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Release Date: 23-05-2006

Label: Silver Wave Records

Catalog Number: SD944

Barcode: 21585094420

Musical Style: Native American

Reviews:

While I have heard of Mary Youngblood before, this is the first CD of hers that I have actually reviewed. After just one playing I realized what a treat I've been missing. Dance With The Wind is an excellent Native American-fusion/acoustic instrumental album (with three equally great vocal tracks as well) and I heartily recommend it to those who enjoy flute-acoustic ensemble music with a pronounced (although not overwhelmingly so) Native influence. Certainly it stands toe-to-toe with releases by Mark Holland's fine group, Autumn's Child. The album flows with an unforced gentility and sweetness, like a tonic for all the sorrow, despair, and negativity that pummels our souls in today's misery-plagued world.

Flutist Mary's main collaborator is Tom Wasinger who handles guitar, percussion, bass, and more than a few other instruments, plus several other accompanists on selected tracks as well. Wasinger's adroit finger work on guitar is immediately heard on the opening Misty Rain which is also one of my favorite tracks, flowing with a gentle sense of movement and featuring Youngblood's emotive flute playing (Eric Levine's violin and Jody Price's cello add a wonderful texture to the piece as well). Wind Whispers has a slightly more mystical sound to it, along with subtle rhythms, courtesy of Mark McCoin's slit drum and percussion. Youngblood overdubs on alto and wooden flute and the result is musical magic. Proving that she can throw a little pep into the fusion hopper, My Gypsy Soul might induce the more free-spirited listener to tap his/her toe or even dance a little jig around the room.

Youngblood proves to be an excellent vocalist and lyricist as well on the three tracks which feature her fine singing talents: Play with Me, Make an Offering, and the title track. This is one time when a primarily instrumental album is actually enhanced by the inclusion of some vocal tracks, and I don't know that I have ever made that statement before in my almost ten years of reviewing. Her lyrics are sincere, heartfelt, and (dare I say it) meaningful without carrying a hint of pretension -- well done indeed! The music on the vocal tracks could best be described as folk in nature, although with her flute playing added to the mix, there is, of course, the Native influence as well. Of the three, I would rate Play With Me as the best. It's an outstanding track, with her sublime voice multi-tracked at different octaves, and on headphones it's drop dead beautiful.

Dance With Me is a high energy tune with Wasinger shining on no less than four instruments, while Reach For The Sky showcases Youngblood's ability on piano besides her usual flute. The song is sedate and somewhat sad in tone, but not in a way that derails the overall positive vibe of the CD. Another of my personal faves is On Our Journey on which Youngblood (as she does many times on the album) allows others to to step out and shine (Wasinger, Levine, and Price are all on this track, just as on the first song). There is a bonus hidden thirteenth song on the CD too: a deeply spiritual tribal piece featuring Native drums and percussion and Youngblood's flute (and subtle synth textures at the song's outset).

I sure do like Dance With The Wind. I like it a whole lot. It is one of most engaging and friendly releases I've heard this year. The music makes me want to get to know Mary personally, and that is high praise in my mind. Even if you don't usually consider yourself a fan of Native American fusion music, but you enjoy acoustic ensemble (flute-led) instrumentals, you need to look into getting this CD. And, I'd be surprised if the vocal tracks don't win you over as they did me. I highly recommend this excellent recording and I hope it finds a wide audience because heaven knows it deserves one.

Bill Binkelman - New Age Reporter

The Native American Grammy winner's follow-up to her brilliant, Feed the Fire is pure magic! Eclectic cannot begin to describe where this versatile performer (she plays flute, piano, guitar and sings) takes the listener. From Celtic meanderings in, Dance with Me and soaring Native flute virtuosity in, Blood of My Blood, to Shenandoah-like sweet vocals in Play with Me, Youngblood's (Aleut/ Seminole) musical gumbo is a treat for the ears! With an assist from mega-producer Tom Wasinger (is there any instrument this guy can't play?), Jerry Daub and host of studio musicians, Youngblood's flute and voice weave their way through thirteen tantalizing tracks!

Favorites include, the opening cut, Misty Rain, the almost mystical, 'Wind Whispers and the title track. A tasty confection of Native flute, keen vocals and string landscapes, Mary Youngblood's, Dance with the Wind is as good as it gets!

Gene Bates - Whispering Wind Magazine

Description:

Sometimes the wind whispers and sometimes the wind howls. When Grammy winner Mary Youngblood lets the wind flow through her Native American flutes the result is always one of beauty and joy. Her eclectic musical style evokes feelings of freedom, and gratitude for the blessings of life, our Dance with the Wind.

Mary Youngblood just keeps getting better and her third Grammy nominated record is certainly a joy to behold. Stellar flute playing, signature song writing, creative arrangements, and unique instrumentation all combine to make this a superb recording.

Now a Grammy Nominee for 2007.

The Grammy Award winners will be announced February 11, 2007 during the annual TV broadcast live from Los Angeles.

Biography:

Mary Youngblood's recording career with Silver Wave Records began in 1998 and they are proud to have released all five of the outstanding records that she has created since then. Right from the start they recognized that Mary is a special talent and that her flute playing stands out well above the crowd. They first showcased her talent on The Offering a solo flute project that quickly earned her a large base of fans and an award for Flutist of the Year from the Native American Music Awards.

Mary's career has continued to blossom with each new release attracting more fans and earning numerous awards along the way.

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