R. Carlos Nakai - Talisman (Canyon Records Definitive Remaster) '2015

Tracks list

Twenty-five years ago, a friend gave R. Carlos Nakai a Native American flute to
see what the former jazz trumpeter could do with it. Over the years, Nakai along
with Kevin Locke, Mary Youngblood and other stalwarts had brought Native
American flute to mass consciousness. But similar to an artist such as Mary
Youngblood, Nakai took the indigenous flute into new realms, (European
classical, jazz, and ethnic world sounds). The 62 year old flautist even journey
into the realm of electronica on a couple of his albums.

Nakais 25th anniversary release (with Canyon Records), Talisman travels full
circle and we find Nakai once again performing on solo Native American flute on
every other track. You will also find flute duos and the thoughtful Sunrise
Prayer in Beauty. Talisman harks back to Nakais first recording with Canyon
Records, Changes. And true to its name, listening to Changes certainly brought
much needed transformation to my life.

Its easy to imagine Nakai standing alone on the rim of a canyon playing his
flute to the rising sun while perhaps an eagle or a falcon flies overhead.
Nakais repertoire whether performed in a symphonic hall, museum, or on someones
boom box, conjures the natural world. The title Talisman suggests this type of
nature-base magic, something mysterious and alluring. Yet, something people
living in the mundane world surrounded by too much stuff and emotional baggage
cannot fully appreciate. You cannot hear the call of the wild and consumerism in
the same breath. At some point a crossroads is reached and we must choose.

Listeners can still appreciate the haunting beauty of Nakais flute as he
performs songs with titles, Coyote Calling, Celestial Realm, and Cedar Breeze.
But I suspect in listening to any heartfelt and soulful indigenous music, that
the natural world will come calling and it will exact a price which will
eventually lead to freedom and universal oneness.

As you can see, this is not an average music review. I am standing at that
crossroads now as I receive more of Nakais musical gift--his offering to us.
Nakai picked up the indigenous flute 25 years ago to see where it would take
him, and each of us, must take up our unique path to see where in 25 years it
will take us. And starting today, make a choice to ensure that the planet is
still around in all of its beauty 25 years from now and beyond. --By Moon Child
- The Whole Music Experience In Review - R. Carlos Nakais 25th Year Celebration

The first CD of Native American flute music that I ever listened to was Earth
Spirit, by R. Carlos Nakai. That was back in 1988, years before I began
reviewing music. Nakais uncanny ability to evoke the gentle spirit of Mother
Earth has touched my heart countless times in the intervening years. Now, with
the release of Talisman, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of his first
release, Changes, Nakai has come full circle.

Blessed with prodigious output, Nakai has recorded with an orchestra, released
several excellent jazz titles as part of the R. Carlos Nakai Quartet, and
participated in numerous collaborations with musicians such as William Eaton and
Peter Kater. While I thoroughly enjoy just about everything Nakai does, Im
especially fond of his solo flute music. Whether it is the aforementioned Earth
Spirit, Mythic Dreamer or Canyon Trilogy, Nakai conjures a profound sense of
peace and tranquility with every note.

Talisman captures the essence of Nakais exquisite touch on the flute. Haunting,
evocative, deliciously relaxing, Talisman allows the listener effortlessly to
step away from the cares of the day and float down a crystal clear mountain
stream through a sun-dappled forest. While every track on Talisman is well worth
repeated listening, I want to highlight the glittering promise of Glimmering
Dawn, the luminous grace of Happiness Carries Me, and the sacred chanting that
accompanies Nakais flute on Sunrise Prayer, in Beauty.

For those who love Nakais Native American flute music, Talisman is a must-have.
For everyone who appreciates deeply peaceful, serenely sacred music, whether for
massage, meditation, slow form yoga or simply relaxing at the end of a busy day,
I joyfully give Talisman my highest recommendation. --By Steve Ryals - Drunk
with Wonder : Awakening to the God Within

The master is back! This time with a very moving, contemplative disc. Talisman
is stunningly beautiful in scope, Nakai has truly done himself proud with this
effort. I was here to fore amazed with his work on Sanctuary, which received a
Grammy nommination. I think Talisman will do at least as well. --By Brian
Hendrickson - Host of Native Spirit / Native Music Director of WFHB Community
Radio in

01. R. Carlos Nakai - Song of Darkness
02. R. Carlos Nakai - Obsidian Talisman
03. R. Carlos Nakai - Coyote Calling
04. R. Carlos Nakai - Celestial Realm
05. R. Carlos Nakai - Suns House
06. R. Carlos Nakai - Glimmering Dawn
07. R. Carlos Nakai - Cedar Breeze
08. R. Carlos Nakai - Happiness Carries Me
09. R. Carlos Nakai - Tranquility
10. R. Carlos Nakai - White Shell Talisman
11. R. Carlos Nakai - Pollen Path
12. R. Carlos Nakai - Wisdoms Edge
13. R. Carlos Nakai - Sunrise Prayer, In Beauty

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