Inner Voices: Exploring the Inner Dialogues of People

Inner Voices offers a mesmerizing blend of R. Carlos Nakai's haunting flute melodies with the rich accompaniment of a string ensemble, featuring new interpretations of Nakai's compositions. This collection enhances the evocative quality of the traditional flute through lush harmonies provided by violin, viola, cello, and double bass, all arranged by the two-time Grammy Award winner, Billy Williams. His arrangements craft a serene soundscape that complements Nakai's mellow flute tones, guiding listeners on a meditative journey into the realms of memory and dreams.

The album features ten tracks, including eight melodies from Nakai's earlier works and a radiant version of the ever-popular "Amazing Grace." With Inner Voices, Nakai revisits familiar themes, presenting new renditions of his previously recorded material. In this work, the Native American flautist-composer's deeply resonant flute tones are supported and uplifted by Williams's majestic yet gentle string arrangements.

The title track, originally from Nakai’s 1998 album Mythic Dreamer, is given a more classic interpretation here. The orchestra’s restrained and thoughtful strings echo the melody, complementing Nakai’s performance with a grounded effect and subtle flourishes like a low cello rumble or a slightly dissonant violin accent. Notable tracks such as "12/20/82 Song" and "Winter Solstice," both from Nakai’s debut album Changes, invoke themes of balance, growth, and healing through the cedar flute’s soothing calls.

"Amazing Grace," which first appeared on Nakai’s Emergence, is transformed into an auditory blessing on this album. Williams’s sweeping arrangements evoke the expansive American Western plains, while Nakai’s flute melody soars above like an eagle on a strong wind.

--Paige La Grone

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