'Ann Licater's music is soft and yet overpowering- it reaches the depth of my being and awakens the spirit inside of me.' - Ela Gandhi Enter a state of relaxation with healing music from award-winning flutist Ann Licater. Beautiful solo, duet and multi-instrumental compositions feature wood and silver flutes accompanied by grand piano, hand-held crystal bowls, world percussion, soft vocal layers and electric bass. This artfully recorded CD creates a soothing and meditative listening experience that inspires self-reflection and well-being. REVIEW by Jonathan Widran, 'All Music Guide' Once again celebrating the mystical healing powers of the flute, Ann Licater-who masterfully performs on Native American, Native American-style, Silver and Alto Flutes and Peruvian Huaca-creates (or shall we say, channels from a place of transcendence) a melodically and rhythmically inventive, gloriously dreamy and soul soothing third solo album. True to it's title, it draws our hearts as an Invitation from Within-an opportunity to explore our inner selves and come to a state of grace and deeper self-awareness on the wings of a lush and often magical musical journey. Many of these 12 tracks include beautiful and haunting harmonies provided by everything from Jeff Oster's trumpet (the richly hypnotic "Cradle of Light") to Ivar Lunde's grand piano (which inhabits five of the songs), and the excellent percussionists Kathleen Farrell (hand held crystal bowls), David DiLullo (Peruvian Cajon) and Jason Introwitz (conga, steel tongue drum) add well placed bursts of primal magic. Yet by design, Licater's soul centerpiece, the true focus, is on the shifts in consciousness that only her variety of lead flute lines can create. Invitation from Within brings the listener to a place he or she will long want to stay. It's a musical triumph, but more importantly, a triumph for the soul. REVIEW by Dan Cowan- Editor, 'Music Design In Review' With her third solo album, Native American flutist Ann Licater presents some of her most soulful flute compositions to date. All of the pieces on INVITATION FROM WITHIN flow with a dreamy serenity; the melodies are bright and smooth with a graceful quality that puts the listener at ease. This is Licater's 2nd outing with Grammy-nominee Peter Phippen, who co-produced the album and plays bass, helping to give the music it's reflective charm. Licater is backed up by the twinkling tones of the piano and the strumming of electric bass, as well as a subtle sprinkling of crystal singing bowls, Afro-Peruvian cajon, conga and metal tongue drum and vocals. The flutes themselves that she plays vary from the Native American flute to silver alto flute to the unique Peruvian Huaca flute. The sweet tranquility of the album's harmonies makes it a natural fit for relaxation, meditation and other healing work. Close your eyes and let the profound beauty of INVITATION FROM WITHIN wash away your stress and bring you to a place of peace.
