Flutist Mary Youngblood's CD brims with feminine beauty and Native American spirituality. With airy flute, hand drums, percussion, guitar, and the gorgeous vocals of Joanne Shenandoah, Heart of the World spins a wonderfull... more »y folkish, uplifting tribute to life on earth. "Loon Dance" sings with a light vibrancy, gracefully mixing the repetition of beautiful Native American melody and acoustic guitar. "Yuba" runs as slowly and sensually as the rivers it pays homage to. The precious value of this recording lies not only in its enchanting embrace of Native American culture, nature, and love, but the divine music it creates from simple, natural instruments. So much New Age music reaches for grandiose heights with electronic instrumentation that ends up sounding calculated, arrogant, and corny on CD. What a refreshing gift to receive music that's made by instruments grown from the land and played by an ensemble with a heart. Thank you, Mary Youngblood. --Karen Karleski« less
Flutist Mary Youngblood's CD brims with feminine beauty and Native American spirituality. With airy flute, hand drums, percussion, guitar, and the gorgeous vocals of Joanne Shenandoah, Heart of the World spins a wonderfully folkish, uplifting tribute to life on earth. "Loon Dance" sings with a light vibrancy, gracefully mixing the repetition of beautiful Native American melody and acoustic guitar. "Yuba" runs as slowly and sensually as the rivers it pays homage to. The precious value of this recording lies not only in its enchanting embrace of Native American culture, nature, and love, but the divine music it creates from simple, natural instruments. So much New Age music reaches for grandiose heights with electronic instrumentation that ends up sounding calculated, arrogant, and corny on CD. What a refreshing gift to receive music that's made by instruments grown from the land and played by an ensemble with a heart. Thank you, Mary Youngblood. --Karen Karleski
"Having just been introduced to Native American music...i have found a wonderful artist.. a woman who captures the heart and soul of all .....no matter what their background..listen to the changing atmosphere..one track to another..read of the thoughts behind the music...the reasons she performs it...learn the woman...and hence the music....listen as it plays with your heart....let yourself flow from peace...to drama...to lightheartedness.....to solemn thoughts....she will touch you...easily....she captures my imagination...and my heart...."
Native Flute Virtuoso
dusty moore | Annapolis Maryland | 12/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mary's exceptional talent on Native American Flute is unsurpassed by her contemporaries. The song "Unrequited" even has a hint of Irish flavor. Coupled with Joanne Shenandoah on vocals, this album is sure to please both those familiar and those unfamiliar with this remarkable instrument. And there is no description for the enchanting sound of her double flute playing. With a history that stretches back over 3000 years, the Native Flute has found a new foothold for the next mellinium with Mary Youngblood."
Truly a flutist who expresses the native spirit
Robert J Robison | Watkinsville, GA United States | 10/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have actually met Mary Youngblood. I attended a concert and workshop that she gave. Her music is inspiring. Her ability is amazing. Her songs that of the great spirit that inspires her. I have both of her cds (one signed by her) and can't wait for her next one. I love her use of just the flute with little background (usually a guitar and or other voices). It is pure and makes me remember my native heritage. It makes me proud to be native american."
A Feminine Flute
Harusami | Denver, CO United States | 05/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first time I heard Mary Youngblood's music I was browsing in my favorite metaphysical shop when I heard the most soul-stirring Native American flute music wafting through the store. The music sounded so different from what I had heard before, there was a gentleness, a nurturing feminine spirit to an instrument mainly played by men in the past. I immediately hunted down a shop employee to inquire about the music being played and bought "Heart of the World" that day. I was later honored to meet Mary Youngblood at a workshop she taught, and I know that this delightful woman is truly inspired by Spirit. I also recommend her CD "The Offering", her first CD is simply her and her instrument hauntingly played in a cave. Pure, contemplative and beautiful.
~Harusami"
Absolutely the best
Harusami | 11/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the Native American flute at it's best, played by a person who pours her soul into her music. The sense of melody is like nothing i've heard before on NA Flute. If you haven't heard Mary Youngblood play, you haven't heard how GREAT the NA Flute can sound! There should be a 10 star rating!"