Music Review by Lee Stone
CRY OF THE LAUGHING OWL is a quietly calming collection of instrumental music by Terrell and Diane Jones and David Mikeal. In addition to being accomplished musicians and songwriters, they also grow bamboo and handcraft their own flutes. Somehow the bamboo flute has a mellow softness that is distinctive from the more common metal flute, even in the midst of the more lilting and sprightly melodies. A Native American legend says that one will hear the cry of the laughing owl upon beginning one's journey towards spiritual transformation. As the title suggests, the musical roots of this album are grounded in the Native American tradition. The first piece is the title cut and opens with the bamboo flute creating the cry of the owl calling across the forest. The flute is answered by soft guitar, which creates a conversational melody between the two instruments. This conversational melody sets the tone for spiralling dances between flute and guitar throughout the album, especially on LIVING WATERS and INNER JOURNEY. The two cuts that seem to stay with me are NIGHT SPIRITS and DANCE OF THE MEDICINE WOMAN. Whether intertwining in harmony or wandering off on separate courses, the two flutes in NIGHT SPIRITS awaken a light-hearted playfulness in the listener. One can almost see fairy lights chasing each other through the night forest. I found DANCE OF THE MEDICINE WOMAN to have the most memorable melody line. The piece opens with a soft swell of orchestra which leads to a single flute playing the central melody, which is then joined by a second flute. About a third of the way through the piece, a soft tom-tom and bass line begin, laying a foundation for what almost becomes improvisational jazz as the two flutes take flight together. CRY OF THE LAUGHING OWL creates a feeling of the spacious openness of the outdoors. It can be used as unobtrusive background music, but it also holds up well with attentive headphone listening. This album is refreshingly unpretentious in its simplicity and childlike innocence.
Product Description
A soothing, musical interpretation of the American Indian's legendary quest for a spiritual vision. A variety of handmade instruments combine with digital technology to help listeners relax into a calm, clear state of mind. Peaceful and joyous rhythms, relaxing and inspirational themes. A favorite of massage therapists and schoolteachers.
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