Customer Reviews

Taos Tales

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I own over 250 native american CD's and this one has certainly overshadowed 90% of them. Fresh, enjoyable music. Close your eyes and return to the earth, feel the music and the wind - a "must buy" for native american music lovers

I bought "Taos Tales" expecting the music to echo Robert Mirabal's New Age-y flute tracks on "Native American Currents," and while the flute is still present, "Taos Tales" is a lot edgier than Age-ier. Using flute, cello, guitar, percussion, vocals, chanting, and an interesting array of sounds, there is a compelling, sexy urgency to this CD, perhaps best reflected in "Skinwalker's Moon," "Acid Rain Dance," "Painted Caves," and "Hunting Party." Haunting and evocative, this is not just great Native American music. It's great music. Period.

Robert Mirabal's work is characterized by musical virtuosity and themes which are socially and personally impactful. Taos Tales is a fine example. The CD is beautiful-- but the notes in the CD liner give the album depth and power. Mirabal talks about his people's spiritual/philosophical roots and the history of the Taos Pueblo and valley. This is intellligent music, beautifully executed. Robert Mirabal has inspired a page on my website, The page includes a longer review of Taos Tales & other Mirabal works, plus two essays about Taos & the Pueblo which Taos Tales inspired me to write. I invite you to enjoy them.

Robert has once again produced a sound rich with native rhythms and inspirational words. The music is mentally inspiring. There is a little something for everyone of Mirabal's fans. A flute song, a couple of rockers, and the peaceful rhythms we have come to expect from a true poet. A must for everyone.

I never thought anything could make my rush-hour drive enjoyable until I bought this CD. With the first distant notes of Robert's flute, followed by Michael's haunting cello, you realize Taos Tales is going to take you to a different place. Then Stev's guitar and Reynaldo's percussion lift up the wheels, and you're on your way. The beauty of this CD is that it takes you not to one, but to many different places. Taos Tales has become like my morning coffee -- an essential to start the day.

This CD was my very first exposure to Robert Mirabal about a year ago. It was recommended to me by a store clerk in Albuquerque New Mexico and it has since become my favorite piece of music. I also have all of Robert's other CD's, each one is beautiful in its own way. Taos Tales are the stories Robert grew up listening to at his home on the pueblo in Taos, New Mexico, where he still lives today. The music is haunting and beautiful and "Popay Runner" in particular touches me inside in ways I cannot fully express or even understand. Although only one song, "Skinwalker's Moon" is in english, my heart still understands the rest of the songs, even though my brain doesn't know the words..... does that make any sense? If you give this CD a chance, you will understand what I mean. Robert has the extraordinary ability to reach out and touch your soul and move you in unexplainable ways.... IF you let him. Open your heart when you put this CD on, and Robert will open your soul.

I purchased this CD after having seen Robert live at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum in Connecticut. By itself, this CD is fresh, alive and spiritual. When you have seen Robert perform along with his band & dancers, it puts a whole 'nother perspective to his music. Native American theatre at its best.

I would be absolutely astonished if Robert Mirabal did anything that wasn't great -- an incredibly talented musician who honors himself and his people with his music --- this is by far his best work. He has moved into the contemporary Native American music world but kept the essence of his roots in all his music. Heartily recommended!

If you enjoyed Warrior Magician, you will really like this CD as well. The music is excellent and the tunes range from introspective to dancable. Especially wonderful is track two; Friends. It is NOT like the TV show. Click on the tune, and , if you like it, you will really enjoy the CD as well.

Another great piece of work from Mirabal. Close your eyes and you can find yourself in another place and time. A song for all moods. A must have!