The Whole Music Experience

Native American / World   Tony Duncan Native Son   Canyon Records I had one of those days where I feel wound up and it doesn’t help that I have been consuming raw chocolate.   So listening to Apache/Mandan-Hidatsa-Arikara flutist Tony Duncan’s third album with Canyon Records and I believe his second solo album, Native Son , comes as a relaxing godsend.   When you listen to numerous Native American flute recordings you begin to identify subtle and not so subtle differences and signatures of the many gifted flutists.   Some Native American flutists possess playfulness while others lean heavily into the ethereal realm and others provoke healing tears to flow.   Duncan combines all of those qualities in his playing, which if it was a wine, we would also call it full bodied and robust--not bad for a young musician. I survived a stressful summer in 2011 in part listening to Estan-Bah (acoustic guitar, Native American flute, Native American...

Randall Paskemin Emotions Cree Round Dance Songs Canyon Records Tony Duncan Earth Warrior (Native American Flute) Canyon Records I first encountered Cree singer Randall Paskemin when he released a children’s album, Goodnight, Sweet Dreams, I Love You (Canyon Records).   His newest CD, Emotions features love songs for adults, sung in the same passionate and witty voice as the previous album.   You listen to this set of round dance songs, with the gentle thump of the frame drum accompanied by soaring vocals and you might just want to hang out with Randall. Certainly, he seems articulate and reflective with his songs telling slice-of-life stories. The love song Tattoo tells us about a man who doesn’t need to get a tattoo to prove his love to his partner.   She’s My Girl revolves around a dual by two men who love the same woman.   Marlon Deschamps plays the role of the other man.   All I Have to Do is Close My Eyes ...