Description

Arctic Refuge – Dean Evenson & Native American Artists

Arctic Refuge is a distinctive collection of Native American flute music, Native American songs, chants, nature sounds, and instrumental music featuring Dean Evenson and a remarkable group of Native American artists. Originally released as Arctic Refuge: A Gathering of Tribes, this 60-minute CD brings together music connected with the landscapes, cultures, wildlife, and natural beauty of the Arctic region.

The album features respected musicians and artists including R. Carlos Nakai, David Monongye, Cha-das-ska-dum Which-ta-lum, Cornel Pewewardy, Tsa’ne Dos’e, Jerry Alfred, Sarah James, Dean Evenson, William Eaton, and Dik Darnell. The official Soundings of the Planet catalog describes the recording as a compilation of Native American flute music, songs, chants, and other instrumental music created in connection with preserving the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the cultural richness of the region.

With 16 tracks and approximately 60 minutes of music, Arctic Refuge is an excellent choice for listeners searching for Native American flute music, Native American music CDs, Alaska nature sounds, Native American instrumental music, and Dean Evenson music.

About Arctic Refuge

Arctic Refuge brings together music inspired by the natural environment and cultural heritage associated with the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The album was created to help raise awareness of the importance of protecting the area’s wildlife, natural resources, wilderness, and Native American cultures.

The recording features music ranging from Native American flute and traditional-inspired instrumental pieces to chants, prayers, percussion, and nature-oriented compositions. This variety gives Arctic Refuge a broad musical character while keeping its connection to the natural world at the center.

The official Soundings of the Planet description identifies the northern coastal plain of Alaska as an important inspiration for the album and highlights wildlife such as caribou, polar bears, Arctic foxes, grizzlies, musk ox, wolves, and migratory birds.

Dean Evenson and Native American Artists

Dean Evenson has a long history of creating instrumental and New Age music incorporating flute, natural sounds, and collaborations with musicians from different cultural backgrounds. His discography includes Arctic Refuge: A Gathering of Tribes, listed as a 1996 release.

For Arctic Refuge, Evenson worked with a diverse group of Native American musicians and artists. The album’s collaborative approach makes it particularly interesting for listeners exploring Native American flute music and cross-cultural instrumental recordings.

The featured artists bring different musical traditions and perspectives to the collection, resulting in an album that moves between flute melodies, songs, chants, percussion, nature-inspired compositions, and prayerful pieces.

Music Inspired by the Arctic

The natural environment is an important part of Arctic Refuge. The album connects its musical selections with the landscapes and wildlife of northern Alaska and the cultural relationship between people and the land.

Nature sounds and instrumental arrangements help create an atmosphere that evokes forests, rain, lakes, mountains, wildlife, and wide-open northern landscapes.

For listeners who enjoy music connected to nature, this CD provides more than a conventional instrumental listening experience. It presents a musical journey through themes of land, water, wildlife, culture, and preservation.

Native American Flute Music

One of the strongest reasons to explore Arctic Refuge is its collection of Native American flute music.

The flute has an important presence throughout many Native American musical traditions, and the album features acclaimed musicians including R. Carlos Nakai, as well as other Native American artists.

The recording combines flute-based compositions with songs, chants, percussion, and other instrumental elements. This creates a varied listening experience rather than limiting the album to one musical style.

Listeners interested in Native American flute music can use Arctic Refuge as an introduction to a broader collection of artists and musical expressions.

A Gathering of Musical Traditions

The original title, Arctic Refuge: A Gathering of Tribes, reflects the album’s collaborative character.

Rather than presenting one artist throughout the entire recording, the CD brings together musicians from different Native American communities and backgrounds along with Dean Evenson and other collaborators.

This creates a musical collection that explores different voices and instrumental approaches while maintaining a common connection to nature and the Arctic environment.

Music retailers and catalogs have categorized the recording within both Native American/world music and New Age contexts, reflecting this blend of traditional and contemporary instrumental styles.

Conservation and Cultural Awareness

A central purpose of Arctic Refuge is awareness of the importance of preserving the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the cultural traditions connected to the region.

According to the official Soundings description, a portion of artist royalties, producer royalties, and Soundings of the Planet proceeds was intended to benefit organizations working to preserve the Arctic wilderness and support the Gwich’in Steering Committee.

The album therefore connects music with environmental and cultural awareness. Its themes encourage listeners to appreciate the relationship between natural resources, wildlife, people, and the places they call home.

Track Listing

Arctic Refuge contains 16 tracks:

1. Cry of the Forest – 3:23 – Cha-das-ska-dum, Lummi
2. Grandfather Rain – 4:52 – David Monongye, Hopi
3. Willow People – 3:35 – R. Carlos Nakai, Navajo/Ute
4. Voices to the Sky – 3:28 – Cornel Pewewardy, Commanche/Kiowa
5. Inland Water Travel – 4:37 – Tsa’ne Dos’e, Saponi/Tuscarora
6. Towhata Lake – 3:35 – Jerry Alfred, Northern Tutchone
7. Spring Council – 4:39 – R. Carlos Nakai, Navajo/Ute
8. Prayer for the Ancient Trees – 3:40 – Cha-das-ska-dum, Lummi
9. Rainbow World – 2:50 – R. Carlos Nakai, Navajo/Ute
10. Tuez Tzeec – 3:03 – Dik Darnell, Mayan
11. Terra – 2:42 – Cha-das-ska-dum, Lummi
12. Native Tongue – 1:41 – Dean Evenson
13. Caribou Skin Hut Dance – 3:38 – Sarah James, Gwich’in
14. Taan Mun/Lake Laberge – 4:25 – Jerry Alfred, Northern Tutchone
15. Prayer Song – 8:24 – Cha-das-ska-dum, Lummi
16. Prayer – 1:36 – Dean Evenson

Total Time: 60 minutes

The official Soundings listing confirms the 16-track sequence and approximately 60-minute total playing time.

Featured Artists

R. Carlos Nakai

R. Carlos Nakai is prominently featured on several tracks, including Willow People, Spring Council, and Rainbow World. His Native American flute work is an important part of the album’s musical identity.

Cha-das-ska-dum Which-ta-lum

Cha-das-ska-dum appears on several selections, including Cry of the Forest, Prayer for the Ancient Trees, Terra, and Prayer Song. His music also appears on other Soundings of the Planet recordings.

Sarah James

Sarah James contributes Caribou Skin Hut Dance, connecting the album’s musical themes with Gwich’in cultural expression.

Jerry Alfred

Jerry Alfred appears on Towhata Lake and Taan Mun/Lake Laberge, adding another distinctive voice to the collection.

Dean Evenson

Dean Evenson contributes Native Tongue and Prayer while also serving as an important creative force behind the project.

Why Choose Arctic Refuge?

Arctic Refuge is a strong choice for listeners who want music that combines instrumental performance with nature and cultural themes.

It is especially suitable for people who enjoy:

• Native American flute music
• Native American songs and chants
• Native American instrumental music
• Dean Evenson music
• World music
• Nature-inspired music
• Alaska and Arctic-themed music
• New Age instrumental music
• Environmental and cultural music collections
• Physical music CDs

The 60-minute running time makes it suitable for extended listening sessions, while the variety of performers gives the album considerable musical diversity.

Nature Sounds and Relaxing Listening

The natural environment is central to the concept of Arctic Refuge. The album’s musical selections and nature-oriented themes can create an atmospheric listening experience for people who enjoy music inspired by wilderness.

It can be enjoyed during:

• Quiet personal time
• Reading
• Journaling
• Nature-focused reflection
• Meditation
• Relaxation
• Yoga or gentle movement
• Background listening
• Exploring world and Native American music

The album should be appreciated as music and cultural expression rather than as a medical treatment.

A Meaningful Addition to a Music Collection

For collectors of Dean Evenson recordings, Native American flute albums, world music, and nature-inspired CDs, Arctic Refuge offers a distinctive combination of artists and themes.

The recording also fits naturally alongside other Soundings of the Planet releases that explore nature, healing, meditation, spirituality, and world music.

Its emphasis on environmental awareness and cultural heritage gives it an additional dimension beyond the music itself.

Product Details

Product Name: Arctic Refuge
Also Known As: Arctic Refuge: A Gathering of Tribes
Artists: Dean Evenson & Native American Artists
Format: CD
Catalog Number: SP-7159CD
UPC: 096507715929
Genre: Native American / World Music / New Age
Number of Tracks: 16
Total Playing Time: 60 minutes
Featured Artists: R. Carlos Nakai, David Monongye, Cha-das-ska-dum Which-ta-lum, Cornel Pewewardy, Tsa’ne Dos’e, Jerry Alfred, Sarah James, Dean Evenson, William Eaton, Dik Darnell

Also Check

If you enjoy Arctic Refuge, explore Peaceful Pond for another nature-inspired Soundings of the Planet recording. You can also explore Soaring for another Dean Evenson collaboration featuring instrumental music.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arctic Refuge?

Arctic Refuge is a compilation CD featuring Native American flute music, songs, chants, nature-inspired music, and instrumental performances by Dean Evenson and Native American artists.

Who performs on Arctic Refuge?

The album features artists including R. Carlos Nakai, David Monongye, Cha-das-ska-dum Which-ta-lum, Cornel Pewewardy, Tsa’ne Dos’e, Jerry Alfred, Sarah James, Dean Evenson, William Eaton, and Dik Darnell.

How many tracks are on Arctic Refuge?

Arctic Refuge contains 16 tracks.

How long is Arctic Refuge?

The CD has a total playing time of approximately 60 minutes.

What type of music is Arctic Refuge?

The album combines Native American flute music, Native American songs and chants, instrumental music, nature-inspired sounds, and New Age/world music elements.

Is Arctic Refuge a Native American music CD?

Yes. The compilation features numerous Native American artists and musical contributions, making Native American music an important part of the album.

Does Arctic Refuge feature Dean Evenson?

Yes. Dean Evenson is both a featured musician and an important creative contributor to the recording.

What is Arctic Refuge: A Gathering of Tribes?

Arctic Refuge: A Gathering of Tribes is the original/alternate title associated with this compilation. The current Soundings of the Planet catalog presents it as Arctic Refuge.

What is the connection between the album and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

The album was created to support awareness and preservation of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, its wildlife, natural resources, and the cultural heritage of Native American peoples connected with the region.

Is Arctic Refuge suitable for relaxation?

Its instrumental, flute, chant, and nature-oriented material can be enjoyed during relaxation, meditation, reflection, or quiet listening.

Is Arctic Refuge available on CD?

Yes. This product is a CD identified by catalog number SP-7159CD and UPC 096507715929. The official Soundings store currently lists the title as available specifically on CD.

Who should consider buying Arctic Refuge?

Arctic Refuge is especially suited to collectors and listeners interested in Native American flute music, Native American music CDs, Dean Evenson, world music, nature-inspired recordings, environmental music, and physical CD collections.