Four local artists releasing new music
For Jack “Flute” Holland, not winning a Native American Music Award last October was naturally disappointing, but having his debut CD, “Echoes From the Mountain,” nominated has proven to be a transformative event nonetheless.
Known as Flute to his friends and family, he recorded the CD along with percussionist Keith Talley in their own studio under the group name Crazy Flute. Flute didn’t set out to be a musician, much less an artist playing flute or Native American music, but once he discovered he had a talent for it, he committed to it.
Recording “Echoes” was a learning experience in many ways for him, and after getting the nomination and attending the awards show in Niagara Falls, N.Y., he has become even more dedicated to the craft. He and Talley released their second effort, “Tribal Groove,” at the end of December.
“It was an amazing experience,” he said of the awards show.
“We drove to Niagara Falls, did the tourist thing and then we went to the awards show. It was pretty epic, and we were happy to be there. It led to getting some gigs at festivals in Wisconsin and Texas and possibly one in North Carolina.
“I also got to meet some of the big names in Native American music. We were told we made a very good showing of ourselves, expecially since it was our first recording.”
Flute said the experience upped their confidence levels, and he spent a lot of time watching other artists and talking to them about things such as websites, social media and marketing campaigns. He said he and Talley used a more professional and easier-to-use recording software tool this time around.
All of the 12 songs are originals, and Flute said he has included a spoken-word piece and another with Native American chant.
“I also used a strumstick, which is like a three-string guitar with almost a bluegrass sound, and we added some keyboard work.”
You can find Flute and his music at www.crazyflutemusic.com, and you can find him playing around town beginning in April as part of Soundcorp Sidewalk Stages busking program.
“Tribal Groove” is just one of several new works from local artists out in recent weeks. Lew Card released “Takeout, Vol. 1” this week. See full story on Page 7. Also, Johnny Balik has a new tune out on iTunes called “Take My Hand.” He will release “Honey” on Jan. 26.
Magic Birds, featuring Scott Bruce and Ben Ezell, has a new single out called “New Year, New Light,” that was produced by Nick Lutsko and features Danimal Pinson on lap steel guitar. All are definitely worth checking out.