The panoramic harmonies of R. Carlos Nakai's flute with William Eaton's guitar, harp-guitar and lyre create visions of canyons and plains in these fifteen songs. Music haunting in its serenity, graceful in its simplicity a... more »nd with a zen-like lyricism.« less
The panoramic harmonies of R. Carlos Nakai's flute with William Eaton's guitar, harp-guitar and lyre create visions of canyons and plains in these fifteen songs. Music haunting in its serenity, graceful in its simplicity and with a zen-like lyricism.
Trent M. Nicholson | Yucca Valley, CA USA | 02/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Nakai produces a romantic, healing, while vaguely haunting music that gently transports you back to a time when music was more than just entertainment. Nakai emulates the traditional music of his Navajo-Ute in a way that is both touching and mystic. Be prepared to be taken on a journey where you will be introduced to the feelings an impressions that Nakai himself experiences. He will show you through his music what the world around his means to him, and he will instill that awe of life in you.Nakai doesn't fall into the trap of giving the musical tourist exactly what he expects. There is no chanting or jingling bells, no corny sound effects or war cries. Instead he simply taps into that inner peace that we all look for. Perhaps that's the reason so many people have come to appreciate his music. The universal understanding of, and need for, peace and insight."
Understated and Masterful...Everyone should have this CD!!!
Paul K. Ross | Seattle, WA | 03/15/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a player of Native American flutes I am no stranger to Carlos Nakai. He is regarded as the most important Native American musician of our time by many and I expected great music from him on this recording. What I did not expect was the wonderful way William Eaton surrounds the flute with his guitar and harp guitar work. This album is a gentle reminder that simple lines from the individual instruments can literally change the air around them and create an atmosphere of peace. This is music that everyone can relate to....Perfect!"
The One that Started a Unique Musical Relationship
R. Langdon | Four Oaks, NC USA | 07/05/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Nakai and Eaton have provided much musical enjoyment for me through the years but this is the title that started it all. While I tend to more frequently listen to their later efforts together where they branch out and explore more musical territory and influences, Carry the Gift will always hold a special place. It is a good starting point if you are new to either artist. Then you will certainly want to move on to works like Feather, Stone and Light where the magic of Eaton's stringed instruments and the reflective/spiritual tones of Nakai's flute find perhaps their pinnacle of creative chemistry.