Ann Licater
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Ann Licater

Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2006 | INDIE

Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, United States | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2006
Solo World New Age

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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Press


"PRWEB"

Relaxing Flute Music with Sound Healing Instruments on Ann Licater’s Invitation from Within Set the Perfect Atmosphere for Meditation, Healing, and Spa Treatments
Award-winning New Age Recording Artist Ann Licater’s third album, Invitation from Within, offers individuals, healers, spa practitioners and flute music enthusiasts a refined, calming and pristine listening experience; Licater incorporates sound healing instrumentation and the input of talented collaborators like Grammy®-nominee Peter Phippen, Jeff Oster, Ivar Lunde, and Lis Addison.


The third album by Ann Licater, Invitation from Within combines flutes, sound healing instrumentation and vocal layering.
Ann Licater’s music is soft and yet overpowering, it reaches the depth of my being and awakens the spirit inside of me.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 02, 2013

Ann Licater’s first two award-winning flute albums took her on a path from California to Carnegie Hall, to Florence, Italy and to Lake Tahoe, opening doors to spiritual venues, concert halls and outdoor cathedrals. Her third independent album Invitation from Within finds her returning to her Midwestern roots to record Native American, silver and alto flutes with sound healing instruments and vocal layers. The album released on October 1, 2013 via Licater’s own Cul de Sac Mystic Productions, and can be purchased at Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby or in specialty retail shops and spas.
Invitation from Within is Licater's third album, and her second time working with GRAMMY®-nominee Peter Phippen in a co-producer role. Norwegian-born composer and internationally-recognized orchestral conductor Ivar Lunde, of Skyline Studios, Eau Claire, Wisconsin rounds out the producing team that makes Invitation from Within a work of musical art. By all accounts, it is a pristine recording -- a standard of Licater’s studio work -- powerfully relaxing and artistically expressed. Invitation from Within is more refined than her previous work, yet remains organic in its expression and true to her nature as an improvisational world flutist.
In addition to performing on Native American flutes, Licater returns to her musical roots playing silver and alto flutes. Adding to the mix of meditative world flutes are many sound healing instruments including hand-held quartz crystal bowls, Afro-Peruvian cajon, conga and metal tongue drum, and vocals layers by award-winning vocalist and composer Lis Addison (Tracks 1, 7) and Licater herself (Tracks 4, 9); also notable is a clay, Peruvian "Huaca" flute handmade by Sounds of Creation's Rafael Bejarano featured on Track 9, "Beyond the Mist." Acoustic grand piano (Ivar Lunde) serves as graceful accompaniment while Co-Producer Peter Phippen (a student of renowned jazz bassist Steve Swallow) plays an American Fender Precision bass -- the only electronic instrument weaving in and out of the otherwise acoustic environment of peaceful spa-inspired music.
Licater's preparation for creating Invitation from Within included her October 2012 trip to Rome and Florence, Italy where she performed at the Awakened World Conference, which was sponsored by the Association of New Thought and the International Inter-religious Peace Council. There, she met peace activist Ela Gandhi from South Africa, who was inspired by Licater's flute playing and its effect on her and stated, "Ann Licater’s music is soft and yet overpowering, it reaches the depth of my being and awakens the spirit inside of me."
Many of the songs Licater brought to the studio for her latest album unfolded across the world while she played daily meditations on her flute for the international conference participants, whose purpose was to develop a living document envisioning engaged spirituality for the 21st century. A spiritual approach is a cornerstone of her artistic expression and is felt throughout all of her albums and performances. But it was Licater’s decision to go home, back to her roots in the Midwest, to record that ultimately shaped the album.
The title Invitation from Within reflects her belief that looking inside oneself through meditation and relaxation opens up an awareness that we are interconnected with everyone and everything. “In this awakened consciousness, we can act on intuition and trust the results, which will be inspired and create ease,” she says. “Our Western culture, especially the fast-pace of corporate America and our technologically-driven society, is causing great stress. People need a way to slow down and get in touch with their inner guidance system. This album is truly an Invitation from Within to listen, relax and be still.”
Licater’s second album, Doorway to a Dream, chosen by Amazon as Best Music of 2010 in the “Top Ten Best New Age Albums” category, was also “Best Native American Album Winner” and “Best Relaxation/Meditation Album Finalist” for the Zone Music Reporter Music Awards; her track from that album “Into the Heart” was nominated for an Independent Music Award as “Best New Age Song.” Her first CD, Following the Call (2007) was nominated “Best Native American Album” by radio programmers for the New Age Reporter (NAR) LifeStyle Music Awards. Co-produced by GRAMMY®-nominee Gentle Thunder, it quickly became the #1-selling music CD at East West Bookstore, one of the largest body/mind/spirit bookstores in the United States.
Licater also plays live flute in wellness centers, and conducts Flute for the Soul workshops, which are booked through her Cul de Sac Mystic Productions. One of the nation’s largest health providers, based in California, has engaged Licater as an ongoing workshop facilitator and performer. She regularly performs for their Employee Wellness Programs and for their Cancer Survivor Fair.
Licater’s music is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show Hearts of Space, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Soundscapes, a Music Choice cable radio channel, Pandora and Spotify. It is also featured as in-flight entertainment for Cathay Pacific, American Airlines and Air Canada under the music category “Well-Being.” Her albums are distributed by Music Design and DeVorss & Co.
Ann Licater holds a B.A. from University of St. Thomas, and an M.L.A. in Creation Spirituality from Naropa University. She resides in both the San Francisco Bay area and in Los Angeles, California. For more information on her albums and performances, please visit http://www.annlicater.com. - PRWEB


"Relaxing Flute Music - Invitation From Within"

Relaxing Flute Music with Sound Healing Instruments on Ann Licater’s Invitation from Within Set the Perfect Atmosphere for Meditation, Healing, and Spa Treatments
Award-winning New Age Recording Artist Ann Licater’s third album, Invitation from Within, offers individuals, healers, spa practitioners and flute music enthusiasts a refined, calming and pristine listening experience; Licater incorporates sound healing instrumentation and the input of talented collaborators like Grammy®-nominee Peter Phippen, Jeff Oster, Ivar Lunde, and Lis Addison. - PRWeb


"Invitation From Within"

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 its 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. - Jonathan Widran- All Music Guide


"Invitation from Within CD Review by Kathleen Monahan"

“Invitation From Within” proves once again, that Ann Licater has a magical relationship with her instruments. Artfully recorded, “Invitation From Within” takes you on a journey of relaxation while at the same time, stimulating one’s inner soul. The variety of melodies and tempos will evoke emotions from listeners and leave them wanting more. - Island Dawn Music


"Invitation from Within CD Review by Kathleen Monahan"

“Invitation From Within” proves once again, that Ann Licater has a magical relationship with her instruments. Artfully recorded, “Invitation From Within” takes you on a journey of relaxation while at the same time, stimulating one’s inner soul. The variety of melodies and tempos will evoke emotions from listeners and leave them wanting more. - Island Dawn Music


"Dan Cowan- Music Design-IN REVIEW, Following the Call -CD Review"

ANN LICATER
Calling listeners with the beauty of her flute playing
The Native American flute, with its mix of bittersweet and ethereal tonal qualities, is an instrument of immense soul and subtle nuance. Its unique ‘call’ has entranced many a listener, including long-time flutist Ann Licater, who heard the instrument at a Stanford University pow-wow and was compelled to explore it further.

“I heard the haunting sound of a flute over the crowd and followed it to a booth,” she recalls. “What struck me is how the simple act of breathing into a piece of hollowed wood evoked the most incredible, pure sound.”

Her new album FOLLOWING THE CALL is a culmination of years of training and fervent explorations of the flute, featuring the distinctive sounds of 13 different flutes woven together in a rich tapestry of serenity and mood. She uses clay flutes, which give the music a sense of depth, as well as various red cedar flutes, with their familiar, melancholy call. The album’s liner notes offer information on the original crafters of the flutes, for those who want to venture on their own musical path.

Licater, whose background includes classical flute study and performance at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis, collects and plays flutes from all over the world, including one made from the clay of Mexico’s Mayan region by famed musician and flutist Xavier Quijas Yxayotl. Her skills have been further honed by training with R. Carlos Nakai.

Additionally, she earned a graduate degree in Creation Spirituality from Naropa University which complemented her flute studies and approach to what you hear on FOLLOWING THE CALL.

“That education opened me up as a player because I embrace the deep listening and connection of a spirituality that is inclusive. This awareness is reflected in my compositions and improvisations,” she says.

“I play my music as a gift. That may seem odd, but it really is how I do it. When I play in gratitude for someone or something, the essence of that energy comes through my instrument.”

Licater says that her original goal for FOLLOWING THE CALL was to create a body of work inspired by the concept of the ‘Hero’s Journey’.

“I imagined the hero following her call on a spiral journey to the inner world, where she connected with her purpose,” she explains. “Along the way she meets her ‘Beloved’… she continues on the path finding old souls and mentors, until she returns to the kingdom with a renewed sense of self… coming ‘Full Circle’.”

The album is almost completely comprised of solo flute playing, allowing the listener to completely lose themselves in the sublime reverie she has created. It’s the type of the album where the music has a powerful energy around it that touches the listener on an intrinsic level.

GRAMMY®-nominated multi-instrumentalist Gentle Thunder co-produced the album, and her musical expertise can be felt in the CD’s intuitive flow. Also on board was sound engineer Brian Todd to help give the music its soft, reflective sound.

Licater continues to play and compose music on various flutes from around the world. She recently performed at the World Flute Fest in Oakland, CA and is touring in 2008. She plans a collaboration album for her next release.


“This is one beautiful and serene recording… If you enjoy Native American music, you should consider this a must-have release.” Bill Binkleman, New Age Reporter
- Music Design- IN REVIEW


"Invitation From Within by Dan Cowan"

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 its 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.
- Music Design In- Review


"ZMR 2010 Nominations: Doorway to a Dream "Best Relaxation/Meditation Album" and "Best Native American Album""

ZMR 2010 Nominations: Doorway to a Dream "Best Relaxation/Meditation Album" and "Best Native American Album" - Zone Music Reporter


"Doorway to a Dream Amazon Best Music of 2010"

Dec 22, 2010 – This week, Ann Licater received the best sort of surprise, when she found a very special little gold seal below her album info on Amazon.com. Her quietly-launched indie album, Doorway to a Dream, was chosen by Amazon’s editors to fill the number four spot on the esteemed list of ten “Best Albums of 2010” on Amazon.com in the New Age category. Her listing is preceded only by Brian Eno, Devin Rice and Peter Kater; among the other well-known artists in the Top 10 are Jim Brickman, Ottmar Liebert, Al Conti and David Arkenstone.

"To be recognized alongside some of the most compelling new age artists is thrilling," said Licater. "What gives me great joy is that listeners are discovering that the music takes them to a place of peace and relaxation, which was my intent in creating the album."

Amazon music editors and behind the scenes staff chose the top 10 albums based on their favorites, which can be seen here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_35478 ...

It appears Licater’s self-funded marketing campaign was small, yet effective. In 2010, Licater’s “dream” project received positive attention at radio, with early rotation on John Diliberto’s Echoes radio show distributed by Public Radio International, and on various terrestrial and internet radio stations. It was featured on a Hearts of Space show focusing on cedar Native American flute, and was broadcast on international healer, writer, and lecturer Denise Linn’s Soul Coaching™ radio broadcast, a weekly show airing on www.HayHouseRadio.com. It reached number two on The Zone Music Reporter’s radio airplay chart in September 2010.

In the press, the album was featured in the online edition of The Spiritual Significance of Music by Justin St. James, and received positive reviews from NewAgeMusic.nu, The Zone Reporter and others. Music reviewer Raj Manoharan of Rajman Reviews summed up her talent, writing, “Doorway to a Dream is a great showcase for Licater’s talents, both as a skilled flutist and as a brilliant, wide-ranging composer. Her compositions and arrangements elevate this work from being a mere display of flute-playing ability to something more deep, riveting, and profound.”

Doorway to a Dream is a richly dimensional follow-up to Licater’s award-nominated solo debut Following the Call. Licater used flutes from around the world on the recording including Native American, Native American-style, Anasazi, Zapotec, Chinese Xiao, and silver alto flutes. Licater’s beautiful tone emanating from these wood, silver and clay flutes is pure emotion on the solo tracks, while effortlessly blending with the eclectic, unusual pairings of modern and indigenous instruments also from around the world. These include a Middle Eastern tar and African udu; Edo period Japanese shakuhachi; Coral electric sitar; flugelhorn; acoustic guitar; grand piano; electronic keyboards; synthesizers; Akai EWI (Electric Wind Instrument) and electronic piano.

The highly talented guest artists on the album include Jose' Neto (Coral electric sitar), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Grammy®-nominee Peter Phippen (Edo period shakuhachi), Shambhu (guitar), David DiLullo (world percussion), Troy Arnett (keyboards/piano), and William Hoshal (Awai EWI/keyboards). Four producers - Licater, Phippen, Hoshal and Stephen Hart - shaped the evolving album at separate stages over the span of a year. The initial tracking and mixing was done in October 2009 and March 2010 at the renowned Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA; final recordings were done at Mix Room in San Rafael, CA, with Hart at the helm.

About the Artist:
ANN LICATER is an international recording artist, “Flute for the Soul” workshop facilitator, and world flutist from the San Francisco Bay area. Her discography includes Doorway to a Dream (2010), Following the Call (2007), and a digital release of “Amazing Grace” in duet with Jeff Oster (2009). For information on how to connect with Ann, or where to buy her albums, please visit her Cul de Sac Mystic Productions at http://www.fluteforthesoul.com.

# # #


The B Company is a marketing communications firm with specialties in music, non profits, film, fashion and conscious marketing. We serve an eclectic international client base, overseeing PR, marketing and promotional campaigns across multiple platforms.

- The B Company


"Doorway to a Dream Amazon Best Music of 2010"

Dec 22, 2010 – This week, Ann Licater received the best sort of surprise, when she found a very special little gold seal below her album info on Amazon.com. Her quietly-launched indie album, Doorway to a Dream, was chosen by Amazon’s editors to fill the number four spot on the esteemed list of ten “Best Albums of 2010” on Amazon.com in the New Age category. Her listing is preceded only by Brian Eno, Devin Rice and Peter Kater; among the other well-known artists in the Top 10 are Jim Brickman, Ottmar Liebert, Al Conti and David Arkenstone.

"To be recognized alongside some of the most compelling new age artists is thrilling," said Licater. "What gives me great joy is that listeners are discovering that the music takes them to a place of peace and relaxation, which was my intent in creating the album."

Amazon music editors and behind the scenes staff chose the top 10 albums based on their favorites, which can be seen here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_35478 ...

It appears Licater’s self-funded marketing campaign was small, yet effective. In 2010, Licater’s “dream” project received positive attention at radio, with early rotation on John Diliberto’s Echoes radio show distributed by Public Radio International, and on various terrestrial and internet radio stations. It was featured on a Hearts of Space show focusing on cedar Native American flute, and was broadcast on international healer, writer, and lecturer Denise Linn’s Soul Coaching™ radio broadcast, a weekly show airing on www.HayHouseRadio.com. It reached number two on The Zone Music Reporter’s radio airplay chart in September 2010.

In the press, the album was featured in the online edition of The Spiritual Significance of Music by Justin St. James, and received positive reviews from NewAgeMusic.nu, The Zone Reporter and others. Music reviewer Raj Manoharan of Rajman Reviews summed up her talent, writing, “Doorway to a Dream is a great showcase for Licater’s talents, both as a skilled flutist and as a brilliant, wide-ranging composer. Her compositions and arrangements elevate this work from being a mere display of flute-playing ability to something more deep, riveting, and profound.”

Doorway to a Dream is a richly dimensional follow-up to Licater’s award-nominated solo debut Following the Call. Licater used flutes from around the world on the recording including Native American, Native American-style, Anasazi, Zapotec, Chinese Xiao, and silver alto flutes. Licater’s beautiful tone emanating from these wood, silver and clay flutes is pure emotion on the solo tracks, while effortlessly blending with the eclectic, unusual pairings of modern and indigenous instruments also from around the world. These include a Middle Eastern tar and African udu; Edo period Japanese shakuhachi; Coral electric sitar; flugelhorn; acoustic guitar; grand piano; electronic keyboards; synthesizers; Akai EWI (Electric Wind Instrument) and electronic piano.

The highly talented guest artists on the album include Jose' Neto (Coral electric sitar), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Grammy®-nominee Peter Phippen (Edo period shakuhachi), Shambhu (guitar), David DiLullo (world percussion), Troy Arnett (keyboards/piano), and William Hoshal (Awai EWI/keyboards). Four producers - Licater, Phippen, Hoshal and Stephen Hart - shaped the evolving album at separate stages over the span of a year. The initial tracking and mixing was done in October 2009 and March 2010 at the renowned Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA; final recordings were done at Mix Room in San Rafael, CA, with Hart at the helm.

About the Artist:
ANN LICATER is an international recording artist, “Flute for the Soul” workshop facilitator, and world flutist from the San Francisco Bay area. Her discography includes Doorway to a Dream (2010), Following the Call (2007), and a digital release of “Amazing Grace” in duet with Jeff Oster (2009). For information on how to connect with Ann, or where to buy her albums, please visit her Cul de Sac Mystic Productions at http://www.fluteforthesoul.com.

# # #


The B Company is a marketing communications firm with specialties in music, non profits, film, fashion and conscious marketing. We serve an eclectic international client base, overseeing PR, marketing and promotional campaigns across multiple platforms.

- The B Company


"Doorway to a Dream - Press Release Sept 21, 2010"

CONTACT: Beth Ann Hilton
The B Company
310-560-8390



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Divinity, Creativity and Healing Converge in Ann Licater’s Musical Vision.

World Flutist Ann Licater’s Doorway to a Dream hits #3 on Zone Music Reporter’s Top 100 Radio Airplay Charts. The album is a richly dimensional follow-up to Licater’s award-nominated solo debut Following the Call; she launched the album with a performance at INATS (Int’l. New Age Trade Show) 2010.

San Francisco, CA (September 21, 2010) - Ann Licater has been living the dream. That is to say, in the three years since her celebrated first album, Following the Call, she has absorbed every musical moment in her life to nurture her latest release, the refreshingly unique Doorway to a Dream, now charting at #3 following its first full month on Zone Music Reporter’s Top 100 Radio chart.

Licater’s artistic growth becomes apparent when comparing the simple beauty of Following the Call with the lush journey offered by Doorway to a Dream. From the first mysterious notes of the title track “Doorway to a Dream” to the final piece - aptly titled “Floating” - listeners experience a complete journey with Licater’s flute music consciously crafted to benefit body, mind and soul. The artist’s sophomore album features impressive guest artists and worldly exotic instrumental collaborations without abandoning the ethereal flute solos that gently whispered her arrival on the recorded music scene three years ago.

The critical acclaim of Licater’s first album was encouraging, most notably her Best Native American Album nomination by Zone Music Reporter (formerly New Age Reporter). The next few years passed quickly, as doors opened to exciting collaborations and larger stages, and Licater played to audiences of all sizes. These included the World Flute Festival at New York’s Carnegie Hall; collaborating with an orchestral composer as a featured soloist with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra; and various live performances with San Francisco Bay Area musicians to both compose and improvise pieces for World flutes with flugelhorn, synthesizer, world percussion, electric guitar and fretless electric bass. All the while, Licater continued her ongoing solo flute concerts and her facilitation of the “Flute for the Soul” workshops for Kaiser Permanente and the Center for Spiritual Living in San Jose, CA. By the end of 2009, it had been three years since Licater was in the studio on her own project, and she knew it was time to produce a new album. Again, it would include multiple roles as performer, executive producer, composer, and arranger.

“I see creativity as a divine journey,” Licater says, explaining “All of my experiences really helped to shape what would become the 14 tracks on this current recording. Connecting and performing with other musicians in the San Francisco Bay Area opened up new ideas on how I could incorporate Native American and world flutes with other musical styles and genres. My goal was to let that shine through on this album.”

The new album’s tracks are combined in a perfect order to reveal human stories of love and regret, joy and celebration, expanded mind and lucid dreaming. The pieces are pure expressions unmediated by language, yet the feelings evoked are universal. Licater used flutes from around the world on this recording including Native American, Native American-style, Anasazi, Zapotec, Chinese Xiao, and silver alto flutes. Licater’s beautiful tone emanating from these wood, silver and clay flutes is pure emotion on the solo tracks, while effortlessly blending with the eclectic, unusual pairings of modern and indigenous instruments also from around the world. These include a Middle Eastern tar and African udu; Edo period Japanese shakuhachi; Coral electric sitar; flugelhorn; acoustic guitar; grand piano; electronic keyboards; synthesizers; Akai EWI (Electric Wind Instrument) and electronic piano.

(more)




Doorway to a Dream, cont’d…


The highly talented guest artists on the album include Jose' Neto (Coral electric sitar), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Peter Phippen (Edo period shakuhachi), Shambhu (guitar), David DiLullo (world percussion), Troy Arnett (keyboards/piano), and William Hoshal (Awai EWI/keyboards). Four producers - Licater, Phippen, Hoshal and Stephen Hart - shaped the evolving album at separate stages over the span of a year. The initial tracking and mixing was done in October 2009 and March 2010 at the renowned Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA; final recordings were done at Mix Room in San Rafael, CA, with Hart at the helm.

Silver flute fans may find it interesting that Licater also returned to her classical flute roots on this project, by delving into the sonic qualities of the silver alto flute and its mysterious and melodic tone. She began playing with breathing techniques and fingering patterns as if this western instrument were an indigenous flute, as heard on the tracks “Shades of Li - The B Company


"Doorway to a Dream - Press Release Sept 21, 2010"

CONTACT: Beth Ann Hilton
The B Company
310-560-8390



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Divinity, Creativity and Healing Converge in Ann Licater’s Musical Vision.

World Flutist Ann Licater’s Doorway to a Dream hits #3 on Zone Music Reporter’s Top 100 Radio Airplay Charts. The album is a richly dimensional follow-up to Licater’s award-nominated solo debut Following the Call; she launched the album with a performance at INATS (Int’l. New Age Trade Show) 2010.

San Francisco, CA (September 21, 2010) - Ann Licater has been living the dream. That is to say, in the three years since her celebrated first album, Following the Call, she has absorbed every musical moment in her life to nurture her latest release, the refreshingly unique Doorway to a Dream, now charting at #3 following its first full month on Zone Music Reporter’s Top 100 Radio chart.

Licater’s artistic growth becomes apparent when comparing the simple beauty of Following the Call with the lush journey offered by Doorway to a Dream. From the first mysterious notes of the title track “Doorway to a Dream” to the final piece - aptly titled “Floating” - listeners experience a complete journey with Licater’s flute music consciously crafted to benefit body, mind and soul. The artist’s sophomore album features impressive guest artists and worldly exotic instrumental collaborations without abandoning the ethereal flute solos that gently whispered her arrival on the recorded music scene three years ago.

The critical acclaim of Licater’s first album was encouraging, most notably her Best Native American Album nomination by Zone Music Reporter (formerly New Age Reporter). The next few years passed quickly, as doors opened to exciting collaborations and larger stages, and Licater played to audiences of all sizes. These included the World Flute Festival at New York’s Carnegie Hall; collaborating with an orchestral composer as a featured soloist with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra; and various live performances with San Francisco Bay Area musicians to both compose and improvise pieces for World flutes with flugelhorn, synthesizer, world percussion, electric guitar and fretless electric bass. All the while, Licater continued her ongoing solo flute concerts and her facilitation of the “Flute for the Soul” workshops for Kaiser Permanente and the Center for Spiritual Living in San Jose, CA. By the end of 2009, it had been three years since Licater was in the studio on her own project, and she knew it was time to produce a new album. Again, it would include multiple roles as performer, executive producer, composer, and arranger.

“I see creativity as a divine journey,” Licater says, explaining “All of my experiences really helped to shape what would become the 14 tracks on this current recording. Connecting and performing with other musicians in the San Francisco Bay Area opened up new ideas on how I could incorporate Native American and world flutes with other musical styles and genres. My goal was to let that shine through on this album.”

The new album’s tracks are combined in a perfect order to reveal human stories of love and regret, joy and celebration, expanded mind and lucid dreaming. The pieces are pure expressions unmediated by language, yet the feelings evoked are universal. Licater used flutes from around the world on this recording including Native American, Native American-style, Anasazi, Zapotec, Chinese Xiao, and silver alto flutes. Licater’s beautiful tone emanating from these wood, silver and clay flutes is pure emotion on the solo tracks, while effortlessly blending with the eclectic, unusual pairings of modern and indigenous instruments also from around the world. These include a Middle Eastern tar and African udu; Edo period Japanese shakuhachi; Coral electric sitar; flugelhorn; acoustic guitar; grand piano; electronic keyboards; synthesizers; Akai EWI (Electric Wind Instrument) and electronic piano.

(more)




Doorway to a Dream, cont’d…


The highly talented guest artists on the album include Jose' Neto (Coral electric sitar), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Peter Phippen (Edo period shakuhachi), Shambhu (guitar), David DiLullo (world percussion), Troy Arnett (keyboards/piano), and William Hoshal (Awai EWI/keyboards). Four producers - Licater, Phippen, Hoshal and Stephen Hart - shaped the evolving album at separate stages over the span of a year. The initial tracking and mixing was done in October 2009 and March 2010 at the renowned Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA; final recordings were done at Mix Room in San Rafael, CA, with Hart at the helm.

Silver flute fans may find it interesting that Licater also returned to her classical flute roots on this project, by delving into the sonic qualities of the silver alto flute and its mysterious and melodic tone. She began playing with breathing techniques and fingering patterns as if this western instrument were an indigenous flute, as heard on the tracks “Shades of Li - The B Company


"New Age World- Doorway to a Dream Review"

Ann Licater has just released a brand new follow up to her opening debut Following the Call, a release which received nomination of Best Native American Album and listing in the top 12 Contemporary Albums in 2007.
This first effort began her journey of recognition as a top solo flutist performing on Native American, World and silver alto flutes and had begun the chosen pathway towards her next success.
Doorway to a Dreamis the 2010 release from Ann Licater that again displays her level of expertise in both traditional and indigenous flutes while accentuating the fine attributes woodwind instruments can produce. The 14 original songs and improvisational compositions this time around however are during collaboration with accompanying musicians and becomes a perfect album discovery for those who appreciate the smooth sounds of tranquil and relaxing music.
Ann Licater is well rehearsed in classical silver fluteshaving began her own journey into Native American & World flutes years ago after listening to the unique sounds indigenous flutes can produce, having studied with master flutist R.Carlos Nakai at the Renaissance of the Native American Flute which nicely reinforces the comprehensive skill level of her already accomplished classical flute studies.
Many of the indigenous instruments Ann plays on this album are selected for their unique tonal qualities and include Native American-style, Chinese Rosewood Xiao, Zapotec Triple Clay, Anasazi and Alto flutes. In addition to her recordings, Ann teaches in workshops and during concerts, describes to her audiences the origins for each of the numerous clay and wood instruments featured during her appearances.
Doorway to a Dream is a natural contrast to her first solo album by inclusion of recognized artists who incorporate their talents and help expand her original compositions by collaborative instrumentation of Middle Eastern Tar, African udu Coral electric sitar, Edo period Japanese shakuhachi, flugelhorn, acoustic guitar, piano, keyboard and World percussion.
Whether you are searching for music with the unique intonation flutes can produce when placed in the hands of an accomplished musician, or simply enjoy the finer sounds produced by music professionals, Doorway to a Dream is a natural choice.
The world class musicians accompanying Ann Licater on various songs throughout this album and you are sure to recognize are Jose’ Neto, Jeff Oster, Peter Phippen, David DiLullo, Troy Arnett, William Hoshal and Shambhu. Mastered by Award Winning Engineer Stephen Hart.
- NewAgeWorld.com


"New Age World- Doorway to a Dream Review"

Ann Licater has just released a brand new follow up to her opening debut Following the Call, a release which received nomination of Best Native American Album and listing in the top 12 Contemporary Albums in 2007.
This first effort began her journey of recognition as a top solo flutist performing on Native American, World and silver alto flutes and had begun the chosen pathway towards her next success.
Doorway to a Dreamis the 2010 release from Ann Licater that again displays her level of expertise in both traditional and indigenous flutes while accentuating the fine attributes woodwind instruments can produce. The 14 original songs and improvisational compositions this time around however are during collaboration with accompanying musicians and becomes a perfect album discovery for those who appreciate the smooth sounds of tranquil and relaxing music.
Ann Licater is well rehearsed in classical silver fluteshaving began her own journey into Native American & World flutes years ago after listening to the unique sounds indigenous flutes can produce, having studied with master flutist R.Carlos Nakai at the Renaissance of the Native American Flute which nicely reinforces the comprehensive skill level of her already accomplished classical flute studies.
Many of the indigenous instruments Ann plays on this album are selected for their unique tonal qualities and include Native American-style, Chinese Rosewood Xiao, Zapotec Triple Clay, Anasazi and Alto flutes. In addition to her recordings, Ann teaches in workshops and during concerts, describes to her audiences the origins for each of the numerous clay and wood instruments featured during her appearances.
Doorway to a Dream is a natural contrast to her first solo album by inclusion of recognized artists who incorporate their talents and help expand her original compositions by collaborative instrumentation of Middle Eastern Tar, African udu Coral electric sitar, Edo period Japanese shakuhachi, flugelhorn, acoustic guitar, piano, keyboard and World percussion.
Whether you are searching for music with the unique intonation flutes can produce when placed in the hands of an accomplished musician, or simply enjoy the finer sounds produced by music professionals, Doorway to a Dream is a natural choice.
The world class musicians accompanying Ann Licater on various songs throughout this album and you are sure to recognize are Jose’ Neto, Jeff Oster, Peter Phippen, David DiLullo, Troy Arnett, William Hoshal and Shambhu. Mastered by Award Winning Engineer Stephen Hart.
- NewAgeWorld.com


"Review for Doorway to a Dream Review- Borderland U.K."

Ann Licater - Doorway To A Dream (Cul de Sac Mystic CMP4490)

This is one of those albums for taking time out to recharge the batteries and finding some inner peace. Ann Licater is a flautist, specialising in Native American and other ethnic types of flute, rather than the concert flute used in classical music. Her new album Doorway to a Dream is full of timeless spaces, a haunting melancholic sound inhabited by her flutes and minimal backing instruments - indeed some tracks are simply wind chimes and the flute, single or multi-tracked. The album contains fourteen tracks of varying length - I found the longer tracks more satisfying, the music has more time to become something tangible in the memory. As you would expect the track titles are evocative of their intentions: Doorway to a Dream, Shades of Light, Into the Heart, Wind & Butterfly II, Xiao Garden, Angel Bird and the like. The overall sound is warm and involving, thanks to the first class engineering, I hope Ms Licater won't be insulted by this but I found this album a great help in fighting my insomnia, the simple melodies and uncluttered sound helped me get to sleep on several nights. It is certainly a very relaxing new age album and if you have a taste for Native American style music then I don't think you will anything better to listen to.

For more information about this artist and album and availability visit: www.annlicater.com
- Borderland U.K. by John


"Review for Doorway to a Dream Review- Borderland U.K."

Ann Licater - Doorway To A Dream (Cul de Sac Mystic CMP4490)

This is one of those albums for taking time out to recharge the batteries and finding some inner peace. Ann Licater is a flautist, specialising in Native American and other ethnic types of flute, rather than the concert flute used in classical music. Her new album Doorway to a Dream is full of timeless spaces, a haunting melancholic sound inhabited by her flutes and minimal backing instruments - indeed some tracks are simply wind chimes and the flute, single or multi-tracked. The album contains fourteen tracks of varying length - I found the longer tracks more satisfying, the music has more time to become something tangible in the memory. As you would expect the track titles are evocative of their intentions: Doorway to a Dream, Shades of Light, Into the Heart, Wind & Butterfly II, Xiao Garden, Angel Bird and the like. The overall sound is warm and involving, thanks to the first class engineering, I hope Ms Licater won't be insulted by this but I found this album a great help in fighting my insomnia, the simple melodies and uncluttered sound helped me get to sleep on several nights. It is certainly a very relaxing new age album and if you have a taste for Native American style music then I don't think you will anything better to listen to.

For more information about this artist and album and availability visit: www.annlicater.com
- Borderland U.K. by John


"Doorway to a Dream will be a lovely gift...."

Ann Licater - Doorway to a Dream, will be a lovely gift for
anyone who enjoys the healing and haunting sounds of the
wooden fl utes. Ann is a masterful musician and this CD is sure
to help you create sacred space wherever you play it. The
music is alive, timeless and full of imagination and it will no
doubt take your own soul on an adventure. There is a perfect
complement of other instruments/percussion adding their voices
through, thus creating a musical serenity. www.annlicater.com
- EagleEyeOne Magazine


"Doorway to a Dream will be a lovely gift...."

Ann Licater - Doorway to a Dream, will be a lovely gift for
anyone who enjoys the healing and haunting sounds of the
wooden fl utes. Ann is a masterful musician and this CD is sure
to help you create sacred space wherever you play it. The
music is alive, timeless and full of imagination and it will no
doubt take your own soul on an adventure. There is a perfect
complement of other instruments/percussion adding their voices
through, thus creating a musical serenity. www.annlicater.com
- EagleEyeOne Magazine


"CD Review – Doorway to a Dream, by Ann Licater"

Close your eyes and drift away as the entrancing tones of Ann Licater’s flutes whisk you away to another dimension of being. Unless you’re driving, of course – which is an equally valid way to experience the dreamy soundscapes of this composer-performer’s second CD. No matter where and how you listen to the album, you will find yourself embarking on a healing, meditative journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

Licater plays a variety of Native American and other flutes from around the world, both in single lead lines and multi-tracked duets. Other musicians add additional layers of texture with keyboards, synthesizers, guitars, and percussion to create a full, rich sound that is soothing and relaxing while at the same time expansive and penetrating. The result is a CD with a variety of styles that never bores, even as it gently lulls listeners into a transcendental state.

The proceedings begin with the enchanting mystery of the title track, which serves not only as the gateway to the album but also as a portal to the sonic dreams that Licater weaves. The eerie cadence of the keyboard backing on “Wind and Butterfly II” evokes the melancholic musings of some of Jan Hammer’s Miami Vice themes. “Angel Bird” is at once folksy and lofty. The soft, inviting, yet edgy “Radiance” is the perfect meeting of jazz cool and New Age chill.

Doorway to a Dream is a great showcase for Licater’s talents, both as a skilled flutist and as a brilliant, wide-ranging composer. Her compositions and arrangements elevate this work from being a mere display of flute-playing ability to something more deep, riveting, and profound. This is highly recommended not only for fans of flute music, but also for fans of instrumental and New Age music in general.
- Reviews by Raj - Raj Manoharan


"CD Review – Doorway to a Dream, by Ann Licater"

Close your eyes and drift away as the entrancing tones of Ann Licater’s flutes whisk you away to another dimension of being. Unless you’re driving, of course – which is an equally valid way to experience the dreamy soundscapes of this composer-performer’s second CD. No matter where and how you listen to the album, you will find yourself embarking on a healing, meditative journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

Licater plays a variety of Native American and other flutes from around the world, both in single lead lines and multi-tracked duets. Other musicians add additional layers of texture with keyboards, synthesizers, guitars, and percussion to create a full, rich sound that is soothing and relaxing while at the same time expansive and penetrating. The result is a CD with a variety of styles that never bores, even as it gently lulls listeners into a transcendental state.

The proceedings begin with the enchanting mystery of the title track, which serves not only as the gateway to the album but also as a portal to the sonic dreams that Licater weaves. The eerie cadence of the keyboard backing on “Wind and Butterfly II” evokes the melancholic musings of some of Jan Hammer’s Miami Vice themes. “Angel Bird” is at once folksy and lofty. The soft, inviting, yet edgy “Radiance” is the perfect meeting of jazz cool and New Age chill.

Doorway to a Dream is a great showcase for Licater’s talents, both as a skilled flutist and as a brilliant, wide-ranging composer. Her compositions and arrangements elevate this work from being a mere display of flute-playing ability to something more deep, riveting, and profound. This is highly recommended not only for fans of flute music, but also for fans of instrumental and New Age music in general.
- Reviews by Raj - Raj Manoharan


"Doorway to a Dream -- Highly Recommended"

Doorway to a Dream
Ann Licater
Cul de Sac Mystic Productions, 2010, $15.98
As the much anticipated follow-up to her debut bestselling recording, Following the Call, Ann Licater’s new CD, Doorway to a Dream, is just that: an absolutely gorgeous dream song passage to safe harbors of calm repose in the midst of our storm swept world. Ann’s masterful Native and World flute reveries, matched with perfect instrumental and percussive support, take us on a magnificent journey of serene beauty that will be enjoyed again and again. Highly recommended!
- East West Bookstore Media Reviews by Lee Starkey


"Doorway to a Dream -- Highly Recommended"

Doorway to a Dream
Ann Licater
Cul de Sac Mystic Productions, 2010, $15.98
As the much anticipated follow-up to her debut bestselling recording, Following the Call, Ann Licater’s new CD, Doorway to a Dream, is just that: an absolutely gorgeous dream song passage to safe harbors of calm repose in the midst of our storm swept world. Ann’s masterful Native and World flute reveries, matched with perfect instrumental and percussive support, take us on a magnificent journey of serene beauty that will be enjoyed again and again. Highly recommended!
- East West Bookstore Media Reviews by Lee Starkey


"Greg Ozimek CD Review"

This month, it’s flute from the masters and the masterful!
Inside of yourself, have you ever heard the call of a flute, an American Indian flute, played in such a way that not only must you listen... but you must follow it’s precious, full sound to see where it will take you?
Recently, I listened to new CD’s from two different artists and thought, “The music’s different, what’s so ‘same’ here?” Let’s explore this together.
Winds of Devotion R. Carlos Nakai and Nawang Khechog
Soundstrue
With Winds of Devotion these two renowned flute players have created an awesome tapestry of healing sounds in this, their latest collaboration. Peter Kater produced this CD and has worked with both on other CD projects which were unmitigated stepping stones to this great work.
Nakai and Khechog use their flutes, along with native voices, chants, cello, bass and percussion to create subtle layers of sonic textures which command your soul like a pizza shovel controls a pizza in the oven at the local pizza restaurant – you feel as though you are transported to and breathing the same air with, the shamans, healers and holy men of truly ancient cultures.
Both men have previous Grammy nominations.
R. Carlos Nakai is the celebrated Native American flutist and Nawang Khechog is the Tibetan flute virtuoso.
Peter Kater has helped them form a marvelously organic hymn to the Divine Spirit.
Winds of Devotion has four compositions of flute blown with peace and tranquility which first captivates, raises and then release one’s inner being. This CD album belongs in your collection.
Yes. It does. Winds of Devotion is 72 minutes you will want to experience again and again.
R. Carlos Nakai of Navajo-Ute heritage, is the world’s premiere performer of the Native American flute. As an artist, he says he is an adventurer and risk taker who always gives his musical imagination free rein. He has sold more than 2 million albums since 1983, released more than 35 albums and received seven Grammy nom’s.
Nakai is is also an iconoclastic traditionalist who views his cultural heritage not only as a source of inspiration but also a dynamic continuum of natural change, growth and adaptation which is subject to the artist’s expressive needs.
Nawang Khechog fled Tibet and went into exile when China began to invade and tragically occupy his homeland in 1959. Khechog has studied meditation and Buddhist philosophy as a monk in India for 11 years, including four as a hermit mediator. He may be best known for his Grammy nominated collaboration with R. Carlos Nakai and Kitaro, as well as live performances with Philip Glass, Paul Winter, Laurie Anderson, David Bowie, Peter Kater, Natalie Merchant, Baba Olatunji and Trey Anastasio. Visit www.rcarlosnakai.com or www.nawangkhechog.com
Following the Call Wood & Clay Flute Music for Meditation and Inspiration
Ann Licater
Cul de Sac Mystic Productions
Ann Licater’s story is more than about a young woman who plays 13 different flutes, all of them magical, in an intriguing CD album of her own creation. She has found within herself the spirit to cradle each flute and establish a continuity of air – from soul, through the flute, the ‘ether’ and back to soul.
A flute player since a young child, trained in sliver flute at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis, Ann’s passion for Native American flute was first ignited at a powow when she heard a wood flute from across a field at Stanford University in Northern California.
Ann has tips and a request for each of us listening to her Following the Call. “Each flute... has unique properties that may affect you on different levels as you listen. Note how you are drawn to certain flutes or songs depending on what you are discovering about yourself at the time. Take time to journal, meditate and reflect on an issue you would like to explore.
“Experience how this music can release the power of your intuition to help you learn more about yourself and your journey.” Send your stories to stories@fluteforthesoul.com
What has resulted from her lifelong passion of playing wood and clay flutes is a collection of flutes, all of which have stories which she tells during live performances.
Her California Redwood flute came from the wood of a wine vat that once held Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon; her nose flute (hear it on tracks 15 and 4) is made of bamboo from the island of Maui.
Ann Licater is a masterful flutist and former student of R. Carlos Nakai. The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree!
Following the Call has been nominated for best Native American album – which is quite a compliment since her heritage is not Native American. Congrats on that!

Music! Music, sweet music, is an expression of Soul, the glue of civilizations. Music Reviews and More! (c) 2007 Greg Ozimek, (313) 730-1878, music@wwnet.net



- PhenemeNEWS by Greg Ozimek


"R.J. Lannan- New Age Reporter, CD Review"

Following the Call: CD Review by R.J. Lannan, New Age Reporter on 12/10/2007
Echoing Nation:
This is my first known experience with a clay flute. The tone is deeper than a wood flute, a bit more booming and somewhat stronger. The sensual feel however is just as strong. The sweet, melodious, echoing sound is made more appealing by the powerful, passionate breath of musician Ann Licater on her new album Following the Call. Ann invites us on her journey of discovery as she plays wood and clay flutes in the Native American style, one that knows no parallel. The sound seems to reflect off the mountains and echo out of the valleys and flow like the rivers. Each song is deeply spiritual and quite memorable.

Sometimes there is a tiny voice inside your head that tells you it is time. Time for change, time for exploration, or time for something different. Now and again the voice is not so tiny. Following the Call, the title track is the anthem for that feeling. If we just stop and listen we can hear the beckoning call of the lofty mountains or even the towering cities. Everyone hears a different call.

True Story. I was working on a cabin porch railing some months ago. It was very early in the morning and out of the woodlands came the most eerie sound I had ever heard. It was haunting and beautiful at the same time. I learned some time later that it was the bugle of an elk. That is what the music reminds me of on Ancient Echoes. The sound, just slightly older than man's own voice, bounces off the hollows, out of the forests, and into the spirit of the listener. You can feel the transmutation of the mountains and the continuous changing of the seasons.

A fascinating mixture of east and west appears on the song Sacred Moon. Resounding Tibetan bells and Native flute combine for a haunting duo of sound that reflects not only off the mountaintops, but also off the interior of your mind. In December the silver orb is called the Cold Moon by the Algonquin people who have a name for each full moon. No matter how cold however, there is always light.

One of the most complicated tracks is called Three Graces. Perhaps named after the musical entities that entertained the gods, this track is full of warmth and happiness. The sweet young maidens represented mirth, splendor and good cheer in Greek Mythology. The music celebrates living to the fullest.

Full Circle is the final cut and one of the best. Hopefully, every journey comes full circle. Although it is exciting and even educational to go from here to there and back, it is always reassuring to get back home among family and friends. The layered tone of the flutes is sublime and maybe even a bit sad as the journey ends. Or is it just beginning?

Ann Licater holds a Master of Liberal Arts in Creation Spirituality from Naropa University in Colorado and studied flute at MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis. She holds classes dubbed "Flute for the Soul" and after hearing her music I can understand why and attest to its capability. Whether you just want to meditate quietly or you just need music to get the creative juices flowing, this music is exactly what you need and what you want. Build yourself a sanctuary and add Ann Licater's music and you will definitely experience the "call" of your own visions.
- R.J. Lannan- New Age Reporter


"Spirit of Change and eCoustics.com CD Review by Jason Victor Serinus"

So here I am trolling for greeting cards in Sagrada, my favorite progressive store for the healing arts in Oakland, California when I hear the mournful sound of a wood flute. Gravitating toward the CD player, I spy the cover of Following the Call.
My thought, “Oh how I wish CDs like this came my way for review,” must have been formed with great intention, because a subsequent look through the piles of review CDs perpetually threatening to consume our casa revealed that Following the Call had recently reached our doorstep.
Licater, trained in classical silver flute and the healing arts, discovered the power of Native American flute at a pow wow. Improvising on wood and clay flutes made by eight different contemporary artisans (all of whom she generously credits in the liner notes), the Northern California-based artist’s free-form CD is ideal for relaxation and meditation.
Yes, many of these flutes inevitably bring to mind the sounds of a mourning dove searching for its mate, but the longing calls for oneness and union. If I had to choose a word besides “spiritual” or “peaceful” to characterize Licater’s music, it would be “open.”
Translation: Yes, this is a disc to own!

- Spirit of Change and eCoustics.com


"Jim Brenholts- Awareness Magazine CD Review"

The Native American flute is an extremely deep acoustic instrument. It has inherent overtone and psychoacoustic properties that allow it to be a natural meditation and healing tool. In the hands of an expert, it transcends reality and ventures into surreality and beyond.
Ann Licater is such a master. Indeed, she holds a master's degree in creation Spirituality and is a life-long silver flute player with classical training. Following the Call: Wood and Clay Flute Music for Meditation and Inspiration is her debut CD. It is on her own "Cul de Sac Mystic" label. A Tibetan singing bowl accompanies the flute on track five - Sacred Moon. The rest of the CD is Ann on wood and clay flutes.
The music soars! It takes focused listeners to new heights and new depths. Each note vibrates within the heart and speaks to the soul. While Ann has a unique touch on the flute, she allows the resonance of the flute to be the tour guide. The tour is a spiritual path to the heavens - perhaps to Heaven itself. The only limits are those imposed by listeners.
This is a breathtaking performance and a different perspective on joyous space music. It celebrates humanity's inner spaces.
There are dozens, perhaps hundreds, of CDs of acoustic Native American flute music. This happens to be one of the better ones and it is highly recommended.


ANN LICATER
Following the Call:
Wood and Clay Flute Music
for Meditation and Inspiration

Cul de Sac Mystic Productions
www.fluteforthesoul.com
www.annlicater.com
- AWARENESS Magazine- January 2008


"AMG Review by Jonathan Widran"

Review by Jonathan Widran
What the listener gets out of this stark, soul-stirring, 16-track collection by life-long silver flute player Ann Licater -- who runs a series of "Flute for the Soul" workshops and holds a Master's in Creation Spirituality -- is partially dependent on the open-minded heart and spirit he or she brings into the experience. Though it's geared towards the new age market, listeners who simply expect relaxing melodies and the kind of gentle rhythmic accompaniment that contemporary commercial new age offers may be a little surprised -- this one is pure flute, sacred instruments gathered from different exotic locales, registering different tones which are each geared towards connecting with our own frequencies. The casual flute fan -- or lover of jazz flute music -- may not be able to immediately tell the difference; it might seem just like brief improvisational pieces. But Licater's intentions run deeper, and aspires to offering a truly healing spirit from track to track. An understanding of each flute she uses helps in picking up these subtle differences, and her liner notes provide the names of the flute makers and their contact information. Her collection is impressing, from the nose flute from Maui that she uses on "Ancient Echoes" (which hypnotizes in its approximation of conversing whales) to the Mayan ceremonial flute she ensembles with a 400-year-old Tibetan metal bowl on "Sacred Moon." Intended for pure relaxation, deep meditation, and powerful inspiration, Licater also offers ways for those she touches to more deeply understand the subtle ways our souls connect with the instruments that drive her passion.
- All Music Guide


"Bill Binkelman- New Age Reporter CD Review"

Few instruments convey more depth of feeling, haunting beauty and serenity than
flutes made of earth and wood. When wielded by a talented artist, their primal mystery blends with ancient spirituality and the music can be amazingly transportive. Such is the case with Ann Licater’s Following the Call, an album on which the artist uses her wooden and clay flutes to deftly weave spells that comfort and enlighten the listener. This is one beautiful and serene recording. Without going any further in this review, if you enjoy Native-influenced flute music, you should consider this a must-have release. Despite not bearing overt resemblance to the duo Coyote Oldman’s music (the latter incorporate much more spatial sound tweaking and studio wizardry), Licater’s songs induce the same sensations of calm, reflection and ages-old memories.

Other than the presence of a Tibetan singing bowl on “Sacred Moon,” Following the Call features only flute (although Licater’s double and drone flutes may fool you into thinking they are multi-tracked, as they did me). Due to the variety of flutes heard and the diversity of the artist’s compositions, I never once experienced any feelings of monotony. Of course, when I read the liner notes and saw that the CD was co-produced by the extremely talented multi-instrumentalist (and fellow Native-influenced flutist) Gentle Thunder, I wasn’t the least bit surprised. GT, as she is known, is the consummate musical perfectionist (as well as being a passionate and spiritual person) so her sonic fingerprints were easy to hear.

The smartest move that Licater, GT and Brian Todd (the third co-producer and the engineer, too) made here was to have no songs last much over four minutes. These shorter “tone poems” impart more feeling and carry more emotional impact by not wending down the über-improvisational road (which sometimes leads to noodling and, in turn, leaves the listener feeling restless or even bored). By interchanging the wooden and clay flutes song-by-song, either alone or combined, Licater also manages to make the music more multi-dimensional than expected, as opposed to only sounding Native-influenced. Who knows what part of the modern (or ancient) world you may imagine yourself visiting.

The opening title track sets the stage with a somber and moody wooden flute melody, followed by “Numinous Gateway,” a more ethereal and flowing clay flute number. “Spirit Dance” introduces higher pitched tones and a somewhat livelier mood, while “Unfolding Mystery” evokes the image of fog covering distant hills. “Wind and Butterfly” hints at Asian flavors blended with the more expected Native ones. Licater’s trills introduce a subtle but distinct playfulness, perfectly capturing the visual essence of butterflies dancing on the breeze. “Mystic Messenger,” played on a clay ocarina, is minimal by comparison and conveys a sense of ages-old spirituality. “Winged Prayer” has a palpable gracefulness to its gently lilting higher pitched notes, and the closing “Full Circle” ends the sixteen-track long album with a peaceful “traditional” Native-like piece on which Licater plays her double flute with dexterity and feeling.

What’s all the more remarkable in Ann Licater’s case is that she actually received her formal musical training in classical (silver) flute (here in my hometown of Minneapolis at the renowned MacPhail Center for Music) yet she plays these wholly different instruments as if born to them. Following the Call is the ideal CD for those who desire acoustic music (as opposed to electronic ambient) which can help them center themselves, heal, relax, or de-stress. In addition, it would be perfect for late-night reading since at low levels it’s never invasive or intruding, yet the mood it establishes (of quietude and repose) will be felt nonetheless. I highly recommend this album and would love to hear more from this talented artist.

Rating: Very Good+

Bill Binkelman
New Age Reporter
- Bill Binkelman- New Age Reporter


"INAFA- Voice of the Wind CD Review"

International Native American Flute Association 2nd Quarter- Voice of the Wind 2007 by Mike Oitzman

Following the Call is Ann Licater's first solo recording of Native American flute music. A classically trained silver flutist, Ann has been playing and collecting Native American flutes since 2002, when she purchased her first flute from Mac Lopez (Whirlwind Studios) at a local Pow Wow. Following the Call was released in April 2007, and is co-produced by Ann Licater and Gentle Thunder. The album was recorded and mixed at Rough Giraffe Studios in the Santa Cruz Mountains by Brian Todd. This album may be purchased online from www.fluteforthesoul.com

As a compilation of 16 songs, Ann designed this album to open the listeners' intuitive mind and to take the audience on a meditative journey. On this journey, the listener is encouraged to explore to the questions weighing on their heart, finding an answer along the way.

Ann plays 13 different wood and clay flutes on the album from a variety of well known flute makers including Xavier Quijas Yxyoltl, Guillermo Martinez, Geri Littlejohn, Brent Hanes and Geoffrey Ellis, plus a few new newer flute makers including Gary Badke, Wohi and Ernesto Olmas. Ann mixes drone flutes, dual flutes, ocarina's and South American style flutes in a creative blend.

Sonically, the album is well crafted and cleanly mastered. To gain the full experience of the album, I recommend listening in the order in which the tracks were recorded. Certainly, many of the tracks stand alone and I have many favorites, but Ann compiled this album to take the listener on a journey from start to finish, and it best accomplishes this in its full listening.

If you are in the healing or medical arts, a massage therapist, atherapist, or you are looking for music to serve as a background for your meditative or journaling time I would encourage you to check out this album.

Mike Oitzman leads the Northern California Flute Circle (www.naflute.com) and publishes a blog dedicated to the Native American Flute. You can read more from Mike at: naflute.blogspot.com
- INAFA - Voice of the Wind


"Science of Mind- Media Review"

THIS stark and meditative CD features the haunting sounds of handmade wood and clay flutes from a variety of cultural traditions, from Mayan to Hawaiian. In Following the Call, Ann Licater uses these unique instruments to play 16 original compositions.

There are somber and introspective melodies, lyrical flights of music, mystical and breathy pieces, and songs that sweep you up in their changing rhythms. A project like this has the potential to become a little tedious, but Licater makes so many smart choices that this never happens. First, the pieces are short—nothing over four minutes—so while some are improvised, none meander. Each follows a logical format, and maintains the listener’s interest. They are all played deftly by Licater, a classically trained flautist.

Also, the wide variety of flutes she uses have very different sounds. Some are woody and rich, some reedy and light, some earthy and wistful. There are even some double flutes that sound as if two flutes are playing at once. Licater manages to use each to its very best advantage, seeming to pick just the right music for the timbre, tone, and range of each instru­ment. This is a very quiet CD, that may require careful listen­ing, but the rewards for doing so are great. •
- Science of Mind Magazine-


Discography

"Quiet Spaces: Flute Meditations for Mindfulness and Relaxation" (2018)

"Beyond the Waves" (2016)

"Invitation from Within" (2013)

"Doorway to a Dream" (2010)

"Amazing Grace" Trad. arranged by Ann Licater and Jeff Oster-Single (2009)

"Dancing Through Time" single (2009)

"Following the Call" Wood & Clay Flute Music for Meditation and Inspiration (2007)

Photos

Bio

Ann Licater is a California-based, award-winning recording artist, world flutist, producer and composer of relaxing music. Her signature sound on Native American and world flutes has been lauded and embraced worldwide, and heard via inflight entertainment, on spa radio stations and as meditation music in yoga studios and beyond.  She studied with master Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai (Navajo-Ute) complementing her years of classical flute training at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Licater holds a Master of Liberal Arts from Naropa University, Boulder Colorado where she studied Art-As-Meditation and Spirituality. Her Indie record label Cul de Sac Mystic Productions distributes its digital content under exclusive license to Disney Music Group with music publishing administered by Seven Peaks Music. www.annlicater.com.

Band Members