R. Carlos Nakai

The flute holds the central focus in most of R. Carlos Nakai's recordings, but his frequent collaborations with German-born pianist Peter Kater and others outside the Native American tradition foster a unique sound. Despite being a frequent resident of the Billboard new age charts, Nakai has never recorded for a major label.

Despite his laid-back style, R. Carlos Nakai is a prolific composer and performer. In the 22 or so years since his debut, the Tucson native has notched up more than 30 albums. Not only has he recorded and performed as a solo flautist, but he's also recorded in ensemble and with an orchestra.

When all is said and done, this is healing music, music that reconnects the spirit to something larger out there, music that causes the body to find its own inner rhythms and serenity. R. Carlos Nakai has found a way to bring an almost yogic atmosphere to his music. Listen and rejuvenate.

Before new age had even gotten its name, R. Carlos Nakai was a practicing founder. As a consequence of his Navajo-Ute background, Nakai had incorporated spiritual themes into his music from the outset, occasionally mixing his flute with chanting, ambient recordings, and the occasional synthesizer. He has also drawn extensively from Zuni and Lakota traditional music, and has on occasion paired with Tibetan avant-garde flutist Nawang Khechog to fuse the music of East and West.