This album is a beautiful blend of traditional Native American flute and voice with electronic beats and textures. Fans of R. Carlos Nakai will not be dissapointed as his haunting flute and chanting is featured prominently. On "Winter Camp" Mr. Nakai's flute masterfully communicates the introspection of winter and the longing for spring. On "Plains Wind" he mimics the soaring winds and his gorgous flute playing gives way to the almost-whispered singing of Robert Tree Cody.
The electronic arrangments (skillfully and sensitively done by Cliff Sarde)bring a modern edge to the traditional singing of Robert Tree Cody, Jay Begaye, Delphine Tsinajinnie, William Horncloud and Primeaux and Mike but never trample the raw and natural beauty of their performances. The song "Retire the Colors" has the well-known pow-wow group Blackstone Singers signing a flag song against the strong pulse of a drum beat surrounded in rich textures and a dub-like bass-line. On "Lakota Love Song", Sarde creates a stirring arrangement for a 50-year old recording by legendary Lakota singer William Horncloud. Sarde's arrangements pull elements from the worlds of electronica and New Age but are always reverant and stay true to the spirit of the traditional flute and singing they accompany.
Fans of Deep Forest and Enigma will also be satisfied with this one but Enter-Tribal is unique as it does the difficult job of skillfully matching the world of electronic music with the traditional world of Native American flute and voice.

Those familiar only with Nakai's solo and new age flute work will undoubtedly be surprised by this outing from his "world jazz" quartet, a band that includes drummer-percussionist Will Clipman, who has played in a number of jazz, reggae, rock, and world music outfits; Apache/Mexican American bass and keyboard ace J. David Muñiz; and Amo Chip who has played sax and keyboards with Sun Ra, The Nigerian All Stars, and Queen Ida's Zydeco Band to name a few. Nakai's familiar use of sustained notes works well with the other players on slow jams like "Honey-Hunters" and "Primitive Seasons"; while on up-tempo tracks like "Mo'combo Gumbo," which rides the familiar Bo Diddley beat, the flautist allows his whimsical side to come through. --j. poet

Kachina
Kachina means spirit. Kachinas are the spirits of departed ancestors, of rain and clouds, of supernatural beings, and of life in its many manifestations. Lore says, they are guardians of the Hopi and carry the prayers of the people to the spirit world. Carved Kachina dolls are given to Hopi children to help them identify the various spiritual figures and their costumes.
During the annual cycle of Pueblo rituals, brilliantly costumed and masked Kachina dancers, acting as intermediaries, summon their spirit ancestors for blessings of sunshine, rain, bountiful crops, and success in hunting, and thank them for the favors bestowed upon the pueblo. Today the Kachina is an important element in Southwest jewelry.


Symbols
Long before the people of the desert Southwest communicated through written means, Petroglyphs or pictures were etched into and painted on the canyon walls and ancient dwellings. These pictures told the stories of the day, legends of the past, and prayers for the future.
Bear - sacred healing power
Turtle - wisdom and perseverance
Crossed Arrows - friendship
Rain Clouds - good prospects
Horse - journey
Arrow - protection
Arrowhead - alertness
Big Mountain - abundance
Butterfly - everlasting life
Sun Rays - Consistency
Thunderbird Tracks - Bright Prospects
Zia - the sun symbol, constancy and happiness
Mountain Range - abundance
Raindrop - plentiful crops

Moon and Star - the heavens
Lightning Arrow - swiftness
Man - Human Life
Running Water - Constant Life

Medwyn is a good solid, multi-instrumentalist,composer of new age music. He hails from Wales and as such the celtic influence is no sham and a jumping off place rather then a costume.
At his worst he's musically correct but at his best he is inspiring.


'Revered for millennia for her beauty and nurturing power, the magnificent spirit of the Moon Goddess is re-awakened in captivating splendour. Medwyn combines deep and ancient sounds with his acclaimed instrumentation and beguiling special effects, to weave a stunning and irresistible spell of unsurpassed pleasure and enchantment.'

Medwyn Goodall has completely won me over with 'Moon Goddess'. He's released at least twenty albums now and is hardly faltering in his innate sense to create some of the most breathtakingly gorgeous pieces ever composed! This entire album, from start to finish, holds a very special place in my heart, but certain songs tug at me more profoundly than others, such as the emotional "Full Moon Magic". Every time I hear this song I come close to tears--it's that beautiful! The melodies are all so incredibly lush with a subtle, uplifting source of energy that you can't help but FEEL this music as it courses through your very being. Sound melodramatic? Yeah, well, 'Moon Goddess' will have that passionate effect on you if only you let it...

'There is one spectacle grander than the sea,
That is the sky;
There is one spectacle grander than the sky,
That is the interior of the soul.'
VICTOR HUGO

Enjoy!

TRACK LISTING
1. Eyes Of Heaven
2. Full Moon Magic
3. Banquet In The Woods
4. Drawing Down The Moon
5. Deepest Secrets
6. Moonlit Whispers