Peter Kater is a compelling composer and gifted pianist who I have reviewed many times over the years. For almost 20 years he has collaborated with R. Carlos Nakai and other Native American musicians. Their CD, Through Windows and Walls, remains a favorite, along with Kater's Red Moon and Birds of Prey, which continue to be treasured parts of my music library. Three-time Grammy nominee Kater has a gift for creating soundscapes of lush beauty, a perfect complement for a long drive through the Desert Southwest. Kater's music as a cinematic quality, as though written for the movie of your life. On Faces of the Sun, Native American flute accompanies gorgeous contemporary melodies, affording the listener a precious glimpse into the heart of the wild Divine.
Kater assembled a stellar cast of Native American artists for Faces of the Sun, almost all of whom I have had the pleasure of reviewing at one time or another. Bill Miller, for example, is featured on the title track as well as on "Stone Teepees." His vocals on "Faces of the Sun" are haunting, as well as inspiring, evoking the connection of First Nations people with the natural world long before the invasion began. His guitar work is also first rate. Miller shows up again on "Stone Teepees," this time playing flute, as well as contributing the words and chanting.
Other tracks feature the fabulous flute playing of Mary Youngblood, Kevin Locke, Jeff Ball, Joseph Fire Crow and Douglas Blue feather. Bass, violin, cello, oboe and penny whistles from the renowned Paul McCandless round out the instrumentation, along with Kater's signature keyboards and percussion. For some of the most outstanding Canadian and American influenced contemporary instrumental music of 2007. Be sure to give Faces of the Sun a careful listen.
Steve Ryals has been writing music reviews since 1994, and to date has published more than 1200. Steve specializes in World Beat, Native American, New Age, Meditation, Contemporary Instrumental, Chanting, Devotional Singing, and more. He currently writes two music reviews every month as part of his Drunk with Wonder Newsletter. To sign up for his FREE newsletter go to http://www.drunkwithwonder.com
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