REVIEWS FOR CLOUDWALKER
Published July 03, 2008 12:00 am - Randy Granger
Cloudwalker
Dogsense Music
If you like flute music, or think you might, this one's for you.
Native American flute artist Randy Granger's 2006 release "Cloudwalker" has a little bit of everything.
'Cloudwalker' steps up with soothing flute tunes old and new
Randy Granger
Cloudwalker
Dogsense Music
If you like flute music, or think you might, this one's for you.
Native American flute artist Randy Granger's 2006 release "Cloudwalker" has a little bit of everything. From the naturally-inspired trills on "Mourning Dove" to haunting versions of traditional tunes including "Oh Shenandoah," "Oh Danny Boy," "Wayfaring Stranger" and (with equally crisp vocal work) "Across the Wide Missouri," there is something a bit familiar to almost anyone, regardless of their musical leanings.
There's even a suitably sonorous rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" for musical fans and the intriguing "East Wind/Amazing Grace," which partners Granger's own work with the old hymn to yield quite a mistiness-inducing composition.
Another interesting track is a flute-and-hang-drum version of the Sting-penned tune "Every Breath You Take" that repaints the rather dark song in a much more lightweight, easygoing tone.
Rest assured, there are plenty of entertaining original tracks by Granger, too. The opening tune, the drowsily playful "Organ Mountain Sunrise," done masterfully and segueing effortlessly into the faster-paced traditional "Comanche Riding Song," (which Granger pulls off nicely as well) doesn't disappoint.
Title track "Cloudwalker" and "Apostasy" showcase Granger's adeptness at crafting compositions for flute and drum and voice, respectively. The only complaint I had about the latter was its minute-and-change length that left me wanting more of Granger's singing.
The sense of motion conjured up by "Redwood and Steel" closes out the album nicely and seems like it should be an especially rewarding treat in a live setting. Local audiences may be able to find out just how much of a treat this weekend; Randy Granger is scheduled to perform 8 p.m. Saturday at Borders Books Music and Video, 300 Norman Center Court. For more information, call 573-4907.
-- Adam Scott
author: Hahkota-Shi
I first discovered Randy Granger and his music through a search via YouTube and was immediately drawn by his song "Hummingbird" and subsequently, purchased his CD "Cloudwalker". This CD has certainly became one of my favorite Native American Style Flute CDs. I honestly can say that I like ALL the songs on this CD. If I have to name three of my most favorite songs from "Cloudwalker", the songs would be: 1. Hummingbird (very catchy tune and stays on your mind throughout the day), 2. Every Breath You Take (love the combination of flute and hang drum), 3. Song for Grandfather (again very catchy tune). In Summary, "Cloudwalker" is an outstanding Native American Style Flute CD with excellent listening value. I would certainly purchase his next CD when it becomes available. Thank you, Randy, for your music and dedication within the Native American Flute circle. ~Hahkota-Shi~
"Soothing and Soaring!"
author: Matt Venuti, musician, recording artist
A wonderful balance of heart-felt soundscapes and inspiring melodies make Randy's CD an exceptional listening experience. There are also some unexpected twists that give this CD more than a hint of New Mexican Chili spice!
"Such beautiful and healing music."
author: Margo - from the internet
You are so very kind. Oprah should be so lucky to have you on her show. We bought your cloudwalker cd at i-tunes. my 7 year old with autism- came right over to the computer to listen. Could I take you up on your offer for your winter colors cd? that would be great and much appreciated. We are going to pass your beautiful music along anyway we can. I plan on playing cloudwalker on the alzheimer's unit at the nursing home where i work. I think it will be great for them.
"A beautiful album to be played over and over again!"
author: Tanya
This was my first experience of Randy Granger's music and immediately I knew he would become one of my favourite flute artists. This album provided a mix of well-known songs such as Every Breath You Take and Somewhere Over The Rainbow, which other wonderful tunes that were new to me; my favourites being Oh Shenendoah and Across The Wide Missouri, which give me shivers every time I hear them! This is a seriously mellow album so beware if listening to it while driving! The power of Randy's music is clearly illustrated by the fact that for years I have avoided the song Danny Boy due to sad associations for our family, but this version I could not resist listening to - Randy Granger truly makes songs his own. I love this album and listen to it repeatedly without ever losing the magic :-)
"The Hang drum and Native Flute propel Granger's music" skyward.
author: DOWNLOAD.COM
Editor's review
The innovative "Hang" drum along with a fluttery flute propel this New Mexico songman, but if his takes tend toward ephemeral New Age, the songs he covers are of this earth. If you thought Diddy's version of "Every Breath You Take" was haunting and ambitious, wait till you hear Granger's.
"Oh Shenendoah is incredibly moving-sad and happy at the same time."
author: Krystal
I really enjoyed listening to your music. it was a miracle i stumbled across tonight surfing the net. I'm telling my family all about you and your site. we're native american too and we love flute music. but i have to say that i enjoyed the accapella version of Oh shenendoah the most. It was incredible and very moving, sad and happy at the same time. Keep up the great work.
"Beautiful, awesome music."
author: Colleen
I went to his concert in Las Cruces two weeks ago. awesome beautiful music.
5 out of 5 stars "You music is awesome, full of raw energy and life!"
Reviewer: Ryan Caddell - Taupo, New Zealand
Randy,your music is awesome, full of raw energy and life. I found you through myspace.com. p.s. Keep making beautiful music, your making a lot of people happy and keep playing the hang drum :D Ryan
5 out of 5 stars "Organ Mountain Sunrise is exquisite......deep soulful playing."
Reviewer: yarrowoman
I listened to the Organ Mountain Sunrise and it is exquisite. There are so many players out there that lack something you have: deep soulfulness when you play...i feel it to the core. keep up the good work!
5 out of 5 stars Love your "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"...touches my heart.
Reviewer: Greg
Randy, I love the way you play "Somewhere over the rainbow" ...God bless you and Thanks for playing your music touchs my heart. Greg
5 out of 5 stars Amazing CD. "Great songs on Flute, Voice and Hang drum."
Reviewer: Vince Chafin, Recording artist, Touring Musician
I had a long drive from Zion to Sacramento and listened to your CD Cloudwalker several times. Your voice is amazing: you have definitely done your work. I loved you flute playing as well and REALLY enjoyed the Hang. Every Breath you Take was great! I wish you nothing but the Best Randy... I hope our paths cross again real soon. Vince Chafin, www.vincechafin.com
5 out of 5 stars great song writer, great musician, great sound. Reviewer: wayne
Organ Mountain Sunrise is a beautiful beginning to Cloudwalker. So is Mourning Dove, Cloudwalker, Hummingbird--his originals are great. But the final two, Apostasy and Redwood and Steel--these are outstanding! Beyond beautiful--unique. Check these out.
5 out of 5 stars "Shendoah, Organ Mountain Sunrise real standouts on this CD."
Reviewer: S. Derrickson Moore, Las Cruces Sun-News
"Amazing Grace," vocal and instrumental renditions of "Shenendoah" and "Organ Mountain Sunrise" are among standout tracks featured on Granger's latest CD, "Cloudwalker," which he describes as a collection of "solo Native American-style flute music, original and traditional songs played on hard and soft wood flutes." --"Las Cruces Sun-News" S. Derrickson Moore May 5, 2006
5 out of 5 stars "Excellent Performer," Reviewer: Quail Spirit
This is a great CD. I saw Randy "LIVE" at the Zion Canyon Art & Flute Festival. Even though it rained on that day, Randy didn't skip a beat. And his talents on the Hang Drum are unparalelled. Thanks for a Great Show Randy . . .