Peter Kater is just a compelling composer and gifted pianist who I've reviewed often times over the years. For pretty much 20 years he has collaborated with R. Carlos Nakai and other Native American musicians. Their CD, Through Windows and Walls, remains a popular, along side Kater's Red Moon and Birds of Prey, which continue being treasured parts of my music library. Three-time Grammy nominee Kater includes a gift for creating soundscapes of lush beauty, a great complement for a lengthy drive through the Desert Southwest. Kater's music as a cinematic quality, as though written for the movie of one's life. On Faces of the Sun, Native American flute accompanies gorgeous contemporary melodies, affording the listener a precious glimpse into one's heart of the wild Divine.

Kater assembled an outstanding cast of Native American artists for Faces of the Sun, the majority of whom I experienced the pleasure of reviewing at once or another. Bill Miller, as an example, is featured on the title track in addition to on "Stone Teepees." His vocals on "Faces of the Sun" are haunting, in addition to inspiring, evoking the text of First Nations people with the natural world well before the invasion began. His guitar work is also first rate. Miller shows up again on "Stone Teepees," this time playing flute, in addition to contributing what and chanting. Music Reviews


Other tracks feature the fabulous flute playing of Mary Youngblood, Kevin Locke, Jeff Ball, Joseph Fire Crow and Douglas Blue feather. Bass, violin, cello, oboe and penny whistles from the renowned Paul McCandless round out the instrumentation, along side Kater's signature keyboards and percussion. For some of the very outstanding Canadian and American influenced contemporary instrumental music of 2007. Make sure to give Faces of the Sun a careful listen.