Sunday, August 3, 2008

“Native Slovak” by David Martinka (World/Instrumental artist from Michigan (MI))

 

"Native Slovak" is a flute-infused instrumental world music album from flutist extraordinaire David Martinka. With this album, Martinka digs deep into his flute repertoire and presents the listener with classic flute styles inspired by both Native Slovakian and Native American flute courting styles. Some of the sounds Martinka creates are familiar and clear, like those one would expect from an woodwind ensemble. Others are drastically different, tribal sounding, and similar in sound to the didgeridoo. The songs on "Native Slovak" are pure, powerful, and spiritual and match the emotional feeling that each song title suggests. The album is also very well recorded, so the listener doesn't miss a single note. "Rodný Slovák (Native Slovak)" opens the album with an intense Native American sound that gives the listener a feel for the entire album, created by Martinka's use of the Fujara to give much of the song that didgeridoo-esque sound. "Do videnia dievča (I will See Her Soon)" is a mellow, calming, and emotional track with a more orchestral flute sound that tells the story the song title suggests. Overall, "Native Slovak" is an impressive album that shows Martinka's talent as a flutist on a variety of different flutes. If you enjoy world-class flute playing that tells a good story, check out "Native Slovak."
 

New CD Reviews - Reggae / World