Reviewed by Liam Hawthorne

Kevin Locke’s The First Flute is an exquisite homage to Lakota traditions and the profound spiritual resonance of the Native American flute. Released in 1999, this album serves as a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary listeners, offering a deeply moving experience that speaks to the heart and soul. Each track is imbued with cultural significance, weaving together storytelling, history, and the timeless beauty of the flute’s voice.

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The album begins with the titular “The First Flute Song,” a gentle and meditative opening that introduces listeners to the sacred origins of the Native American flute. Its melody is both grounding and uplifting, setting the tone for the journey that follows.

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“Grandfather I'm Sending A Voice” and “Grandfather Look at Me” are deeply spiritual tracks, capturing the essence of prayer and connection to the divine. Locke’s flute soars and pleads in these pieces, evoking a heartfelt dialogue between earth and sky.

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“Song of the White Buffalo Calf Maiden - I Am Walking” and “Before the Gathering of the Clouds” stand out as narrative-driven tracks, steeped in Lakota history and legend. The flute's phrases feel like footsteps along a sacred path, offering a sense of reverence and purpose.

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Tracks like “Song for Securing Fair Weather” and “Ceyaya Acitonwe” highlight Locke’s ability to evoke the natural world. The former is light and hopeful, its melody conjuring images of clear skies and gentle breezes, while the latter brings a sense of vibrant energy, celebrating life’s rhythms with playful, intricate phrasing.

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The charming “Gossiper Song” provides a delightful interlude, its lively tempo and whimsical tone capturing the spirit of light-hearted conversation. Similarly, the “Meadowlark Song” pays tribute to the beauty of nature, its flowing melody reminiscent of birdsong drifting across open plains.

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“A Wind Wears Me” and “Song for the Rustling Tree - Cottonwood Song” delve into themes of transformation and resilience. The flute’s voice in these tracks feels like a force of nature, carrying both strength and grace as it reflects the movement of wind and the whispers of trees.

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The album concludes with three deeply ceremonial pieces: “Sitting Bull's Medicine Song,” “White Butterfly Honor Song,” and “Wapaha Olowan - Flag Song.” These tracks honor Lakota traditions with solemnity and pride, their powerful melodies resonating with cultural significance. Locke’s flute is unwavering here, offering a closing that is as reverent as it is uplifting.

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Rating: 4.5/5

The First Flute is more than an album; it is a sacred journey into the heart of Lakota culture and spirituality. Kevin Locke’s masterful flute playing and his commitment to preserving and sharing his heritage make this release an essential listen. For those seeking an authentic and profoundly moving musical experience, The First Flute is a timeless treasure.