FLUTIST SCOTT AUGUST CD INSPIRED BY ANCIENT INDIANS STUDYING
Jake Williams | 04/30/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"SCOTT AUGUST
RADIANT SKY
Scott August is a multi-instrumentalist acclaimed for both his Native American wood-flute playing and his textured recordings. Inspired by the stargazing of ancient cultures, he has created a stunning new instrumental album, RADIANT SKY.
August -- who has won a Native American Music Award, a ZMR Lifestyle Music Award and an Indian Summer Music Award -- has four previous best-selling and highly-charting albums. Here he not only performs on numerous different indigenous flutes, he also plays piano, guitars, electronic-keyboards and a wide variety of ethnic world-music percussion which gives his music a tribal-techno or ethnic-fusion sound.
There is celestial, mystical music on this album, and it will take you on a trip through the heavens, a journey back to the ancient American Indian tribes and along an inner pathway as well.
"
Traditional flutes combined with gentle pianos, soft guitar
Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 04/16/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Award-winning musician Scott August, best known for his skill and talent in playing the Native American wood flute, presents Radiant Sky, a beautifully relaxing album promoting contemplation and reverence of the sacred spirit within us all. Traditional flutes combined with gentle pianos, soft guitar playing, and a medley of exotic instruments crafting delicate harmony make for a wondrous experience. The perfect choice for listening to while meditating, or simply unwinding after a long day, Radiant Sky is highly recommended, particularly to fans of new age music. The tracks are "Calling the Sun" (3:33), "New Horizons" (6:25), "Arc of Dreams" (6:41), "River of Stars" (7:37), "Santa Fe" (6:34), "Since the Stars Fell" (4:11), "Rising from the Plateau" (3:36), "Journey of Solace" (6:52), "A Pale Radiance" (8:09), and "Searching Beyond" (5:31).
"
Another great CD from a true Virtuoso
Kaio | Santa Monica, CA | 03/05/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What I love most about Scott August's music is that he's true to himself. Each note is masterfully played, oozing with emotion and brimming with feeling. This is Scott's 5th CD and each installment has been a natural progression; evolving in breadth, scope and execution.
Native American flute music is hard to find -- and great music, flute or otherwise, is even more scarce. But what sets Scott apart from the rest is that he's just a great all around musician.
I discovered Scott August years ago while listening to a Hearts of Space compilation of Native flute music -- and Scott's melodies soared like a great eagle, high above the rest; creating an instant love affair between me and his music. The connection was so strong, I bought all of his CDs and still listen to all of them regularly. I am continually amazed by his melodic lines -- he elicits such strong visual imagery with his notes and many of his arrangements are nothing short of brilliant.
Scott's music isn't hokey New Age stuff or overly esoteric -- it just "is." I suspect this might be a problem for Scott, since it makes him hard to classify. I don't think there's a section in the music store that quite fits his unique brand. He has an authentic Native sound, yet has pushed the envelope to create something all his own. It's what sets him apart from the rest, and may also be what keeps him from penetrating the market and becoming a breakout artist. But it's only a matter of time -- you can't keep something this good a secret for long.
With each new album, I'm continually impressed with Scott's ability to stay true to himself and play his style of music his way. I'm so very pleased to see Scott hasn't diluted his sound or pushed himself toward inauthentic directions that don't fit his style.
Radiant Sky is another natural expression of Scott August's artistry and the latest chapter in his melodic story. All Scott's music, including Radiant Sky, are perfect to relax to, unwind, to help find inspiration, or to play at work and push back the stress. This new album has songs that are reminiscent of tracks on other albums, yet also soars in its own right toward new directions and inspired mastery. Santa Fe is a standout, as are Since The Stars Fell, Rising from the Plateau, Journey of Solace, A Pale Radiance -- oh, who am I kidding -- I love them ALL!
If you've never heard Scott August's music before, you simply don't know what you're missing. Don't believe me? How about this: I play Scott's music at work all the time, and there isn't a day that goes by when someone stops and says "What is that wonderful music? That's amazing! Who is that?!" It's a drop in the bucket, but I know I've helped Scott sell dozens of CDs -- or, more accurately -- I just spin the CD and Scott's music sells itself.
Here's a brief rundown of his other CDs:
DISTANT SPIRITS -- Emergence starts the CD and gives me chills every time. It sets the tone for yet another acoustic journey -- Desert Light, Coyote Dance, Solitude, Distant Thunder -- and all the rest, just take me away.
NEW FIRE - perhaps Scott's most commercially accessible CD -- Mockingbird Canyon, Turquoise Twilight and the title track, New Fire -- WOW! Who am I kidding -- again, I could list every track as a standout!
LOST CANYONS -- gentle, soulful, inspiring -- I totally love it!
SACRED DREAMS -- simple, exquisite, mesmerizing. I love the mix of nature sounds with Scott's harmony. What a talent!
Do yourself a favor -- buy one of Scott's CDs. You won't regret it. I've written over 80 reviews thus far, and Scott's music comes with my highest of recommendations. Buy Radiant Sky, or any of his other CDs, and treat yourself to a audible journey like no other.
Thank you for the gift of your music, Scott. Thank you for not selling out and trying to be something you're not. Your music nourishes me heart and soul. Keep staying true to yourself. Keep making great music your way, because your harmony and musical instincts are a rare and special gem.
I just have one question for you, Scott -- how long until the next CD??
My best to you, Scott August.
In harmony.....
"