The Music of the Grand Canyon

While Nicholas Gunn hails from England, his heart is in the deserts of the American Southwest. Despite common associations with this arid region, Gunn's music never sounds desolate or forbidding. In contrast, each track on THE MUSIC OF THE GRAND CANYON is bursting with activity and color. Gunn's compositions are influenced by Native American music, specifically that of the Navajo. Tracks such as "Moonlight On Havasu Creek" and "Phantom Ranch" even employ tribal rhythms and distant chanting. Other selections such as "New World" and "Four Worlds" feature the Spanish guitar. Additionally, "Grand Canyon" includes a narrative history of the region. Despite this, Gunn's flute remains the centerpiece of each selection and his extroverted style combines native flute traditions with New Age atmospherics. This is all supported by rich layers of keyboards and electronic percussion. Moreover, nature sound effects--such as thunder, rain, and wind--dot Gunn's musical landscapes. Overall, THE MUSIC OF THE GRAND CANYON is as expansive and dramatic as the land it represents.