New Reviews

I have great news to report on a new CD from Ron Warren and a new flute from Dale Robertson.

The photo I have included here is of "Dusk Breathes" a low C branch flute from Dale Robertson. Dale contributes to a guild of sorts called Fallen Branch Tribe and their web site carries instruments that are mostly branch flutes made by 5 different flutemakers. Truly worth a look for some different ideas on NASF's.

This flute is made from Hazelnut wood, both bore and bird, and this is the only flute I have with a "round" sound hole. This hole is what the air passes over - just in front of the bird to resonate the notes we hear. This hole is really more oval shaped than round on this flute. The tone is a bit different from what I think of as a typical of a "rectangular" sound hole & it is very rich and beautiful. The most impressive thing about the flute beside its sound, in my opinion, is that Dale states that the only tools used are a knife and hand tools. This is #50 in what the flutemaker calls his Primitive Series. The flute has an easy reach for a low flute and is fun to play. As a bonus this flute also features a warble on the lowest or fundamental note.

I think my interest in branch flutes originates not just from their beauty but also from the traditional story of the flutes entrance into First Nation's culture. An example of this story is at
http://www.spottedeagle.com/flutes.htm
Douglas Spotted Eagle's website where he explains the power of a branch and of song...

I am not a music critic but I feel compelled to share my newest discovery. The great new CD in my player is titled Morning Star Evening Star by Ron Warren. Just released this summer on Blue Heron Music this is a two CD set featuring 35 tracks of flute, drums, and shakers in music that seems to be inspired by traditional rhythms and melody. Ron Warren was nominated for a NAMA award this year for his Dancing the Full Moon album which is also wonderful but this new work in Morning Star Evening Star will have you replaying tracks repeatedly as well as pondering how he makes the flute do some of the things it does here. Ron can make birds and animals emerge in your living room and the flute takes center stage while morphing sounds into what seems to be cello strings and even the human voice. The artist credits Colyn Petersen, Jim Gilliland, Ken Light, Geri Littlejohn, Jim Moorehouse, Brent Haines & Scott Loomis for the flutes featured on this album. They all sound wonderful and Ron's talents to compose and play really shine.

I love the rythmic drive of songs like Swinging on the Vines, and some of the very soothing songs on the second CD in the set. This music sounds great relaxing while going to bed and yet it sounds perfect in the car too while you are driving and need something auditory to focus on too. Nearly every track has me looking to grab a flute and try to play the embellishments and subtleties of Ron's musicianship. Very cool recording that takes you somewhere - check it out.
Ron Warren is also the host of the Potomac Flute Circle meetings most months and a teacher of music. Check out the Potomac Flute Circle at http://potomacflutecircle.net/
Ron's site is at http://www.ronwarren.net/ to order music or learn a great deal about flute playing.

That is it for today - have a great Labor Day next weekend and remember that WVNAF Circle meets Saturday, September 9th at the Community Arts Center from 1-3pm. We would love to see you there!