Altus Artists: Gary Stroutsos

Gary Stroutsos performs unique and innovative compositions he describes as tone poems from his extensive repertoire of world music, many of which have been recorded on the Makoche and Narada labels. A respected American Indian Flute Historian, he brings his own cultural references and world jazz style to his forum - pushing the boundaries of world music with his background in jazz, Afro-Cuban and American Indian music - resulting in a musical product unlike any other recording artist in this genre. His music carries a vision symbolizing unity through all cultures. His style of performance has been influenced by his studies with jazz flutist/composer James Newton, Cuban musician historian/flutist Danilo Lozano, in addition to his research of the music of our country's Native People. He has been credited with helping to preserve the exquisite songs of our indigenous culture - a path he is committed to in mind and spirit. His CDs have received acclaim as benchmark recordings (Winds of Honor and Native Heart). Gary Stroutsos composed and performed music featured in the recent PBS documentary "Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery", a film by Ken Burns. This led to a command performance before President Clinton at The White House. He has also been featured on NPR broadcasts, New York Evening at the Pops, and the syndicated radio program "Echoes", and has recently received favorable exposure in Jazz Times Magazine.

His 1999 release, “People of the Willows” reflects his rich background with its synthesis of contemporary voicings and instrumentation combined with traditional songs and improvisational character. His eloquently sensitive flute playing on “The Elder Speaks”, also released in 1999, exemplifies his understanding not only of the cultural topic, but of the muse and spirit of the poetic context he complements. His projects have resulted in the new recording “Hidden World” on the Narada label, featuring keyboardist Jonn Serri and various world percussionists with music that reflects a deep spirituality mixed with the grounding of Gary’s earthy flute style. Adding to his producing credits of “CUBA L.A”. (Narada), "I Am Walking", he has also produced "Winds of Change" a compilation of songs of Native American Flute Music (available on Red Feather label distributed by 4 Winds Trading Company). His very close working relationship with superb Navajo Flutemaker Paul Thompson has undoubtedly been invaluable in the development of insight and the character of authenticity that his recordings embody. Gary's release "Pacific Moon" features alto flute and Japanese koto, available on the Paras label.

For 2002, Gary has numerous performance projects in development. His newest project, “Echoes of Canyon de Chelly”, is a solo historical recording of Native America music recorded at Canyon de Chelly, with special guest – Paul Thompson. In 2002, he will once again combine his talents with flutist and Cuban music historian Danilo Lozano with the new recording “Rancho Luna”(Afro-Cuban chants for flute – scheduled for release in June 2002). In addition to these new projects, he will also be collaborating with the New World Trio, consisting of Native American flutist Carlos Nakai and world percussionist Scott Robinson. Two other impressive works in progress are:
a nature series recording with famous world percussionist Glen Velez, titled “Voices Within Nature”, and a long-term project “World Flute – World Peace” consisting of recordings of various flutists from around the world with a percentage of the sales donated to World Peace Organization. You can also hear Gary on the most recent release to date – “Under One Sky”(Native American flute collection).

For up to date information on performances, masterclasses, lectures, and availability of recordings – please visit Gary’s website: www.garystroutsos.com or contact Gary at gstroutsos@aol.com.

Gary's recordings are available by visiting the following websites: www.parasrecordings.com, www.narada.com, www.redfeathermusic.com, www.makoche.com, and www.amazon.com.