PGM 1359 'HEALING WINDS' : nov. 10-17

THE FLUTE is perhaps the oldest musical instrument—a primitive but effective technology for turning breath into resonant sound, and eventually turning structured sound into music.
Flutes arrived about 50,000 years ago in diverse cultures around the prehistoric world. In Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, ancient artisans made early flutes from reeds and grasses, and the hollow bones of animals and birds. The Anasazi tribes of the American Southwest made simple end-blown flutes from the soft, aromatic wood of western cedar trees. They were said to be used for courtship and healing. Typically tuned to a pentatonic minor scale, their plaintive sound seems to resonate with the wistful emotions of the fall season and the endless spaces of the Southwestern desert.
The Native American flute was revived in the 1960s by the pioneering native label Canyon Records, who released hundreds of albums by native artists, including flute recordings by R.Carlos Nakai and others. The instrument became popular in the burgeoning New Age genre in the 1970s and 80s, and new age artists expanded into electronics, guitars, and other popular instruments. Today, the native flute scene is less active, but a core group of committed artists continue to extend the artistic dimensions of the genre, while the cedar flute is increasingly popular for therapeutic applications.
On this transmission of Hearts of Space, an autumn journey in the gentle world of the Native American flute, on a program called HEALING WINDS. Music is by COYOTE OLDMAN, JOHNNY WHITEHORSE, JONN SERRIE & GARY STROUTSOS, KENNETH HOOPER, KIRK MONTEUX, JENN STEEGE, and ANN LICATER.

[ view playlist ] [ view Flickr image gallery ] [ play 30 second MP3 promo ]