by Jim Brenholts
Gerald Jay Markoe, recording as Ancient Brotherhood, created Star Spirits: Music of the Night in Sedona, AZ, &for deep relaxation, sleep, and healing.& It might be difficult to associate the nature samples and sounds (oceans, brooks, streams, and aquatic wildlife) with Sedona, but the sound design is superb. Markoe combines Native American flutes, nature samples and a &heartbeat& medicine drum (at 60 beats per minute) to generate deep atmospheric music. Each sound-design element complements the others. The natural sonority of the Native American flute enhances the ambient and space music appeal. This exceptional CD will appeal to fans of Coyote Oldman, Marina Raye, and Douglas Spotted Eagle.