Customer Reviews

Inside Monument Valley

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
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My yoga teacher played this last night, and it was so amazing that I had to obtain it for myself. Wonderful haunting flute music that helps create a meditative space.

I find it hard to beat the editorial review of "Inside Monument Valley" by Paul Horn and R. Carlos Nakai. For anyone who's been to canyon country, this cd will conjure up images of an otherworldly landscape. Horn and Nakai ably complement one another, Nakai on Native American flute and eagle bone whistle and Horn on transverse flutes and alto sax. What makes their music so compelling is the fact that it is purely improvisational, each musician responding to the sights and sounds of this magnificent place. And, since it was recorded live, their music incorporates the natural sounds of Monument Valley--thunderstorms, raven calls, and the buzzing of insects. This is more than just music to relax to; it demands that one listen, and the listener will be amply rewarded.

OK, I get the whole "native flute"thing to stimulate/simulate our general feeling of multicultural- I really do. But this particular CD blows me away on a level WAY beyond any thing having to do with the multicultural myth. Although I did not expect this CD to convert me to being more sensitive to the any stereotypical native wanna-be feelings that are so prevalent to some today, I did expect this CD to be beautiful, emotional, serene. It was all that and WAY more.

First, the feeling of total seclusion I get simply from listening to it- Whether at home or driving somewhere with my lovely and talented wife. The canyon wrens and ravens recorded live in the background remind me of some of my favorite camping trips out west. Hearing these sounds take you a million miles and a million years away.

Second, the mixture of the ancient and modern-dare I say it- postmodern tunes and tones that may or may not be tens of thousands of years old (how would I know, I'm an illiterate Caucasion?) blend perfectly with saxophone improv call-and-responses that are the perfect ambiance for a quiet pinon fire out on the back deck at sunset while sipping an anejo and enjoying the fragrant smoke of a very fine Rocky Patel.

I admit, I'm not the most aesthetically astute peon in the world, but listening to this sure makes other people think I am.

Paul Horn and Carlos Nakai make beautiful sounds of the high desert that can lull you to sleep or soothe you at the end of a long day. I like anything by these two talented musicians. Momument Valley is one of the best.

I've been looking for a native American flute CD for some time now. This one far exceeded my expectations. Recorded in Monument Valley, Nakai and Horn improvise their repertoire against the rock faces of the valley which provide haunting echos; totally insync with the natural elements.Throughout the recording they are accompanied by the sounds of nature - falcons, ravens, wind, thunder, insects, and even a Malamute!
This CD will NOT disappoint! Highly recommended. Suz.

Another GREAT one by Paul Horn & R. Carlos Nakai
I enjoy listening to it for hours at a time.
You can not go wrong with this one.
get it, listen, and i know you will like it.

All of R. Carlos Nakai's albums sound very similar. If you own one album already, then this won't take you by surprise. You'll recognize the rhythms and sounds right away.