Migration seems almost capable of sweeping away any sense of trouble, and soothing out any fears. The music on the album is basically of an improvisational nature, with pianist
Kater and flautist
Nakai developing themes and ideas that were then fleshed out in the process of recording. The music was conceived originally as a foundation for personal ritual; in the thematic development that followed, the scope of the music was widened to include spiritual growth as well, hence the title and direction of the tracks. The root of the music continues to be Kater's gentle piano constructions coupled with Nakai's Native American flutes, whistles and low-key chanting and humming; other instruments are built into this foundation, strengthening the whole rather than indulging in arrangement for the sake of it -- there's no apparent attempt to impress with musical trickery here. On an emotional level, this album is gorgeous, well recorded and mixed, a particular pleasure in that it's not at all wispy even though it's exceptionally gentle. ~ Steven McDonald