On New CD Randy Granger Shows His Expertise On Native Americ
Cali | 03/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"RANDY GRANGER
A PLACE CALLED PEACE
Native American flute player Randy Granger explores his ancestry on his latest CD, A PLACE CALLED PEACE. That ancestry includes the American Indian tribes from the Southwest (where Granger has lived all his life) -- Chol, Athabascan, Apache, Comanche and Dogrib. Some of the song titles on the CD zero in on that history - APACHE TEARS, GHOST DANCERS, RIO GRANDE LULLABY and CHACO MOON MEDITATION (that one was written after Randy performed at the Chaco Canyon ruin site where a thousand Anasazi people lived more than a thousand years ago).
The recording features wooden flute on every tune plus, at various times, Native drums, a variety of percussion, the modern metal hang drum, digeridoo, acoustic guitar and, on the first piece only, singing. One of the highlights is the solo flute tune DOUBLE-BARREL TRAIN WRECK, so-named because Granger plays the double-barrel flute and creates the lonesome whistle cry of a distant locomotive coming to meet its destiny.
This is outstanding Native flute playing with enough additional instrumentation to keep it interesting at all times. Granger is quickly becoming a leader in the field.
"
A music CD album reflecting the timeless, land-connected nat
Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 03/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Southwestern flautist Randy Granger draws on his Native American heritage (his bloodline is connected to the Chol, Athabascan, Apache, Comanche and Dogrib tribes) for inspiration in A Path Called Peace, his music CD album reflecting the timeless, land-connected nature of Southwestern life. Individual pieces are performed with an impressive variety of flutes, from a reproduction of an ancient Anasazi flute to a double-barreled flute with buffalo drum, to the Australian digeridoo. Both pieces with vocals and purely instrumental pieces are present, and individual songs range in theme from somber commiserations to the hardship the Apache endured when remnants of the tribe were forced to live a starvation existence hiding in the canyons, to the ebullient celebration of life in the title song. Highly recommended. The tracks are "Za Zee Za Zu Zing", "The Dog Star", "Chaco Moon Meditation", "Ghost Dancers", "Rio Grande Lullaby", "Apache Tears", "Double-Barrel Train Wreck", and "Ancestor's Ocean Voyage".
"
A Place Called Peace - Randy Granger
DanaeJade | 12/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"New Mexico musician Randy Granger is back with another gem, A Place Called Peace.
One again, Randy casts a spell on his listeners with voice, flute and percussion, creating an atmosphere of spiritual and sensual peace.
Among my favorites are: Za Zee Za Zu Zing (A Place called Peace), a catchy little ditty with an adorable sing-song chorus and lyrics that make an appeal to peace everywhere.
Dog Star and Chaco Moon Meditiatons are both haunting flute pieces that soothe and relax the soul.
Ghost Dancers, and it's subtle reworking, Ancestors' Ocean Voyage are an invocation of the Ghost Dances performed by Wovoka and the Sioux as a response to white expansion in the 1800's.
Apache Tears also mournfully recalls that tragic period in American history , where many "Trails Of Tears" were walked as many tribes were forced onto reservations.
And then of course there's the fun Double Barrel Train Wreck, performed on a double barrel flute that does actually sound like a train whistle.
All in all, another amazing album from an amazing artist .
"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1