Weekend Music Review: Canyon Storm by Gwain Nighthawk

Canyon Storm by Gwain Nighthawk

I will start this review off with a statement that I know Gwain Nighthawk, initially through my online friendship with his husband Blake Octavian Blair.  I also contributed to the Kickstarter campaign that made the release of this album possible. Because of my contribution, and according to the campaign’s set-up, I received a copy of the CD.  I will also say that I am generally not a fan of music that falls into the Pagan genre.  I am, for good or bad, stuck in the 80′s musically.  Give me The Cure, give me some danceable Brit Pop, depress me with The Smiths.  (Not to say that my musical tastes don’t vary.  I also enjoy dubstep, some classical, zydeco, blues and have the occasional Willie Nelson night.)

I worried about what I’d say to Blake and Gwain about their music when I finally received my CD.

Crisis averted.  Canyon Storm is not your average Pagan music.  Technically, it is, as the CD cover confirms, “World Fusion featuring the Native American Flute.” Musically, I’d compare this CD to Deep Forest, but without the vocals.  The music is haunting, beautiful and resonates in your soul.  One track in particular, After the Storm, begs to be the soundtrack to a walk through the woods.  I’ve had this CD for a few days now, and I’ve listened to it at least a half dozen times.  Not only is it magical, it’s soothing enough to listen to while meditating or while you practice Reiki.

I would absolutely recommend picking up a copy of this CD.  If you’re interested, you can get a copy (in CD or digital form) here, or give a listen to samples of the tracks.