AH*NEE*MAH

The Grand Circle

Neo Pacifica Recordings (2002)

review by Michael Debbage

Ah*Nee*Mah features the musical combinations of the husband and wife team of David and Diane Arkenstone. While rooted in the Native Indian genre, this project has an equally accessible appeal to it. This makes the CD both mysterious yet commercially viable which is synonymous with the name of David Arkenstone. While the project is patchy at times this is still the most commercial Native Indian influenced music I have heard to date.

It goes without saying that I am a huge fan of David Arkenstone and was introduced to his music courtesy of the 1991 Grammy-nominated epic In The Wake Of The Wind. Since then I have missed very little in the multitude of projects he has been involved in despite the significant variances in styles he has presented in those projects. However, the Native Indian genre is not uncharted territory for David Arkenstone who has previously explored these themes via the group Trokia. Arkenstone has also completed two soundtracks entitled Frontiers and Spirit Winds that have also breached the same musical themes but not find similar success.

While his recent effort, Sketches From An American Journey is his most blatant commercial effort, Grand Circle chooses a completely different path with some memorable moments. The integration of Arkenstone's intricate detail and sweeping broad strokes of melodies pulsated and driven by Native drums and flutes presents a most intriguing project. Most of the success could probably be attributed to guitar and keyboard work that layers and enhances the traditional textures without obscuring it.

The most accessible track would probably be the very melodious "Wind and Water" featuring some affectionate guitar work embellished with some gorgeous violin work from Dov. It is supported by the equally enduring "Mountain Of The Sun" that follows along very similar arrangements. Or perhaps the more mellow and light composition "The Colors Of Time" is more your cup of tea. Just close your eyes and drift off to the open lands that our great country is losing to massive concrete jungles.

In contrast, there is "Sacred Spirit" and "Enchanted Valley" among others that layer themselves in a shroud of mysterious flute and percussion work with flowing keyboard effects presenting more of a "soundscape.. Keep in mind that this musical collage is paying tribute to the lands of the Southwest.

In large, there is an effective combination of both traditional and commercial forms of expression as heard most effectively courtesy of the opening track "The Red Tower," "River Of Creation" and "House Of The Spirits." The latter even integrates some spoken chants from Diane Arkenstone. If this form of expression is appealing you may want to explore Diane's solo material that also features the influences of her prolific husband but not at the expense of burying her own identity.

With no disrespect to the genre, Native Indian music does not always keep my full attention. Perhaps this is due to my lack of appreciation and full comprehension of this expressive culture deeply rooted in historical and spiritual traditions. Fortunately, the technological enhancements and commercial undertones keep me from meandering too much and allow me to enjoy a genre that I have yet to still fully appreciate.