Hidden World
There have been many attempts at fusing Native flutes with synthesizer arrangements, but most of them fail because the synth sounds are pedestrian and stiff, or the flute playing is rudimentary. That's not the case with these two virtuosos.Gary Stroutsosbrings the chops of jazz and Afro-Cuban playing to bear on a performance that nevertheless eschews technique in deference to nuance.Jonn Serrie, on the other hand, since 1987 has been articulating a lush, space-music sound on several albums that are noted for their richly textured sound design. Together, they carve out a contemplative zone of slow-motion space largos, touched by hints of Middle Eastern percussion. Serrie has been here before with his 1998 Native-inspired album,Spirit Keepers, but Stroutsos is a more gifted collaborator. His melodies weave from the curvaceous themes of Indian snake charmers on the title track to the more classically inclined refrain of "Earth Sky." The relentlessly slow pace ofHidden Worldcan wear thin over the course of the album. Even the drama of field drums and cymbals and clay pot percussion barely breaks the surface of the album's doggedly contemplative mode.--John Diliberto