The Native American Indian flute is a traditional instrument and I am quick to emphasise that I do not play mine in the traditional style. But then, this is the magic of these haunting instruments. Playing the flutes is like a meditation - indeed they are commonly also known as “prayer flutes”. Most mornings I begin the day sitting in the forest focusing only on my breath travelling through the wood… the flute does the rest.

In fact this is the way I recorded this album. I’d enter the studio early in the morning, press the record button, sit quietly and play. No composition, no structure… I’d simply allow the wood to sing its own song. Sometime later, after I had forgotten I was even recording, I would play it back and I was often surprised by the melodies that had found their own way onto the recording. I felt more like an observer.

All the tracks, except for part two of Old Paths- New Ways and Windseeker were recorded this way - completely free form. On a few I added some other sounds later. Basically though, this album is a meditation… which is what I really wanted to achieve.

I sincerely hope that the peace and calm I experienced while recording this album is carreied through to you also.

Tony O’Connor - March 2002

REVIEW:
Tony O'Connor's latest release in his magnificent Music for Relaxation range of albums, Windseeker, is TOC at his very best. While fans have come to expect those lovely orchestral passages, indicative of the maestro, this new title veers a little from that. On Windseeker, we are blessed with some very beautiful solo flute tracks... simply dripping with emotion and calm. TOC still adds his fine guitar work, and there is a hint of percussion in some tracks. However if you are looking for an album to bring a complete sense of peace into your home, I can heartily recommend this sensational recording. Five stars!