“Between The Stars – Flute Passages for Meditation and Inspiration” by Ann Licater
Album Review by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff
Ann Licater is a talented, award-winning flutist and contemporary instrumental artist known for her enchanting, pristine, and soulful music. Her melodies and compositions transport listeners to serene and meditative realms, creating a soothing and uplifting experience for the listener. Ann’s compositions are infused with a sense of utter tranquility, making her music a perfect companion for moments of relaxation, reflection, and healing.
With an educational background in classical flute, and through her studies with master Native American flutist, R. Carlos Nakai, Ann seamlessly blends her traditional training with contemporary influences, resulting in a sound that is both timeless and modern.
“Between The Stars” is Ann’s 7th solo album release and is 14 tracks, 45 minutes of quiet reflection. What exactly does lie between the stars? Space. That’s what this is. Space to breathe. Space to contemplate. Space to connect with yourself once again. Space to heal.
Ann’s flute mastery weaves a tapestry of sound that captivates listeners and fosters a deep sense of serenity. Of note on this album is the way Ann breathes life into each musical phrase. Here we have a delicate interplay of melodies supported by subtle and harmonious instrumentation. There’s a sense of authenticity and depth that invites listeners to connect with the very essence of the music as well as with themselves. This creates a profound and intimate listening experience that seeps deeply into the soul.
The album features Ann’s original compositions recorded in her signature style which is lauded worldwide. The pieces are performed on a variety of flutes – 11 different flutes – including alto, silver C, folk, Native American and Native American-style flutes, as well as ocarina and Mayan-style drone. This quiet collection of solo and duet performances also includes delicate piano, crystal singing bowls, guitar, percussion, and synth accompaniment.
The album opens with the celestial, “Divine Skies,” which was released as a single prior to the album release. This song begins with a haunting call from the soulful flute, inviting us deeply into the peace. “Ancient Traveler” follows with its equally poignant invitation to enter even more deeply into the “space.” Even at this point, I must say, there is no question you will want to get the entire album for the full import of these lovely pieces.
The title track is just gorgeous in every way with its beautiful flute melody and quiet instrumentation. This is very soothing. “Sunbirds” is melodic and pretty, showcasing Ann’s mastery of flute magic. Beautiful. The delicate piano accompaniment to the sweet flute on “Luminous Waters” makes it super scintillating, perfectly capturing the behavior of sparkling, gentle waters.
Like a gentle breeze, the album just keeps getting better and better as you go along. “Dream Passages” is a favorite with its dreamy, soul-soothing ambiance. A delicate flute melody leads us through this dream, with soft synth underneath completing the soundscape.
“Shades of Stillness” is just that. Softly layered shades and hues of beautifully played flute seep even more deeply into the psyche, bringing peace and tranquility to the soul. Gentle, crystal singing bowls along with flute on “Distant Realm,” make this perfect for relaxation, sound healing, and meditation. Sweet flute draws us in and calls us to elevate our spirits even higher in “Angelic Echoes.” This is calming and serene in every way.
Very delicate piano along with a soft flute melody carry us along nicely into “Moon Garden.” Here, we can simply bask in the silvery moonlight, completely relaxed and de-stressed.
One thing to really love about this album, which is also available as a physical CD, is the impeccably played compositions, which leave room for the breath and space for the soul. “Whispering Light” is quiet like that, imbued with an unsurpassed calmness that reminds us of the light we are.
As the album starts to wind down, “Timeless Voices“ feels like an integration of mind, body, spirit and stars. Here, in the quietude, we can not only hear ourselves once again, but also the voices of our ancestors and guides. We are one with the universe. Ditto for “Circling Stars.” These are so quiet and peaceful.
The album closes out with the amazingly beautiful, “Starlight Lullaby.” The flute melody is sweet and uplifting, while the super soft instrumentation is equally so. This is a perfectly heavenly ending to an album you won’t soon forget. The album is highly recommended for mindfulness practices, meditation, yoga, spa, healing arts, creativity, study, sleep, relaxation, and well-being. And, as I said, do yourself a favor and get the whole thing. Greater musical peace, you won’t soon find as you discover yourself again, “Between The Stars.”
Get it here on or your favorite streaming service: https://www.annlicater.com
