Moon of First Snow

by Golana

Overview

Although Golana is a more mystical name and thus more in line with the cool spiritual vibe of this Native American flute odyssey, the artist spills the beans in the liner notes by informing listeners that his real name is the much less exotic Scott Cunningham. No matter his heritage, he captures a graceful vibe by blending a handful of flutes (Native American E-minor and C-minor, bamboo bass flute) and hand-drum rhythms with guitars and keyboards. Some fans of this type of music (whose recordings always include moonlit imagery for some reason) prefer a more sparse, unplugged approach, just flute and percussion. But the outside rhythms and harmonies keep each track from sounding too similar to the last. The idea is to blend melancholy feelings with more hopeful, anticipatory thoughts, but always in the mode of deep, expansive contemplation. Melissa Hasin's cello adds a mournful effect to "Time of Long Nights" and a classical, chamber music flavor to "Water from Heaven." Golana's liner note reflections help paint the imagery behind the haunting soundtrack. All of this is best enjoyed, of course, by fans of guys like Gary Stroutsos or R. Carlos Nakai. ~ Jonathan Widran

Product Details

Release Date:	08/27/2002
Label:	Spring Hill Music
UPC:	0718795603923
Rank:	152619

Tracks

1. Seven Ravens
2. Time of Long Nights
3. Water from Heaven
4. Moon of First Snow
5. Beloved
6. Morning Storm
7. Cherokee Morning Song
8. Oginali Efv
9. Wind in the Leaves
10. Hymn of Peace
11. To Love and Be Loved
12. Eagle Flying High

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Golana   Primary Artist
Melissa Hasin   Flute,Cello
Heather Rose Fenton   Vocals (Background)
Carolyn Osborn   Guitar (Acoustic),Violin
Bill Young   Vocals (Background),Vocals (Background)
David Chamberlin   Guitar (Acoustic),Keyboards,Hand Drums,Guitar (Acoustic),Vocals (Background),Piano,Bass
Scott "Golana" Cunningham   Flute (Bass),Vocals (Background),Native American Flute,Flute (Alto),Bamboo Flute,Hand Drums
Scott Hartley   Piano,Vocals (Background)
Gerri Sutyak   Cello
Howard Richman   Piano
Stephanie Bennett   Pedal Harp

Technical Credits

Scott Cunningham   Audio Production
David Chamberlin   Audio Engineer,Audio Production,Engineer,Producer,Composer,Mixing
Scott "Golana" Cunningham   Executive Producer,Producer,Arranger
Gary Miraz   Design,Cover Art,Layout Design
Traditional   Composer
Paul Tavenner   Mastering
Suzanne Doucet   Design,Cover Art,Layout Design
Scott Hartley   Composer
Golana   Composer
Stephanie Bennett   Arranger
Howard Richman   Composer