Customer Reviews

Red Moon

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In the eighties I had a close friend who only believed what he could see, his world was only safe when structurally all the pieces fit together. Needless to say my buddy wasn't exactly a poster child for that 'God' fan club! He did however concede to possibly hearing God in the form of music specifically through his favorite artist pianist Peter Kater. "If your big master in the sky exists" he once told me "then he's juicing up Peter Kater." When an atheist talks about the possibility of God in any form it gets our attention. Kater has always had a knack for tapping into a deep spiritual place via his music. His 'Fool and the Hummingbird' album from 1987 was a result of an encounter with a Hummingbird who seemed to bond with Kater after flying in his house. It remains one of the best examples of jazz fusing with New Age music. In the early nineties Kater teamed up with Navajo-Ute flautist R.Carlos Nakai and produced two of the best native recordings of all time with the two volumes of 'How the West Was Lost.' Both were soundtrack works for the Discovery Channel documentary series of the same name. Kater's latest 'Red Moon' encompasses all the melt your heart charm and spiritual connection of his previous classics. Again the angle is Native American and features old pal Nakai plus three other Flautists Mary Youngblood, Robert Mirabal and Ara Tokatlian. This is not typical traditional native fare though the tempo at times touches that New-Age/Jazz feel but the like all of Katers works the underbelly is all about living your truth through a connection to something bigger. Highlights include 'Night Realm' a breezy little ditty with a coaxing inviting feel to relax and 'Red Moon' featuring haunting chanting vocals from Nakai. Red Moon is rejuvenating and inspirational and represent a brand of New Age music that's become quiet popular in the last few years - the tempo driven feel good side which is great for relaxation but it certainly won't put you to sleep and who knows - it may just help you find God! john@smoothjazzcanada.com

this cd holds two of the most awesome pieces of music i'll always hold dear to my heart #5: only in your arms , is an awesome relaxation piece that keeps a listener in an almost dream state a wonderful master piece. also my most favorite piece of work so far that i've ever heard is #10: dream catcher ,awesome job peter kater and company!!!!!!when i first heard this piece i was in a room at a native american shop in New Hampshire , filled with all kinds of different inscents and this well orchestrated piece took me to a whole new level of euphoria.i just had to buy your cd i listen to it often

"Red Moon" is Peter Kater's Grammy-nominated CD for Best New Age album of 2003. It is an ensemble collection of pieces with a very Native American yet contemporary flavor, a style Kater is as noted for as he is solo piano. "Red Moon" features Kater on piano and synthesizers, but he is not the dominating musician on most tracks, allowing his stellar guest musicians to shine fully. These musicians include Mary Youngblood on Native American flute; R. Carlos Nakai on vocals, flute, and eagle bone whistle; Chenoa Egawa and Robert Mirabal on vocals; Paul McCandless working his magic on penny whistle, sax, oboe, and duduk; and Tony Levin on bass guitar. Many of the tracks are upbeat and rhythmic, while others are a bit more soulful and subdued. Five of the eleven tracks contain vocals in Native American languages and chants, which are very enjoyable and interesting, but, as usual, I much prefer the instrumentals, which absolutely soar.

"Night Realm" opens the collection with percussion, duduk, and flute, and then piano and later vocal. This is a fascinating piece because it's impossible to classify. There are jazz, Native American, and other ethnic influences, but it is still uniquely itself - a joyful blending of all of these ingredients. "Deep Waters" adds an element of mystery with a rhythmic backdrop for the dark and sensuous flutes and sax. "Only In Your Arms" is one of the few mostly piano pieces, and it's both gorgeous and deeply passionate. Nakai's flute and McCandless' oboe enhance the depth of feeling. Other instrumentation is also added, but Kater's piano sings through. "The West" has the feeling of a movie soundtrack - a field Kater has a lot of experience in. Another rhythmic piece, this one is mostly piano and Native American flute, and is darkly beautiful. "Never Ending Journey" is one of my favorites, and features Ara Tokatlian on pincullo flute. With jazz tinges, the flute, piano, and guitar really take flight - a great piece! "This Moment" is more of a smooth jazz piece with piano and flute as well as percussion and synth washes. "Dream Catcher" is an almost ethereal slow dance, again mostly flute and piano, and so soulful and passionate - another favorite!

Peter Kater has once again shown why he is one of my favorite artists. This is a great album whether you are new to Kater's music or a longtime fan. Recommended!

What a GREAT CD!!! I can see why Peter Kater was nominated for a Grammy award with this CD. The music on this CD in general is relaxing and beautiful, but specifically, track #5 (Only In Your Arms) is a piece that makes me wonder how any music on this Earth could possibly be so beautiful!! That is not to take away from any other selection, as I believe there is not a track on this CD that is not simply superb!! Track #2, "The Road Before Us", was used for the closing credits in the documentary DVD, "The Natural Wonders Of Sedona", and was my introduction to the music of Peter Kater. Track #10, "Dream Catcher", also made a definite impression on me, and the title song "Red Moon" is an excellent selection with which to close a simply fantastic CD. I have in my personal collection of Native American music over 200 CDs. "Red Moon" immediately became an instant favorite of mine, and will be played continuously by me for a long, long time to come.

While in a small boutique shop in Santa Fe, NM a few years ago I first heard Peter Kater's Red Moon. I purchased it right then and it became my favorite music in my home. The music puts me in a creative mood when working on art & painting. I just purchased another CD because I gave the original one to my Dad. The music is paramount to the memories I have of beautiful Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. I will never forget the friendly people I met, nor the magnificent palette of the landscape....and each time I hear this CD composed by Peter Kater, I'm taken back to the places I saw and visited in New Mexico.

I love Peter Kater and most of his music without occult or shaman titles in them, because the truth is, it is part of a cult thinking and spiritual darkness. I studied it for years as I did other cults and I know people firsthand who were involved with the illuminated cult and "ism. Otherwise he has an excellent talent and beautiful spirit in music and melodic creation on the piano and you cannot deny that he has a God-given gift, if and when he ever acknowledges that is truly where it comes from.