Kairos is the music to accompany the poetry book by the same name, although the book extends beyond poetry and offers insights into Native American wisdom and culture. This is contemporary Native American flute in a unique style.

The list of supporting instruments seems to go on forever. Just take a look at these guys and the variety of instruments to get an idea of the musical smorgasbord that is contained on this CD: TerryLee Whetstone plays C-bass flute, eagle flute, eagle bone whistle, traditional cedar flute, drone/double flute, cacti rain stick, conch shell, horse flute, six-hole cedar flute, concert flute, C-PVC flute, four-hole tiny flute, raven flute, D-minor bass flute and ocarina. James Seals plays Eastern chime, hand drum, acoustic guitar, floor drum, bells, turtle rattler, cymbal, tuning forks, large cacti rain stick, egg rattle, electric guitar, water drum, chimes, cowbell, tambourine and modern drums. Both men add vocals.

There is something almost magical about this pairing. They accompany each other to perfection, with a timing that will send chills up your spine. I do hope this is the beginning of a long working relationship with these two men. They produce mystical work that reaches you deep inside and stirs something ancient into modern flight. The frequent echo effect in this collection accentuates this to the most intense degree.

On the back cover, TerryLee asks you to listen to this CD at least four times before you open the booklet and read the titles for the selections. He asks you to create your own names to reflect where the music has taken you. I did this and was surprised that in nine of the 14, my titles almost matched his and had the same meaning. Be sure to try it and see how well he has managed to project his message through these compositions.

I have to admit that the piece incorporating the electric guitar (I am not using any titles until you have listened four times) was a shock to me. Be prepared. You will be torn between relaxing with the flute and dancing to the jazz of the guitar. The subtitle for this piece is "Touch of Jazz." It is difficult to relax and meditate while dancing yourself into a frenzy. I found this combination to be extremely intriguing, since I do not associate these two styles with each other. Oddly enough, they pull it off with just the right amount of each for it to be a pleasing mix.

I would like to see this duo produce an entire album of pieces like the one with the cowbell and tambourine and the 13th one where every time the flute does that "whew" thing it feels like somebody has reached inside you and tickled your heart. It is the most uplifting music!

TerryLee is working on his next book and CD, titled GooD MedicinE. The music included will be "very traditional ... with very little sound effects or electronic enhancements used." Watch for news of those releases.

TerryLee Whetstone's music is a gift from the Creator. This is readily understood as you listen to the way he plays -- totally relaxed and just open. I cannot describe it any other way. It is as if the music just flows right out of his heart. His ability to command and manipulate mood and message is mystical, magical, and downright uncanny! Order a copy and take the title challenge today.

- Rambles
written by Alicia Karen Elkins
published 1 May 2004

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