of warmth and earthiness with melodies that can be characterized as Native American acoustic folk music, especially the vocal tunes like "Long Long Road" and the title cut. One song, "Far From Home," exhibits hues of classical music as well. Both vocalist Bill Miller and flutist Ian Anderson make guest appearances.
The next evolution of Mary Youngblood's original sound promises to take listeners to places they have never been with the Native American flute. Colorful, poignant and textured, these songs are uniquely presented including vocals by Joanne Shenandoah on six
tracks and instruments including guitar, cittern,
dulcimer, bass, drums, eagle bone whistle and of
course, Youngblood's exquisite multi-chamber Native flutes. Both meditative and playful, this recording is a true celebration of the heart. Dedicated to three Americans who worked with the U'wa people of the rain forest, this recording is named Heart of the World, the name the U'wa people have given their native lands in South America. A portion of the proceeds from this release will benefit the U'wa people.
The Native American flute comes alive in the hands of Mary Youngblood. Of Aleut and Seminole ancestry, trained on several varieties of wooden flute, and having played for over 25 years, Youngblood is a perfect vessel from which to hear these songs. THE OFFERING is comprised of all original compositions by Youngblood recorded live in the Moaning Cavern, 180 feet underground. The album consists of only Youngblood's flute, breath and an occasional drop of cavern water. These unique and powerful songs are like "liquid poetry" creating a dynamic musical experience. Each track holds a story that will come alive in both your body and soul as you listen.
