Migration

1	Wandering / R. Carlos Nakai 6:54
2	Initiation / R. Carlos Nakai 4:07
3	Honoring / R. Carlos Nakai 6:23
4	Stating Intention / R. Carlos Nakai 4:01
5	Surrender / R. Carlos Nakai 4:47
6	Embracing the Darkness / R. Carlos Nakai 3:40
7	Lighting the Flame / R. Carlos Nakai 5:14
8	Transformation / R. Carlos Nakai 6:42
9	Quietude / R. Carlos Nakai 4:56
10	Becoming Human / R. Carlos Nakai 2:04
11	Walking the Path / R. Carlos Nakai 5:23
12	Service / R. Carlos Nakai 3:32

Barnes & Noble

Winner of the 1992 Indie Award for Best New Age Album, the migration of the title is not about the seasonal movement of animals. Looked at broadly, it's a metaphor for the stages of the soul's transformative journey. More specifically, the pieces point towards contemplation and ritual (i.e., "Wandering: Gathering One's Tools" to "Honoring: Recognizing the Sacred in One's Life" through to "Service: Transcendence of the Illusion of Separateness, Humility, Joy"). Nakai and pianist Peter Kater composed a moving and radiant expression of this concept. Some pieces are so delicate, they seem to flicker; other sections rage rhapsodically to stir up the emotions. Joining the duo are cellist David Darling, Mark Miller on flute and soprano sax, and Bob Read on soprano sax. The vocal ensemble led by Chris White instills a sensual yet angelic presence; their harmonies on the final piece are transcendent. MIGRATION is rich, romantic, and respectful - - a luscious taste of enlightenment. Carol Wright

All Music Guide

Migration seems almost capable of sweeping away any sense of trouble, and soothing out any fears. The music on the album is basically of an improvisational nature, with pianist Kater and flautist Nakai developing themes and ideas that were then fleshed out in the process of recording. The music was conceived originally as a foundation for personal ritual; in the thematic development that followed, the scope of the music was widened to include spiritual growth as well, hence the title and direction of the tracks. The root of the music continues to be Kater's gentle piano constructions coupled with Nakai's Native American flutes, whistles and low-key chanting and humming; other instruments are built into this foundation, strengthening the whole rather than indulging in arrangement for the sake of it -- there's no apparent attempt to impress with musical trickery here. On an emotional level, this album is gorgeous, well recorded and mixed, a particular pleasure in that it's not at all wispy even though it's exceptionally gentle. Steven McDonald