On the back cover of
Windtamer,
Jeff Ball writes that his "Native American heritage is limited to...a distant ancestor." Despite that limitation, he has developed some stature as a performer in Native American communities in the eastern U.S.
Windtamer is pseudo-documentation of his performances at their powwows. The CD features
Ball on "American Indian Cedar Flute and Percussion," Sennen Quigley on synthesizer, Dr. Red Hawk's spoken word, and the Cedar Creek Singers on vocals and chants. They combine their talents to create a marvelous atmospheric rendering of the ceremonial music.
Ball's sensitive touch treats the material with respect and dignity. While this is certainly not groundbreaking material, it is very well done. The synth and the flute complement each other well. This CD will appeal to fans of
Coyote Oldman,
Douglas Spotted Eagle, John Huling, and
Rusty Crutcher. ~ Jim Brenholts