Kokopelli's Cafe
Those familiar only with Nakai's solo and new age flute work will undoubtedly be surprised by this outing from his "world jazz" quartet, a band that includes drummer-percussionist Will Clipman, who has played in a number of jazz, reggae, rock, and world music outfits; Apache/Mexican American bass and keyboard ace J. David Muñiz; and Amo Chip who has played sax and keyboards with Sun Ra, The Nigerian All Stars, and Queen Ida's Zydeco Band to name a few. Nakai's familiar use of sustained notes works well with the other players on slow jams like "Honey-Hunters" and "Primitive Seasons"; while on up-tempo tracks like "Mo'combo Gumbo," which rides the familiar Bo Diddley beat, the flautist allows his whimsical side to come through.--j. poet