The strumming of guitar wanders in and out of the soundscape, while nature sounds populate the backdrop and the shake of the rainstick adds a mystical touch. The central instrument on the album is the Native American flute, whose dreamy, slightly melancholy tones entrance the listener amidst a powerfully soothing undercurrent of synthesizer atmosphere, which flows by like the waves of a gently babbling stream. GRATITUDE: RELAXING NATIVE FLUTE MEDITATIONS is the kind of album that puts your mind at ease within minutes of hitting the play button. When David and Steve Gordon set their minds towards creating an album of music for relaxation, you can be certain that it will truly deliver in that department - and then some. These peaceful soundscapes (which also feature occasional nature sounds) blend their assorted wooden flute tones with contemporary keyboards, resulting in beautiful and soothing Native fusion music. Gratitude showcases yet another side of this duo, who seemingly can do no wrong no matter in what direction they take their music. Leaving behind the assortment of drums and percussion that accompanied them on previous Native flute albums, the Brothers Gordon instead concentrate on weaving a serene web of comforting flute melodies that float gently over a bed of ambient synthesizer textures. Surely one of the finest meditation albums of 2010, I know that Gratitude will fill your heart with, well, gratitude. From the gentle, languorous tones of "Daybreak Appears," with shimmering keyboards dancing devotion into the day to the nature-sounds-infused "Long feathers in the Wind," Gratitude inspires delicate waves of heart-opening bliss.Īctually, the nature sounds, recorded at Big Sur State Park, Sequoia National Forest and Joshua Tree State Park, infuse Gratitude with an overwhelming sense of the sacred. At over 71 minutes in length, there's ample time to go deep within. Gratitude is the perfect accompaniment for massage, meditation or slow form yoga. The overall effect is quintessentially New Age at its most sublime. In addition, our friend Bobby Cochran contributes additional keyboards.
They also played keyboards and Steve had some tasty guitar work. On Gratitude, they both showcase their considerable skill playing Native American flute, by far the dominant instrument. Steve Ryals &mdash Nationally Syndicated Music Reviewerĭavid and Steve are both multi-instrumentalists.