Ah*Nee*Mah Albums (4)
'The Grand Circle'
Release Date 1/1/2002
Tracks 10
Label Paras/Neo Pacifica
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Ah Nee Mah is David Arkenstone and Diane Arkenstone. Grand Circle, their third CD, adds nothing to the available discography of Native American music. The effect is similar to Cusco, a German ensemble, performing South American music. It comes across as superficial. The Arkenstones are talented musicians so the performances have technical merit. There are dozens -- perhaps hundreds -- performing Native American music more effectively and soulfully. While this is an enjoyable CD, it is also an unnecessary CD. ~ Jim Brenholts, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
One of David and Diane Arkenstone's many tangential explorations, Ah*Nee*Mah blends strikingly organic contemporary instrumental soundscapes with ambient nature effects and Native American overtones. Spirit of the Canyon is billed as a collection of sound paintings inspired by the Grand Canyon. This is a noble intent, and it's unclear as to how directly successful Ah*Nee*Mah is in this endeavor. It's better to examine Spirit of the Canyon as a straightforward new age document, as its sweeping allure and pristine quiet stretches are quite effectual. For "Voices of the Wind," violin and rustic acoustic guitars are blended with aching wind effects for a meditation on western American folk music of the late 1800s. "River Journey" follows the same path, layering in subtly ethnic percussion. Not surprisingly, "Echoes of Time" and "Night Voices" take a less structured turn, offering solitary Native American woodwinds over beds of both nature and synthesizer. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
New age synthesist David Arkenstone and his wife Diane are engaging these days in projects that are more exotic and earthy than the fare in David's general catalog. For the same label, they've recorded Trance World and this project, which is presented as a tribute to the peoples that inhabited the Four Corners region of the United States many years ago. Quite simply, these spiritually rich cultures that flourished in ancient times left a legacy of enchantment and mystery -- and the music here attempts to capture that pure spirit and energy. It's all quite spiritual, a combination of sweeping orchestral swells, shuffling percussion, flute, and tribal rhythms. But it's nothing you haven't heard on many other strong Native American-themed projects. The opening track, "Ceremony," which shifts from dramatic and intense to a more intimate flute passage, may remind new age fans of Nicholas Gunn's work. But that Arkenstone drama is unmistakable. Most interesting is the way the band blends modern electronica and a truer native vibe. "Dream Catcher" is at its core a duet between Arkenstone's gentle flute and the caress of gentle synth ambience. "The Sacred Fire" takes this idea, adds a bit more percussion, and adds the jangling harmony of Tom Torre's electric guitar. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
