In a Distant Place

by R. Carlos Nakai

Overview

R. Carlos Nakai has made a career of weaving his soulful flute playing into the music of many talented collaborators. On this release, he teams up with Tibetan avant-garde flutist Nawang Khechog. The two traditions, Tibetan and Native American, mesh together well. Both styles have a breathy, ethereal quality that lends itself to soaring improvisation. It is that very quality that is the blessing and curse of this disc. While both men are accomplished musicians, what they have created here lacks direction. It often drifts off into a new age spaciness, awash in harmonic and thematic cliche. They are ably, if somewhat predictably accompanied by guitarist William Eaton and percussionist Will Clipman, both longtime Nakai colleagues. What sets this work apart from other Nakai outings are four tracks on which Khechog chants Tibetan prayers under the diaphanous washes of sound. It's all very meditative and probably perfect background music for a yoga class. Unfortunately, the opportunity to do something really original and groundbreaking was missed here. ~ Peggy Latkovich

Product Details

Release Date:	11/14/2000
Label:	CANYON RECORDS
UPC:	0729337704220

Tracks

1. A Gathering of Eagles
2. Aspen Wind
3. Tibetan Turquoise
4. My Heart Sings
5. Prayer for the New Millennium
6. Riding the Wind
7. Dream Catcher
8. In a Distant Place
9. Dwelling in the Garden
10. A Song for My People
11. As Long as the Grass Grows
12. Barbarians at the Gate

Album Credits

Performance Credits

R. Carlos Nakai   Primary Artist
William Eaton   Primary Artist
Nawang Khechog   Primary Artist
Will Clipman   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Nawang Khechog   Producer,Composer
William Eaton   Composer,Producer
Anthony Wakeman   Producer
R. Carlos Nakai   Composer,Producer
Robert Doyle   Executive Producer
Will Clipman   Composer,Producer
John Running   Photography
Lisa Minker   Producer
Jack Miller   Mixing,Engineer,Mastering