Carlos Nakai: Earth Spirit

This collection of solo flute pieces from Navajo-Ute musician R. Carlos Nakai is an evocative delight. The album consists of mostly original material, from the composition "Canyon Reverie," to the improvisational "In Media Res," to "Athabascan Song," an arrangement of a traditional song. The latter in particular stands out, with a faster rhythm and more lilting melody than most of the other pieces. There's also "Ancient Dreams," performed on a bone whistle; the instrument almost exceeds the upper range of human hearing, and Nakai occasionally sounds like he's imitating birdcalls. A classically trained musician, Nakai blends musical traditions to create a whole that reminds one, on occasion, of Japanese shakuhachi music.

This album best captures the timeless serenity of the solo Native American flute. R. Carlos Nakai's music speaks to the spirit with a simplicity that transcends place and time. Includes original compositions, traditional Athabascan and Omaha melodies.

It can be purchased on Amazon here:

1. Shaman's Call
2. Canyon Reverie
3. In Media Res
4. Gateway
5. Athabascan Song
6. Coyote Animus
7. Song Of The Evening Star
8. Ancient Dreams
9. Catfish Muse
10. Star Chant
11. Aura Aurealis
12. Crystal Canyon
13. Omaha Song
14. Nemi
15. Earth Spirit

Ray Carlos Nakai (a.k.a. R Carlos Nakai ) was born in Flagstaff Arizona on April 16, 1946 and now resides in Tucson, Arizona. He is a Native American of Navajo-Ute heritage who began his musical career as a freshman at Northern Arizona University studying brass instruments and playing in the NAU marching band. In his sophomore year he enlisted in the US Navy with the hope of eventually playing in the Armed Forces Band. He passed the highly competitive auditions for the Armed Forces School of Music and was 28th on the waiting list for admission. Playing with the Armed Forces Band became impossible, however, because an auto accident damaged his mouth making it impossible to produce the correct embouchure to continue playing brass instruments. Shortly after this accident, he was presented with a gift of a traditional Native American cedar flute and challenged to master it.

Nakai says that most of his inspiration comes from the expressions of native communities and his desire to preserve his own Native American heritage. In addition, he likes to blend his native music with that of other cultures thereby helping to preserve their heritage as well. To that end, he has collaborated with a Japanese folk ensemble, the Philadelphia Orchestra's Israeli cellist Udi Bar-David, and many others. He has worked with American composer Philip Glass Tibetan flutist Nawang Khechog and flutist Paul Horn. A 2005 collaboration with slack key guitar master Keola Beamer fused two very different indigenous American cultural forms and resulted in the album "our Beloved Land." He has expressed his philosophy and views of Native American culture in the modern world in an interview with Native Digest.

The Library of Congress has more than 30 of his recordings preserved in the American Folklife Center.

His "Earth Spirit" and "Canyon Trilogy" albums are the only Native American albums to be certified Gold by the RIAA.

Nakai developed a system of tablature notation ( commonly known as Nakai Tablature ) that could be used across a wide variety of flute keys and tunings. He published this in The Art of the Native American Flute (1996) with James Demars, Ken Light and David P. McAllester. This provided resources and support for other musicians playing the Native American flute.

In 2005 he was inducted into the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame. He was awarded the Arizona Governor's Arts Award in 1992. He received an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University in 1994 and the NAUAA Dwight Patterson (1934) Alumnus of the Year Award in 2001. Nakai earned a Master's Degree in American Indian Studies from the University of Arizona.

[torkamills]

I'm Comanche...i normally have to say Kiowa to make sure no one flips out because I am on of the 7 savage tribes...but this music calms the rapid waters in my heart and makes me feel like the Great spirit is with me...guiding me and protecting me. Love to you all. Have a great day.

[maribethshuman]

I am not a member of any of the First People tribes, but this music has eased my anxiety and depression for years on end. I ask that the Great Spirit shine starlight on all of His children. May your music and way of life never cease. ❤

[Oof-mqvd]

As a Native American I grew up listening to music like this with my grandfather he’d tell stories about them so beautiful

[hiphopmomo]

An early morning birdsong, who take me away from my throughts. Much respect for all native americans, and your beautiful culture. We don't forget your history ...
Love from France.

[marcellavanoel]

I am forever grateful that this one is not interrupted by ads. Thank you!

[bulivillagekundiawa]

Every morning i wake up slowly listening to this spiritual music, it sets me up for the day, thankyou Carlos🙏🏾

Im not NA, im from 'Papua new guinea', an indigneous brotha from a distant land, all spirit music is universal to man, sacred vibes🙏🏾👍🏿

[brandonbegay]

My mother would tell me what the story the songs are telling. And when I close my eyes I see my mother and her parents. I never met them but I wish I did. This was apart of me learning to become a medicine man and to keep our tradition alive. Nizhoni. ❤❤😇

[michellebuckley]

I have been meditating to Carlos’ music for several years. Magically, instantaneously connects me to Earth and Spirit. Very appreciative of his gift.

[jackieland]

Carlos Nakai's music got me threw the worst sickness and panic YOU(:zZzzzz

[tylerhall]

Lucid dreams of a time before, when things were simple. And money was not a necessity.. Just food and water. Take me back!! Love the melody of native flutes...

[RIDETHESUNSHINE]

"Sometimes I go about pitying myself, and all the while I am being carried across the sky by beautiful clouds." Ojibway proverb
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To know the heart I find in these words, and to understand the spirit I see written in them is my blessing.
Will

[moi]

Have had a terrible migraine for days now have taken meds didn't help. But this has music has just helped me. Thank you

[sacitmanav]

this is sets my soul free. I embrance my mistakes and regrets.

[alexandradean]

My daughter and I have been listening to Carlos Nakai since she was born. Its always helped her sleep. Now that shes older if shes acting wild i put on Earth spirit and it calms her right away. We love you Carlos Nakai! You must have a beautiful soul to make such amazing music.

[takavich]

Yesterday, I met Marco, a member of the Navajo tribe. He was a very kind person. At a beautiful rocky area in nature, he took out a flute and played this song. The melody was so beautiful that it stayed in my mind. I wanted to hear it again, so I searched for the same song on YouTube and felt joy and excitement when I found it. Thank you.

[adelitaybarra]

I used to play this when my grandson's were babies. It's so soothing, I never had a problem putting them to sleep. It was as if our ancestors were ther giving them love, my grandson's with their little expressions of love they had in their little faces.

[audreyohalloran]

May We All Be Free From Suffering & Pain. May We All Be Happy & Healthy. And May We All Have Ease Of Been. Beautiful Earth Spirit Soothing Music. Thankyou. Xxx.

[DucatiQueen]

My puppy has been such for some time now. I finally got him home from the emergency clinic after a referral from the university of auburn .
I started playing this to him as he was resting and for the first time in month....he lifted up hi head, gave it a tilt and just watched and listened to the music started eating and been more attentive. Thank you whomever for sharing this beautiful
Forever great full in Florida
Christine 💋

[mamaradio]

i am eurpean woman but neverthless this music makes me go way back in time. music that in the soul Thanks Carlos

[therightmusic]

I love to isten to this before going to bed. The melodies are so beautiful, so peaceful and the lanscapes are amazing. Indigenous people can teach us so much about living in peace and harmony with nature (our home / our planet). It's the arrogance and the ignorance of the so-called civilized world / society that has caused the mess we live in today not the indigenous people. We should listen to them more and learn ... The so-called civilized society makes us also believe that the great compositions and composers are only those who compose very complex and in some cases even inharmoniuos music ... We have so much to learn ...