Nicholas Gunn

I'm a big fan of Johannes Linstead and own all of this CDs. I love all of them. Needless to say, I was very excited when a new one came out after a year+ silence.

It was a huge disappointment. My biggest gripe is a ridiculous overabundance of flute. It feels like I'm listening to a flute solo album rather than my favorite Spanish guitar. Either that or, as someone already mentioned, the songs are mostly repetitive and not memorable.

I really hope Johannes can put the flute down in the next album and incorporate as much guitar as possible, it's what he does best, after all.

For me this CD is, simply put, yet another jewel in Johannes Linstead's crown. The collaboration with flautist Nicholas Gunn has given birth to ten beautiful new tracks that effortlessly evoke different moods and places from the laid back and lovely (Costa De La Luz) to the playful (Island Song) to the firey (Encanto, Terre De Oro). To me, Ocaso and Rhyme of the Ancient Forest feel and sound distinctly Peruvian while Island Song has a Calypso feel, and Magic City evokes a Middle Eastern feel.

The title track, Encanto, captures the fire of flamenco perfectly, with great keyboard work dancing wonderfully with Johannes' peerless guitar skill. To The Sea feels like the energetic voyage depicted by the title. I love all of the tracks, but my favorite is "Morning Star that alternates beuatifully between a heart-stirring slow opening and a driving middle passage. The dance between fast and slow in this pieece alone makes it worth the purchase of this CD.

While I don't go through the CD track by track as I sometimes do, please rest assured of my fondness for this piece of work. Johannes Linstead has consistently produced beautiful musical jewels, and Encanto is no different in that regard. With Encanto, Johannes Linstead and Nicholas Gunn have cread a truly magical and special CD that you cannot go wrong with. I love this CD, and I cannot wait to hear what Johannes Linstead will bring to us next. God willing, I will love it just as much as I love Encanto, if not more.

I first heard this music on someone's MySpace site, and really liked it right away. It's peaceful and fun to listen to. Intricate melodies (at least that's what it seems like to me) with the guitar and flute twining around each other make these songs worth listening to on their own.

I am a big fan of Linstead and of new-age flamenco in general (Cook, Armik, Govi, etc.). Linstead's work on his previous albums has been stellar and yet somehow, to me, "Encanto" feels almost monotonous. It lacks the effervescence and inspiration of his previous work (compare, for instance, the scintillating Zambuca). This is not to say the music is in any way bad - simply not as inspired as his other pieces. It's as if the composition was mechanical - like his mind was elsewhere and he simply reused old ideas.

Bottom line - the cd is good, certainly makes great light listening, and has a few truly enjoyable pieces which show Linstead's almost-full flair. But for the serious fan, this composition feels weaker than the others.

Encanto makes me daydream and starts the thought process of making my next trip to Mexico. Love the Spanish guitar. Its very uplifting.

I bought this CD/DVD combo because I've been a fan of Nicholas Gunn's music for several years. All of the pieces here are wonderful; my favorite appearances are from Gunn, of course, and Loren Gold. This New Age/World music is energizing and uplifting. Great for the car or anywhere, really. Seeing the artists perform on the DVD is a great bonus. While the "voice overs" at the beginning of each song were OK for the DVD, I wish they had not been included on the CD. But I'm not taking points off because this is just an awesome overall performance.

This video CD filled my soul with zest. It's a must have for anyone who wants to have a feel good mindset at a moment's notice. The rhythms and percussion are second to none. These musicians are masters and the videography is superb.

LIVE! (CD/DVD)
FEATURING NICHOLAS GUNN, DAVID ARKENSTONE, JOANNES LINSTEAD AND LOREN GOLD

I first heard David Arkenstone several decades ago on a CD called In The Wake of the Wind and I became a fan. Then, maybe a decade ago, I came across flutist Nicholas Gunn doing a series of albums about the deserts of Arizona and the Grand Canyon, and I got hooked on him. About two years ago I heard an album by Johannes Linstead and found him to be one of the catchiest new modern flamenco guitar players to come along. I have never heard pianist Loren Gold before, but he apparently has a couple of CDs out and tours with pop acts.

So all four of these acts are signed to the Gemini Sun label after kicking around elsewhere over the years (apparently Gunn runs the label). Since all four of these artists are comfortable performing in concert (which many so-called new age artists aren't), they decided to do a concert together and record and film it. The artists all get interviewed briefly too (although I did not care for that part much).

This combination CD and DVD package is the result, and it is actually quite exciting. The concert moves rapidly with a lot of energy. Each musician gets a spotlight section and then they join together for the 7:30 encore piece. They have one band that plays behind all of them including a couple of guys on drums and percussion giving a world-beat flair to many of the tunes.

Very seldom do new age artists put out concert albums. Many of them are simply studio hounds and don't play live. A few play select shows, but seldom tour. It probably is not cost-effective. And when you do see one in concert, it often is at a Borders or Barnes & Noble store, plus the artist is playing by themselves to backing tracks, and the atmosphere is not conducive to really enjoying the abbreviated show. So to see four really good musicians with a great band perform in a regular concert hall, and hear them get to stretch out on several tunes (one of Arkenstone's compositions is over eight minutes), and jam together and with the band, it is a real thrill. And even though this package costs a little bit more than usual because it contains a CD and a DVD, it is worth it because none of us get much of a chance to enjoy this kind of music in a concert setting very often. I was not familiar with most of the material, but apparently all of it has been on the acts' various studio albums. So if you already know the tunes, you will probably really dig these concert versions. According to the record company's written background information, several of these live versions are considerably different than the studio versions (in one case the studio saxophone is replaced in concert by flute, for example).

I highly recommend this recording for anyone who likes energetic, non-synthesized, mostly-acoustic new age music; and for anyone who simply likes a good concert film of contemporary instrumental musicians playing their butts off.

Part of GeminiSun Records' Audio Visual Connect Series, Live! is a two-disc CD and DVD set celebrating the art of instrumental music. Featuring Nicholas Gunn, Johannes Linstead, Loren Gold, and David Arkenstone, Live! offers the next best thing to experiencing the vibrance of their music show in person. In addition to performing live on stage, the artists also talk about what each song means to them, and the wonder that expressing oneself through music. The tracks are "Desert Crossing" (8:20), "Falling" (2:37), "For My Baby" (4:04), "Sunnyside" (5:50), "Earth Bones" (2:03), "Elves' Chasm" (4:47), "Apasionado Uno" (4:05), "Breathe" (4:10), "New Day" (5:13), "Dance in the Desert" (7:01), "Gypsy Camp" (5:45), "Spanish Town" (4:21), "Ambrosia" (4:38), "Streets of Old San Juan" (3:26), "Djunga" (7:33). 1 CD, 73 min. 51 sec.; 1 DVD, 74 min. 30 sec.

I have every CD that David Arkenstone has put out. I have almost every CD that Nicholas Gunn has put out also. When I saw this being offerd I knew I had to have it as it was being offered with a DVD of them performing. I have never seen them perform in concet.

Upon getting my CD/DVD I first played the DVD and was thrilled to watch them play in concert. It was there that I saw Loren Gold and Johannas Linstead (who are also on the CD/DVD), whose music I had not heard before until now. I was hooked. I now am going to have to look into their CD's and probably see which ones I will want to buy of theirs. They really put on a show. It is all done live and the CD is done the same as the DVD. There music is fantastic!!! It keeps you moving and on your toes. It lifts your spirits when your day wasn't one of your best. I play the CD in the car when I am running errands and find myself playing it over & over.

The Music of the Grand Canyon cd is a must listen to experience for all you Native American music lovers!!!

This album is absolutely brilliant. The music combines catchy and authentic sounding rhythms with Gunn's flute and synthesized sounds. Some tracks utilize classical guitar and cello. These different elements combine to form an elegant and unique sound that gives you something new to listen to every time. I actually have listened to this CD while driving through Grand Canyon National Park - so I can tell you, the sound really fits the park. Overall, absolutely superb!

After a long day at work, this is great music to put on. I also use it to to calm the kids so they can focus on homework. I'm sure other people have better uses of their time, but as a working mom, his CDs save me and my sanity at the end of the day (and my kids too).

I love this CD! I play it a lot! I would highly reccomend it to anyone!

the CD is very good, a nice music, I like it.

Nicholas Gunn picks up where he left off in "journey to yellow stone". This time round, Gunn takes a more experimental approach with a whole new sound-scape. Slightly more exotic with a dice of easten flavor. Having his past 6 albums, I can see that Gunn's musical vibe have been slowly evolving. This multi-instrumentalist has proven that he is a master of his craft.
Truly inspiring and powerful. An album that will bring you into a greater height of serenity.

Nicholas Gunn captures the presence of beautiful landscapes soothing textures which he transmits as he plays his flute. The listener connects with the earth, sky, and all living and nonliving things with the sound of each note. The mysteries of nature are revealed .... the spiritual realm is opened as whirls of energy surround the listener. Anyone listening is more open to exploring their own personal journey on this path called Life ... infinite possibilities and choices are narrowed down to the ones that matter to you the most. This music is serene, meditative, life-affirming and loving ... The flute music is like the air we breath ... it is essential and very beautiful and real.

ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION: Mehdi ~ Instrumental Heaven Volume 7, A True Gem, Samples at SoothingMusic.Com *** Go Listen Now.

It has been raining here for three weeks straight but I am literally transported to another time and place when I hit play and breathe in the elements that explode out of Nicholas Gunn's latest masterpiece! Being a yoga teacher I plan to share this imaginative and innovative new music with my students to take them out of their everyday enviroment and introduce them to the exotic lush locations in their mind. The album is a wonderful balance of upbeat latin music that makes you want to move and then sends you down a waterfall to a tranquil place that washes over you and leaves you refreshed!

I absolutely love this CD. All of the songs are so beautifully orchestrated and so infused with passion. Nicholas Gunn is such a talented performer, his depth and range really show through on this CD. "Breathe" is passionate, uplifting and great to listen to day or night, and you can even dance to it. I highly recommend it.

It's hard for me to put into words my obsession for this CD =) In the last year I have been through a lot, including a seperation and difficult move, and Breathe is the only thing that has brought me peace and let me sleep at night. I was introduced to the music of Nicholas Gunn by a friend of mine who owns all of the park music, and she somehow knew it was what I needed. I'm so thankful that she did! This CD brings me a kind of rebirth experience, and it was very well thought out and crafted. The songs carry me up and motivate me to live each day to its fullest. I am already waiting for Nicholas's next album with great anticipation.

I have been listening to this CD for few months now and I never get tired. Whenever I watch the DVD or just listen to the music, I feel like I am in different world.

Listen to his music and feel
the sun grow within your heart
and soar on the wind with the
eagles. Beautiful music.
I highly recommend this
man and his music.

I have the DVD/CD they are both conducive to meditaion time. I love it!

Two ways to listen to Gunn's continuing Southwestern brilliance. Thirteen incredible tracks and if you don't want to just listen, put the DVD in your machine and see the stunning natural light photos provided by Michael Fatali. Watching, the DVD, however, there were places where it seemed they were trying to choreograph the pictures to the music and it didn't quite meld together like they wanted. It really wasn't bothersome, just a little noticeable. I think with a little more work, we can look for an even better DVD out of these two ... more incredible music and Fatali's stunning photographs. Well done ... sorry I can rate ONLY 5 stars.

My wife has liked previous works by Nicholas Gunn "The Grand Canyon" so since we had a baby on the way, I thought it would be nice music to listen to. I found this one, which came with a DVD. The pictures are outstanding, and a great complement to the music. Our baby loves it, the music is soothing, and exciting, and the video holds her interest..

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys his type of music.. and I highly recommend it to anyone who has a baby and loves to see their baby smile.

Before I listened to this artist on Lanch, I never heard of him before. I was amazed at how well a man from England could take the old Southwest atmosphere and create such a beautiful stream of music. I listen to it and I feel as though I am living during the time when this land was new, which I think is what his purpose was. The way he was able to incorporate the sound of this lands ancestors (by that I mean Native Americans) and his style of New Age is simply incredible. I look forward to what this man comes up with in the future.

This was a birthday present to ME from ME (i do this every year)this is about my 5th or 6th cd of his between me & my husband,(he always wants to borrow this one.once again Nicholas has come through,we live in Az most of his music is fron the southwest i have to admit i was doubtful at first BUT... he has really shown his talents by going to the midwest.Pop it in the cd player & let your mind wander you WONT be disapointed.

Nicholas Gunn is a classically trained and superbly talented flutist, keyboardist, and percussionist. In Through The Great Smoky Mountains, Gunn draws upon his native ability and obvious talent to musically conjure and reflect the spectacular scenery and breath-taking beauty of the Appalachian mountain range that straddles the boarder of Tennessee and North Carolina. The memorable and enthusiastically recommended selections comprising Through The Great Smoky Mountains include: Call of the Wild; The Highest Point; Cade's Cove; Chieftan's Song; The Place Of Blue Smoke; Azalea Sunrise; Trail of Tears; Awakening; Ramsey Cascades; Passage Through Ancient Relics; and Dance of Light.

Nicholas Gunn simply never misses the mark! This record is current in it's sound and production style. it seems as though Nicholas is an artist that is always moving with the times yet remaining loyal to certain techniques he has developed over the years. I cannot begin to tell someone how much I have enjoyed this record, you simply have to experience it for yourself.

A Fan From TN

Nicholas Gunn is at his best when his music has a more narrative quality. This album recreates that same narrative feeling that he put into his Grand Canyon masterpiece. I am not sure that I don't like this one even more. At first I thought the "out west", native American quality was a little out of place. Then I realized that this land was once the "hunting ground" of the Cherokees and other "Indians." The piece is also a little more reflective and haunting than the Grand Canyon works, which goes along with the more haunting and "settled" quality of the Smoky Mountains. All I can say is that I can't wait for more of this kind of work from him.

Ahhh, to listen to this music is to
revisit Yellowstone....a place that
I have visited often and love dearly.
I highly recommend this music.
Relax and enjoy the beauty.

I do love this CD, as well as most all of Nicholas Gunn music, BUT "The Sacred Fire" is still his best work...in my opinion. If you can only buy one...get The Sacred FIre. If you already have that one, this is a nice addition.

After years of buying Nicholas Gunn titles, this record at last gives a sense of departure from his previous releases. Although this title is in keeping with his sound, this is the start of a new direction for Nicholas as he uses different instrumentation in track 4 "Rebirth" and track 6 "Nature's Cry". I highly recommend this title to anyone who wants to relax but stay focused on the music.

Nicholas Gunn's CDs are always to be savoured, not least because of the rich variety of sounds that can be enjoyed within his music.
His latest travels take him to Yellowstone, and here he captures the sounds that make this location so special.
This CD is a pleasure to listen to from start to finish. I enjoyed all the tracks, but a special mention must go to track 3, "Seeking Serenity", which is extremely beautiful. Here, Gunn utilises just piano and flute, and ends up with a stunning and most relaxing piece.
The insert is nicely illustrated, and again a portion of the proceeds from this album goes directly to the preservation of
Yellowstone.
A worthwhile addition to my collection.

What a pleasant surprise to find a new CD by Mr. Gunn while out shopping. Was amazed to find it on the release day, so I figured it was destiny to make the purchase.
I am a big fan of his earlier work, but felt he started to lose his way over the last few albums, but I must say, this new CD is a return to form!
First off, the artwork and liner notes are very tasteful and informative, but of course, it's the music that brilliantly shines! A lot more focus and passion shines through, especially on tracks like "Black Dragon's Cauldron" and on "Sunrise in Hayden Valley". But, my absolute favorite has to be the song "Nature's Cry." It has a very driving beat, a great melody, and is easily one of my favorite songs by this artist! If he stays in this direction, then I'll be happy! All in all, a very solid offering! I recommend it!

I have recently purchased two albums by Nicholas Gunn: The Sacred Fire and The Music of the Grand Canyon. I really like The Sacred Fire album - think it's a very nicely flowing, refreshing music (and that's why I gave it a 5-star rating) - however, it seems like the other albums (judging from my second CD and samples of music of the other albums) are very similar to this one. Again, I LIKE this music, but don't like it when artists put out one album after another, being just a mild variation on the 'blue print' album.

Personally, I would've been happy with just this one album, The Sacred Fire, as a 'representative' of Nicholas Gunn's music - save your money on buying other 'copies' of it (through the other CDs) and instead try an album by some other artist.

This is the most beautiful selection of pieces I have ever heard. From the mystic sounding "SACRED FIRE" to the hauntingly beautiful "RUBY FOREST" and "MIDNIGHT HOUR" these themes stay with your soul long after the music ends. YOU GOTTA BUY THIS ONE!

Nicholas' second album, and he only got better. Once again he performs the drumming and flute himself, adds his own vocals and other instrumental performances, and brings in such notables as native vocalists, Zavier on guitar, and Karen Briggs (Yanni, etc) on violin (though he does perform most of the music himself, he adds guests on most tracks). Nicholas' style is a unique blend of Southwest/Tribal and African with influences from all over. It's not a hodgepodge, even though it might sound like it: it's a masterfully blended mixture of complementary sounds and musical traditions. Nicholas' flute playing is melodic and uplifting. The percussion is all on acoustic instruments of various types, and the synth fills in the edges. The music is introspective, stating a theme and elaborating on it, but not boring - he is a great composer. Ranging from majestic to fiery, the album will inspire you, calm you, cleanse your soul, invigorate you. It is truly an album that must be heard all the way through. You will remember the first time you hear this one.

An absolutely beautiful and truly haunting seranade that takes one to moonlit evenings on the Sonoran Desert. Escape at its best!

you will love his work after you have listened this piece:From Heaven to Earth.

Just absolutely beautiful.

has been my all time favorite for 4 years now.

Just when you thought there was no other way to redo a traditional Christmas carol anlong comes Nicholas Gunn. I never even liked the song Auld Lang Sine but I do now. The arrangements are uplifting, soothing, and plesant. They are different without taking away the beauty of the original carol. If you like Christmas carols and Nicholas Gunn you will surely enjoy this alblum.

I bought this CD because I have been a longtime Nicholas Gunn fan. I own just about all of his music and always enjoy the uplifting sound of his flute and compositions. However, this contemporay instrumental holiday song package is not as good as other artists' collections; specifically, Ottmar Liebert (Poets and Angels and Christmas Santa Fe), Tingstad and Rumbel (Star of Wonder), Narada Christmas Collections, and Manheim Steamroller (4 different collections). While Gunn's flute sounds as good as ever, the arrangements and background instruments do not offer the same level of imagination as the others. Also, this CD is only 38 minutes -- should contain least 50-60 minutes of material. In summary, I can only recommend this release to Gunn's die hard fans because there are better compilations available.

It is great relaxing music also great for story and poem writing. Other ppl enjoy them too. Would reccomend!

Nicholas' first album is an amazing blend of percussion, flute, piano, and sheer rhythm. At times all I can do is marvel - he excels as a musician and flautist. I have difficulty even counting some of the tracks, let alone playing them. This album shows none of the characteristic roughness of a first album when compared to his latest work. There is no sense that he was a good musician but has now matured more - it continues to stand as a masterful piece of work.

Musically, Nicholas bases everything on rhythm. Strong African influence will be heard immediately, but there are lots of things blended in - but it still ends up being Nicholas you are listening to, no tentative mix of "well, this might sound good here too." On top of this rock-solid foundation, he builds lovely, uplifting melodies with voice and flute and sometimes other instruments.

I don't usually listen to music loud - a good pair of headphones and a comfy chair suit me fine - but this one somehow ends up being played louder than other albums I own. Some music is just meant to fill the air, like Pink Floyd for example.

I never "recommend" music, but I will say this album gets a lot of stereo time even five years after I bought it.

I bought this tape in Sedona but the effect it has on me has travelled back to my home in Pennsylvania. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who wants to be surrounded by beautiful relaxing music that gets your creative juices flowing.