Native American Flute

[Blackhorse]

Anyone out there a player, owner, aficionado of Native American style flutes?

 

[Zeno Marx]

I wouldn't say I'm an aficionado, but I do somewhat collect Native American music. I buy it when I see it.

This is a nice one that might have something you like: Traditional Greenlandic Music - 55 Recordings From 1905-1984
https://www.discogs.com/Various-Inuit-Fifty-Five-Historical-Recordings/master/791153
and you can always count on the Folkways/Smithsonian label to have something, though I haven't heard this one: American Indian Flute Music
https://folkways.si.edu/american-indian-flute-music/music/playlist/smithsonian
this one is on the Hearts of Space label that I believe is associated with NPR: Michael Stearns, Ron Sunsinger & Steve Roach - Kiva
https://heartsofspacerecords.bandcamp.com/album/kiva
a couple of others:
https://www.discogs.com/Various-American-Indian-Ceremonial-And-War-Dances/release/3771497
https://www.discogs.com/Various-Music-Of-The-American-Indian/release/2235372
https://www.discogs.com/Various-Authentic-Music-Of-The-American-Indian/release/4461844
https://www.discogs.com/Various-Music-Of-American-Indians/release/4722720

 

[Zeno Marx]

I'm not sure if this is outside your interest, but it is gorgeous music by an amazing artist, Jorge Reyes. There is a 3CD collection of his "prehispanic" music that I highly recommend. I believe it is missing a 4th album with the same concentration, but I could be wrong about that. Albums can be found on youtube.

https://www.discogs.com/Jorge-Reyes-Prehispanic-Music/release/1679074
https://www.discogs.com/Jorge-Reyes-The-Flayed-God/master/481469

 

[Blackhorse]

Thanks for the tips? Hearts of Space…wonderful stuff.

 

[Zeno Marx]

whoops. sorry. I thought maybe you were looking for examples to maybe play off by ear or get ideas.

 

[RSteve]

One of my former staff members was an accomplished pianist and also recorder player. At one of his baroque recorder groups' recitals, one of the players soloed on a Native American flute. I was told that he also played classical metal flute, clarinet and recorder. The sound of the Native American, as he played it, was quite "haunting."

 

[Ranger107]

There is a guitar player, Craig Chaquico, who does a lot of native Indian songs. Not the same as a flute but as you say a bit haunting. Have one if his CD's. Interesting stuff.

 

[Blackhorse]

I’m just sort of scratching the surface. Lots of famous (within specific circles) players and craftsmen out there. Lots of online information, guides, music, gear, etc. available. I have several flutes. One is bamboo, one of aromatic Cedar and one beauty made from Zebrawood. It’s all very interesting. Thank goodness it doesn’t take years and years to learn. Very easy instrument to play.

 

[Zeno Marx]

This thread is jogging a memory. When I was a child, a distant relative --at least in my mind it was a distant relative, because I didn't know who was giving me this gift, nor do I now know who this person was-- gave me a tourist Bolivian Tarka flute. The flute is in the shape of a 16" or so rectangular totem. They couldn't have spent much money on it when they were in South America. I used to play it some. I carried it around more than I played it. It has a great sound. It has a chip out of the mouthpiece, but it doesn't hinder its function. I still have it, and I'm not someone who keeps things. If this flute wasn't cool, I would have thrown it in a Goodwill box a very long time ago. It doesn't hold sentimental value. It's simply a cool thing. Similar to this. The image is rather large
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISaLGbEP...A5vlHsN7mXdEWm5U_wCLcBGAs/s1600/tarka1572.JPG

 

[Blackhorse]

Wow…now that’s gorgeous. Classic 5-hole. So yours looks like that, but isn’t that one specifically.

 

[Zeno Marx]

Right. It isn't that one. 6 finger holes. A carving into a light in weight, darkish wood with a stain, oil, or shellac. Some kind of finish anyway. It's buried somewhere, and I can't remember where right now. I also have a similar in wood and motif desk pen/pencil holder that I still use to this day. I tried to find an example of that on ebay and google image search, but I don't know what search words to use, so I can't find an image of that. I only mention it as well because I know you like pen things.

 

[Blackhorse]

Nice.

 

[MisterE]

I think Lizzo might be into different old flutes. Older American ones anyway...

https://happymag.tv/lizzo-crystal-flute/

 

[DWSmith]

Thank goodness it doesn’t take years and years to learn. Very easy instrument to play.

If I remember correctly they use a pentatonic scale (5 notes per octave). You can play any of the notes in any order and it can sound good as long as you pretend to know what you're doing.

 

[Idlefellow]

There used to be a Native American fellow who played his pan flute and sold his recordings at a local flea market. The market closed down and I haven't seen or heard of him since. Always enjoyed hearing him and always intended to buy a CD, but of course I procrastinated until it was too late. Haunting is the right word...

 

[Timbo]

If I remember correctly they use a pentatonic scale (5 notes per octave). You can play any of the notes in any order and it can sound good as long as you pretend to know what you're doing.

Too right mate, need to get back to writing stuff in pentatonic scale myself. It just works.

Great choice of video too, Bobby McFerrin doesn't get the respect he deserves, He's not a one hit wonder and has recorded with many greats. This vid shows just how great a bloke he is.

 

[Balisong]

I enjoy Carlos Nakai's flute music usually in the fall but this thread inspired me to stream "Canyon Trilogy!"