Album Description: QUIET FIRE marks the first meeting of three remarkable artists, each distinguished for shaping (and reshaping) the face of contemporary world music. The woodwinds of master flautist Gary Stroutsos; William Eaton’s handcrafted stringed instruments; pan-global percussion by Will Clipman—disparate elements fused together in a meditative celebration of newfound common ground.
More than an exchange between musical minds, however, QUIET FIRE represents a new nexus of sound. Koto-harp guitar, Chinese bamboo Xiao flute, water drums, udu and other exotic instruments don’t just mingle; they merge. The result: earfuls of open sky and whispering willows, a natural sound to unwind the mind and pacify the soul.
Attuned to the soothing hum of well-being, QUIET FIRE is a musical journey impelled by an innate sensitivity. To luxuriate in its depth is to gaze into the reflecting pool of the heart. The view will ignite your imagination and restore your spirit.
Not just for the Spa This is just about the most sensual sound track ever recorded. Stroutsos will take the Xiao from Chinese antiquity to bedrooms everywhere. (Yes, you can meditate to it as well.) Even if you have heard Eaton before, you have never heard him like this --Koto-harp guitar, incredible! He balances Stroutsos perfectly while Clipman glues the trio together with everything from Water Drums to Udu. These three have made a unique contribution to world music that will live for years to come. This is a Grammy lock. If these guys ever play near you, it would be worth driving three states just to hear them. In the meantime, buy this CD.
Spiritual Rhythms Believe these wonderful musicians produced this CD with a true caress Heart and a deepest musical sense of love and harmony. No doubt, this is a must have CD. Just take my word for it.
Dialogue of Enlightenment Quiet Fire is a recording so tight, so pure and so beautifully gorgeous sounding - Stroutsos, Eaton and Clipman have produced a lyrical vision that shines from the mountaintop. This unique recording of love compels one to listen over and over in order to absorb the elegant and sophisticated nuances bouncing off the dynamic interplay between these three masters. White Swan Records is to be commended for the superb packaging and production. An evergreen title for years to come, Quiet Fire is deserving of a Grammy Nomination in the World Music category. We hope to hear more from this excellent acoustic jazz trio.
Deep Relaxation This CD is a fusion of a variety of cultural sounds. It is intriguing as well as deeply soothing. It allows the listener to float through the melodic variations of this blend of flute, percussion and guitar. Just when you think you have it figured out it twists and turns and develops another thematic mode. Truly unique and comforting. I'd recommend it highly!
Fabulous CD This is a wonderful new CD - one of the best of 2004. I am amazed that this is the first time these three very talented musicians - Stroutsos, Clipman, and Eaton - have recorded together. Let's support the genre - buy lots of their CDs and hope they record another soon. Each plays wonderfully and the range and blending of instruments is unique: Koto-harp guitar, Chinese bamboo Xiao flute, water drums, udu and other exotic instruments. The music has a great range in tempos and moods. I've seen Gary Stroutsos in concert - WOW! He is fabulous - I hope the three will go on tour soon. Thanks for a totally enjoyable CD that is one of the best in my large world music collection!!!
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