Dirty Linen (p.62) - "[With] the lonesome, elegant sound of Nakai's flute unaccompanied to various collaborative settings, including the sprightly orchestral textures of 'Lake That Speaks..."
New Age Retailer (Vol. 18, No. 5, p.73) - "[A]n excellent introduction to Nakai's distinguished work..."
Personnel: R. Carlos Nakai (Native America flute); William eaton (guitar); Paul Horn (flute); Nawang Khechog, Wind Travelin' Band.
Recorded between 1983 & 2003. Includes liner notes by Robert Doyle.
IN BEAUTY, WE RETURN is the first compilation album from R. Carlos Nakai, master of the Native American cedar flute. Culled from over two dozen solo albums, collaborations, and live recordings, this collection represents Nakai's entire musical career. His ethereal, haunting flute is blended into an unusual number of musical styles and genres, including jazz, fusion, and classical. Nakai's music is authentically Native American, yet his expression is completely original and personal. IN BEAUTY, WE RETURN includes three tracks from Nakai's performances with the Canyon Symphony Orchestra, including his classic "Whippoorwill," a hypnotic track that is made richer by the inclusion of strings and percussion. Listeners will have a chance to compare it against the stark, entrancing original, which is also included here. Even with his genre-jumping, Nakai keeps his sound soothing and minimal. He allows rhythm and intensity to create tension and interest, never resorting to bombast or jarring percussion. Nakai is a favorite among bodyworkers and is perfect for healing work, meditation, and setting a quiet, yet energized, mood.
