Search - Gary Stroutsos :: Pacific Moon

Flute, percussion and the ocean--the Pacific NorthWest

Guardian of the Zen Sea | Looking after the sun and surf | 04/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow. I received this CD as a gift, and haven't stopped listening to it. It starts with the sound of the surf, in the Great Pacific Northwest--home of the talented Gary Stroutsos. This CD is really a suite, so several of the pieces flow from one into the other, and the overall feel of the CD is mellow, timeless, and musically very interesting from end to end. Gary Stroutsos is best known (at least to me) for his Native American flute music. He has also done a flute and synthesizer CD with the Space Music master, Jonn Serrie. This CD reflects time spent in Oregon at Falcon Cove Beach, which Mr. Stroutsos describes as a *sacred place*. On this CD Stroutsos plays altus alto flute, bamboo flute, ratan bass flute and wood flute. He is joined by: Glen Velez, Elizabeth Falconer, Larry Mahlis, Ed Pais, Jonn Serrie, and Nonda Trimis. This is a new release by the label *Paras Recordings*, a *new* label. I've received other recent releases from them, and the quality of the music is GREAT. Try out this CD as it takes you through all the times of day, starting with *Dawn* on the coast, and ending at evening on *Zen Beach*. Take your time...."

Peaceful and perfect!

Brianna Neal | USA | 12/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This luscious, primal, Asian-inspired flute music is perfect for massage or active meditation (Taiji, Qigong, Yoga, etc.). Unlike some New Age recordings that vascillate between western and eastern, combining the extremes oddly without capturing the best qualities of either, Gary Stroutsos has found a perfect blend. While tempered and deepened by the ambience of electronic drones, Stroutsos' gentle flute melodies and Elizabeth Falconer's koto accompaniments are pure east--pentatonic, mysterious and captivatingly beautiful. Using four flutes--including a breathy bamboo and a deep, throaty ratan bass--Stroutsos leads the listener on a relaxing, intriguing journey, enhanced not only by the plucks and glissandos of the koto but by recorded ocean sounds, chimes, bells and soothing, trance-like hand drums. Eight musicians are listed, including adaptable and ubiquitous percussionist Glen Velez, but the sound of the recording remains spare and pristine, not overloaded with sound. The recorded surf ties many of the selections together so there are no stark breaks in between. In fact, the first eight tracks are all-of-a-piece, a suite following the moods of the sea through the day from morning till night. More interesting and animated than most meditation music, but gentler than many world music forays, "Pacific Moon" is one of those engaging recordings that, to me, is in a class by itself. For other flute albums blending elements of east and west, try the sparer "Quiet Heart / Spirit Wind" by Richard Warner and the more orchestrated "Mystic Journey" by Suzanne Teng. Another intriguing CD that journeys through maritime moods accompanied by recorded wave sounds is "Oceans" by keyboardist Ed Van Fleet."

Essence of the Pacific Northwest Coast

Darrell Koerner | Boulder, Colorado United States | 12/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazon.com selected Pacific Moon as one of the Ten Best New Age recordings of 2001, and rightfully so. This magically played and beautifully produced recording releases the essence of the marriage between ocean and coastline in the great Pacific Northwest. Gary Stroutsos displays his talents as master flute player, composer and interpreter of sacred American landscapes. A perfect recording for massage, meditation, and the realignment of body and mind. Let the depths of Pacific Moon wash over your soul."