Anasazi Ambient At Its Most Beautiful--
Randy J. Granger | Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States | 06/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Coyote Oldman, a.k.a. Michael Graham Allen, long known for innovate and original Native American Flute music has taken flight with the new two-disc recording "Rainbird." "Rainbird" is a "return of the ancient Anasazi Flute" and an ethereal journey into efficient melodies written on stars. Coyote Oldman use the Anasazi and Hopi flutes primarily on this album. It opens with a shimmering, squeaky paen called "Entrance." It moves through various airy tracks that sound at times like Whale Song, a mellow Soprano Sax, fingers running along the rim of a wine glass and what Planets must sound like spinning through space.The meolodies seem happier than other Coyote Oldaman albums. It may be that the Anasazi flute has sunnier intervals. An ambient song on the second disc called "New Mexico Road Trip" includes bass and drum as does the track "Dark" which is laced with a cool guitar riff very Joy Division/New Order feeling. The track is over 10-minutes and knowing that the Pueblo Indians sometimes dance all night in ceremonies--I'll call it "Anasazi Trance." Respectfully. Disc two is an enhanced disc with two films of a Rainbird in flight accompanied by the title song. It is stunning. The larger file film requires Quicktime (TM). The songs on "Rainbird" are of a reflective palate. They move easily one to the next and inspire beautiful images. "Updraft" is one of the most gorgeous NAF songs ever recorded. It sounds like an Anasazi lullaby played under a New Mexico moon under more stars than one can imagine. If you listen to Coyote Oldman or love the Native Flute presented in rich, textural beauty then BUY THIS CD!"
Soaring with the Rainbird
Robert Gatliff | Austin, Texas USA | 07/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Coyote Oldman has done it again, this time with the ancient flutes of the Anasazi, which are challenging instruments that have nearly disappeared from the Americas. Through these haunting instruments which no one else has attempted to record an album, Coyote Oldman has created a beautiful, sonic journey of the Rainbird. Close your eyes and enjoy the grace of flight."
Rainbird offers listeners something different
Dennis J. Menard | St.Louis MO USA | 08/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Michael Graham Allen has given the listener something entirely different by ressurecting the ancient Anasazi flute and breathing new life into it via Rainbird. It is a recording unique unto itself in that there is nothing like it on the market. One could not even say it is comparable to the Shakuhachi (Japanese notch blown flute). The Anasazi flute is so different and played so well by Coyote Oldman you can almost see the ancient Anasazi people in your minds eye as he weaves a mysterious and haunting musical tapestry."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
