Search - Nicholas Gunn :: Sacred Fire

Refreshing Music

T.O. | Toronto, ON, Canada | 10/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have recently purchased two albums by Nicholas Gunn: The Sacred Fire and The Music of the Grand Canyon. I really like The Sacred Fire album - think it's a very nicely flowing, refreshing music (and that's why I gave it a 5-star rating) - however, it seems like the other albums (judging from my second CD and samples of music of the other albums) are very similar to this one. Again, I LIKE this music, but don't like it when artists put out one album after another, being just a mild variation on the 'blue print' album. Personally, I would've been happy with just this one album, The Sacred Fire, as a 'representative' of Nicholas Gunn's music - save your money on buying other 'copies' of it (through the other CDs) and instead try an album by some other artist."

African rhythms, flute, and vocals masterfully blended

Xaprb | Charlottesville, VA USA | 11/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nicholas' second album, and he only got better. Once again he performs the drumming and flute himself, adds his own vocals and other instrumental performances, and brings in such notables as native vocalists, Zavier on guitar, and Karen Briggs (Yanni, etc) on violin (though he does perform most of the music himself, he adds guests on most tracks). Nicholas' style is a unique blend of Southwest/Tribal and African with influences from all over. It's not a hodgepodge, even though it might sound like it: it's a masterfully blended mixture of complementary sounds and musical traditions. Nicholas' flute playing is melodic and uplifting. The percussion is all on acoustic instruments of various types, and the synth fills in the edges. The music is introspective, stating a theme and elaborating on it, but not boring - he is a great composer. Ranging from majestic to fiery, the album will inspire you, calm you, cleanse your soul, invigorate you. It is truly an album that must be heard all the way through. You will remember the first time you hear this one."

Mystifying...provacative...wonderful...

T.O. | 12/30/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD while visiting, of all places, Nashville, Indiana in a quaint Native American shop that was playing the CD. Haunting, mystical, and upbeat, Nicholas Gunn is simply the best flutist I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. I've visited the west several times; his music always brings back fond memories. You won't regret buying "The Sacred Fire.""