self-released, 2006 

Music doesn’t always need to have a sustained pulse in order to give the listener satisfaction. Such is the case with “Wind,” a self-produced and released CD from Rye-based flautist/singer/multi-instrumentalist Cynthia Chatis. This fine recording is a collection of interesting, melodic pieces freely improvised by Chatis on her varied flutes, bells and percussive instruments and with her voice.

The 14 selections all have a soft, spatial quality with Chatis finding the right instrumental or vocal texture for each piece. This is music for relaxation, spiritual contemplation or any other form of meditation. In one sense, it takes a cue from the late free-jazz period of John Coltrane, but in a more gentle, contemplative way.

The musicianship is first rate. Chatis has a nice sound on the flute, as well as the alto flute, an instrument that is a particular favorite of mine due to its rich, warm timbre. Likewise, her Native American flute work, which turns up on several selections, has an equally warm sound. There isn’t one cut that stands out from the other, so there’s no need to go into a blow-by-blow description of the music. It just flows from beginning to end in a calm, introspective way.

New Age music is often dismissed as being mundane. Not necessarily so. In the capable hands of musicians such as Cynthia Chatis, it is music that can serve a variety of relaxing functions and can nourish ones spiritual well-being.