AWARDS and NOMINATIONS Amazon Best Music of 2010: Top Ten New Age Albums Winner Best Native American Album 2010 ZMR Music Awards Finalist Best Meditation/Relaxation Album 2010 ZMR Music Awards Nominee 2011 IMA Best New Age Song for "Into the Heart" Nominee 2011 Hollywood Music and Media Awards Best New Age Song "Wind and Butterfly II" ALBUM DESCRIPTION Take a healing dream journey to the infinite expanses of your imagination and sacred spaces within. Join Native American and World flutist Ann Licater and guest artists as they weave together a sonic dreamscape with ancient and contemporary instrumentation. Meditative solo and duet flute tracks float beautifully among the rich collaboration tracks that feature keyboards, Japanse shakuhachi, sitar, guitar and more. Relax into the dream. GUEST ARTISTS: Jose' Neto - Coral electric sitar Peter Phippen - Edo period shakuhachi Jeff Oster - Flugelhorn Shambhu - Guitar David DiLullo - World Percussion Troy Arnett - Keyboards/Piano William Hoshal - Awai EWI- Keyboards REVIEWS (More at end of these Album Notes) New on the Shelves A review by Lee Starkey, East West's Music Buyer Doorway to a Dream 2010 Release Ann Licater As the much anticipated follow-up to her bestselling recording, Following the Call, Ann Licater's new CD, Doorway to a Dream, is just that: an absolutely gorgeous dream-song passage to safe harbors of calm repose in the midst of our storm-swept world. Ann's masterful Native and World flute reveries, matched with perfect instrumental and percussive support, take us on a magnificent journey of serene beauty that will be enjoyed again and again. Highly recommended! "Expand your senses, hear with your heart, and dream away with DOORWAY TO A DREAM. Ann Licater's music will invite you in and you won't want to leave." - Liz Doan / Music Design ABOUT THE ARTIST: Ann Licater’s passion for the inspirational and healing music of the Native American flute was ignited at a powwow where she heard the beautiful call of a flute being played. Being an accomplished silver flutist herself, Ann followed that call to a booth where she purchased the first of many Native American and World flutes heard in her recordings Doorway to a Dream and Following the Call. On those albums, as in her healing concerts, Ann’s unique approach merges her intuition, spiritual perspective and traditional music background to create beautiful original melodies and inspired improvisational compositions. Her love of the wood and clay flutes led her to study with master flutist R. Carlos Nakai at the Renaissance of the Native American Flute, complementing her years of classical flute training at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis, MN. Her passion for the flute is clearly heard through her beautiful, soul-stirring and healing music. Doorway to a Dream, Ann’s second album, released to rave reviews at the International New Age Trade Show (INATS) in July 2010 and has since won Amazon's Best Music of 2010: Top Ten New Age Albums," Best Native American Album 2010 ZMR Music Awards, and numerous nominations including the 2011 Hollywood Music and Media Awards and the 2011 Independent Music Awards. The album presents both solo and collaborative tracks featuring Native American, world and silver alto flutes. Ann’s first CD, Following the Call, released in 2007 and was nominated Best Native American Album by radio programmers for the New Age Reporter (NAR) LIfeStyle Music Awards. It quickly became the #1-selling music CD at East West Bookstore, one of the largest body/mind/spirit bookstore in the United States. Ann’s music is featured on Sirius/XM Spa Channels, the nationally-syndicated radio show Hearts of Space, Echoes on Public Radio International, and nationwide on Soundscapes, a Music Choice cable radio channel. For Ann, one of the most meaningful expressions of Native American and World flute music can be experienced beyond the concert hall. Ann created and facilitates “Flute for the Soul” workshops, in which participants explore how contemporary replicas of ancient wood and clay flutes can be used as tools for personal discovery, spiritual practice and relaxation. By journaling, meditating and reflecting on an issue while listening to the ancient sounds of Native American and World flute music, she believes it is possible to tap into one’s intuition to discover more about oneself and one’s journey. One of the nation’s largest health providers, based in California, has engaged Ann as an ongoing workshop facilitator and performer. In concert, Ann performs on a dozen or more flutes made of wood and clay including a nose flute from Maui, a five-hole flute made from clay found in the Mayan region of Mexico, and a flute made of reclaimed redwood from a wine vat that once held Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon. When Ann performs, she connects with her audience by incorporating stories of origin about each of her flutes using her warm style and engaging stage presence. Ann enjoys performing in spiritual venues of all faiths such as Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, CA and Mission Santa Clara – one of the oldest missions in the U.S. – where she was a special guest artist of the San Jose Chamber Orchestra and The Choral Project during a sold-out holiday concert in 2008. She has graced the stage at international musical events such as the World Flute Fest at Carnegie Hall, Sacred Festival of World Music for UCLA's Center for Intercultural Performance, and Utah's Zion Canyon Art and Flute Festival, which honored Ann as a Rising Star in 2007. Ann holds a B.A. from University of St. Thomas, and a M.L.A. in Creation Spirituality from Naropa University. She resides in the San Francisco Bay area in Northern California. For more information on Ann’s albums, workshops and performances, which are booked through her Cul de Sac Mystic Productions, please visit www.annlicater.com FLUTES FOR PERSONAL DISCOVERY You will hear that each flute performed on "Doorway to a Dream" has unique properties that may affect you on different levels as you experience their resonate vibrations. These include Chinese Xiao, Anasazi, Zapotec triple clay, Native American and Native American-style and silver alto flutes. Note how you are drawn to certain flutes or songs depending on what you are discovering about yourself at the time. Take the time to journal, meditate and reflect on an issue you would like to explore and see how this music helps you tap into your intuition so you can discover more about yourself and your journey. If you have stories you wish to share about how this music has awakened your intuition, opened a door for your personal discovery and creativity or helped balance your mind/ body/spirit, please write to: stories@fluteforthesoul.com DISCOGRAPHY: 2010 Doorway to a Dream - Ann Licater 2009 Amazing Grace (digital release)- Ann Licater & Jeff Oster 2007 Following the Call- Ann Licater EXTENDED ALBUM and PRODUCTION NOTES: DOORWAY TO A DREAM – Ann Licater ©2010 Ann Licater/Cul de Sac Mystic Productions www.annlicater.com Release: July 2010 Produced by: Ann Licater, Peter Phippen, William Hoshal and Stephen Hart Recorded and Mixed at: Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA- Jesse Nichols Engineer and Mix Room, LLC, San Rafael, CA-Stephen Hart. Additional Recording: Troy Arnett Studio, San Jose, CA-Troy Arnett. Additional Mixing, Calling Rain Studios, Sedona, AZ- William Hoshal Mastering Engineer: Stephen Hart, Mix Room LLC, San Rafael, CA All Songs Composted by: Ann Licater (ASCAP) Guest Artists: Jose Neto, Jeff Oster, Peter Phippen, William Hoshal, Shambhu, Troy Arnett and Dave DiLullo Instrumentation and Arrangement Credits: Jose Neto , Electric Coral Sitar Guitar Track #9 Jeff Oster, Flugelhorn Track #12 Peter Phippen, Japanese Shakuhachi 1.7 Edo Period (1603-1867)Track #11 William Hoshal, Akai EWI and Piano performance and arrangement on Track #14 Shambhu, Acoustic Guitar Troy Arnett Piano performance and arrangement for Track #9, Keyboard performances on Track #1, 4, 9, 11, 12 and arrangements #4, 9, 12 and Synth performance Track #7 Dave Dilullo Impluse Enterprises “Chicken” Windchimes Track #1, African Udu Track #3 and Middle Eastern Tar Drum Track #10 Flute Makers: Geoffrey Ellis, Geri Littlejohn, Trevor James, Guillermo Martinez, Rosewood Chinese Xiao [source-Gary Stroutsos], Andrew Begay, Nash Tavewa, Pat Haran, Ed Hrebec, Michael Graham Allen, Anasazi, Trevor James SYNOPSIS: “Doorway to a Dream” transports listeners to infinite expanses of imagination and sacred spaces within. From the first haunting breath to the last ethereal note, this CD features the musical artistry of Ann Licater on Native American and world flutes along with her friends and world-class musicians who were invited to bring their spiritual and musical talents to the project. The recording is deeply personal yet with universal, cross-cultural appeal. Artistic and healing, these organic, ambient and dimensional compositions are transcendent and grounding, ancient and modern, timeless and of the moment. “Doorway to a Dream” is both hi-tech and hi-art. Ann’s beautiful tone through the wood, silver and clay flutes is expressed as pure emotion on the solo tracks while effortlessly blending with the eclectic and unusual pairings of modern and indigenous instruments from around the world. These include; Middle Eastern Tar and African udu, Edo period Japanese Shakuhachi, Coral electric sitar, flugelhorn , acoustic guitar, grand piano, electronic keyboards, synthesizers, Akai EWI and electronic piano. The 14 tracks are combined for a perfect order to reveal human stories of love and regret, joy and celebration, expanded mind and lucid dreaming. The pieces are pure expressions unmediated by language yet the feelings evoked are universal. This music bends the air and the ear. “Doorway to a Dream” is best listened to in its entirety for the ultimate sonic and multi-dimensional aural experience. The last track “Floating” connects perfectly to the opening title track “Doorway to a Dream” so listeners who want to press “repeat” and extend the album can remain in the “dream story” while meditating, journaling or creating. Production Notes: Four producers, Ann Licater, Peter Phippen, William Hoshal and Stephen Hart, shaped the evolving album at separate stages between August 2009 and June 2010 coming to its current manifestation a “Doorway to a Dream.” Ann Licater- Executive Producer, Composer, Arranger and Native American and World Flutist brought three years of performance experience between her debut solo CD “Following the Call” and her sophomore collaborative album “Doorway to a Dream.” Each performance and rehearsal since 2007 helped shape what would become the 14 tracks on this current recording. In those years, Ann performed in a variety of venues from churches in California to Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York. Ann played with a plethora of performers who opened up new ideas on how she could incorporate Native American and world flutes with other musical styles and genres. Ann also returned to her classical flute roots by delving into the sonic qualities of the silver alto flute which has a mysterious and melodic tone. She began playing with breathing techniques and fingering patterns as if this western instrument were an indigenous flute. Ann’s concerts and engagements also led her to new musical and aesthetic discoveries. These included collaborating with an orchestral composer as a featured soloist with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra; live performances with San Francisco Bay Area musicians to improvise and compose various pieces for World flutes with flugelhorn, synth, electric guitar and fretless electric bass; and more solo work and musical discovery as a facilitator of “Flute for the Soul” workshops for Kaiser Permanente and Center for Spiritual Living in San Jose , CA. It had been three years since Ann was in the studio on her own project, so she knew it was time to produce a new album. Ann contacted her friend and fellow Zion Canyon Art and Flute Festival Rising Star, William Hoshal, to begin the pre-production on the project in August of 2009. The initial tracking and mixing was done in October 2009 and March , 2010 at the renowned Fantasy Studios, the same studio where countless musicians have recorded. Final recordings were done at Mix Room with Stephen Hart at the helm. Additional mixing was done at William Hoshal’s Calling Rain Studios in Sedona and additional recording completed at Troy Arnett’s Studio in San Jose, CA. The musical guests on “Doorway to a Dream” most who are touring, appeared in perfect synchronicity with production deadlines for the July 2010 release. William Hoshal’s sonic aesthetic, compositional acuity and commitment to the artist and the art of recorded music influenced Ann’s performances at Fantasy Studios in 2009 (Jesse Nichols Engineer) to bring forth her fullest musical expression of the solo nature of Native American and alto flutes. At the time, this mostly- solo album was completed beautifully but Ann decided to expand her album concept to include some of the eclectic and unusual pairings she had explored with other musicians such as Native American flute and flugelhorn and Native American flute with silver alto flute. Ann was ready to track this new vision in early 2010 and use much of the mastered tracks she had created with Hoshal. She needed to hire a new producer team as Hoshal had completed the initial project and by that time had moved on to his own recording collaboration and tour. Peter Phippen, Canyon Records recording artist; producer; International Native American Flute Association Board Member; and expert in Native American Flute and World flute history, performance, and recording; came on board to help shape “Doorway to a Dream.” Peter traveled to San Francisco from Eau Claire, Wisconsin for a week in May, 2010 to complete five more new tracks at Mix Room housed out of the former Bay Area Sound Studios in San Rafael. Peter traveled with several bansuri and Shakuhachi flutes for the possibility of creating a duet with one of Ann’s compositions. Timing was perfect to rehearse the duet (Track #11 Divine Love) as the two had time to explore the flow when Ann invited Peter onstage with her at her Santa Clara University Concert during one of the session days. They recorded the duet that evening adding electronic keyboards to round out the piece. Peter Phippen brought his expert ears, recording acumen and artistic empathy to the project. His choices as a producer were masterfully and magically executed. He enthusiastically conducted guest artists through a video camera relay to the studio, addressed frequency issues for various flutes, and offered a fresh perspective to the project. Peter is being asked to return to the studio “anytime” by award-winning engineer Stephen Hart. Stephen Hart, who worked with Hoshal on mastering Ann’s 2009 tracks artfully wove the remaining tracks together through his stellar engineering prowess. It was Stephen who suggested to Peter and Ann to bring in Brazilian guitarist Jose’ Neto who had booked sessions with Stephen the following week. Jose agreed to add his magic and explored adding tracks to the acoustic piano and flute arrangements with the rare, vintage Coral electric sitar that he had rented for his own album tracking. Timing again was perfect as Jose was in town briefly between tour dates as Steve Winwood’s guitarist who was opening for Santana. Stephen Hart’s network of world-class musicians and his own recording engineer credits were instrumental in the outcome of “Doorway to a Dream.” Stephen has engineered numerous Platinum and Gold records throughout his career at The Plant in Sausalito, CA and Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA. He is a recent president and current board member of the San Francisco Bay Area GRAMMY chapter and remains one of the most sought-after recording engineers in the world. MORE REVIEWS: Review by Vivek Kumar “Doorway to a Dream” was released by Ann with rave reviews at the International New Age Trade Show (INATS) in July 2010. It presents both solo and collaborative tracks featuring Native American, world and silver alto flutes. I feel happy to get a chance to listen to this uniquely relaxing music and able to comment on this. I must say that I am not an expert of this form of music (or of any genre of music for that matter), but I love to tune myself to different types of sounds, for, “sound is God”. Before it, there was nothing–it all started with a sound commonly known as “big bang”. So, I feel very happy that I get an opportunity to listen to this uniquely gifted artist. The album opens very slowly like restrained steps of a dreamer who is on the verge of crossing the path and flinging the door open to a dream that seems so vivid yet so distant. I particularly liked the note picked by the flute because it is not very treble not very loud, and therefore gives a perfect start to the album. “Doorway to a Dream” quickly opens the gates to a new plane of existence. It serves as a short introduction to what lies ahead. The notes reached in the next track “Shades of Light” are higher than the previous one as if the dreamer is beginning to open up to light that is coming from an unknown portal, yet is brilliant but not dazzling. True to its name “Into the Heart”, the track starts with thumping beats of a clay-pot (popularly known as ghatam in India) and match the heart beat, while the dreamer is ready to step into rhythmic moves of dance. The pace is slow yet melodious and soothing. I am sure a genuine listener will like this piece. This brings us to the longest track of the album where the notes get treble and start to build the festive mood of the dreamer. The piece moves gently along the valleys and dales of some uninhabited planet where nature plays its sport without restraint. The echoing sound of the flute makes the listener feel lonely yet heard. With this sudden sense of loneliness, “Xiao Garden” brings the dreamer to itself and lets it contemplate in a controlled mood. The joy seems to diminish but the hope still lingers on. A sudden change in the note half-way down once again props up the mood a little bit. There is no other sound but the reflecting whispers of dreamer’s own soul. I liked this piece pretty much, as it stands without any support. “Angel Bird”, like a singing and merrily chirping messenger of happiness, infuses the mood of the dreamer with new fervor. It is persuasive and moves slowly with placid waves created by guitar (Shambhu Vineberg). Once again, a short introduction to the new world of delight and hope and asking the dreamer to march on. As the dreamer marches on with renewed enthusiasm, the “Bridges in Time” brings forth the intriguing nature of its quest where it has to cross susceptible, long-abandoned paths, testing the resolve of the dreamer for its quest. The track provides almost perfect start after the dreamer felt tired. As the dreamer marches on, “Sacred Passages” allow it to contemplate further, yet meditatively walking along. The passages are guarded by the silence like eye-lids. The demand is to keep moving, firmly resolved and increasing the concentration. Suddenly, there is new opening on the path of the dreamer. New sounds emerge from all sides of “Earth to Sky” filling the air with expectation and teasing agitation. It moves slowly as the piano takes its course to support the call of the flute. There is declaration of “Ancient Code” in the next track. It is abstract, precise and asking deep attention. The dreamer is asked to decode it with full concentration before the soothing sounds of “Divine Love” begin to dawn. The sound of flute eases in and becomes comforting. The combining flute confirms there is something (the very self) waiting for the rendezvous with the dreamer. It sounds divine and promises a great end to the journey. With the touch of “Divine Love” the existence of the dreamer moves into “Radiance” where the wisdom begins to glow. It carries an assured joy in its belly as if the dreamer is ready to bask in the glory of the victory that it unknowingly achieved over the binding limitations. The flugelhorn by Jeff Oster amply declares the triumph. After the celebration of victory, the mood settles down with “Healing Hearts” where the dreamer realizes that there is nothing lost and nothing gained. Everything happens within–the river of creation envelopes everything and when a seeker moves on the journey of self-exploration, at the end, it realizes that it has reached its own self. As the composition moves towards culmination, a “Floating” experience begins to move with lulled steps. It is as if the dreamer is slowly moving back to consciousness from where it started its journey to reveal itself to itself. With stars and shining-petals being showered all around, the dreamers slowly floats in freedom. It exists yet is weightless equaling that of air. It is blissful in its own existence and knowledge. There is absolutely no doubt that the synchronization of tracks is beautifully done. A listener will not be startled by the sudden outburst of sounds when one track ends and another starts. The main thing I liked in this album is that it moves like the lines of a poem taking the listener through a difficult but important journey. Ann’s work is enriched by contributions of various artists and I am sure that they also enjoyed while composing such beautiful music. Talking about meditative music, I don’t feel why this album won’t be a big hit among the listeners–it is beautifully laid out and fills the heart with bliss. Wish Ann a beautiful response from the audience and from expert listeners as well. NEWAGEMUSIC.COM Review by John Olsen Ann Licater has just released a brand new follow up to her opening debut Following the Call, a release which received nomination of Best Native American Album and listing in the top 12 Contemporary Albums in 2007. This first effort began her journey of recognition as a top solo flutist performing on Native American, World and silver alto flutes and had begun the chosen pathway towards her next success. Doorway to a Dreamis the 2010 release from Ann Licater that again displays her level of expertise in both traditional and indigenous flutes while accentuating the fine attributes woodwind instruments can produce. The 14 original songs and improvisational compositions this time around however are during collaboration with accompanying musicians and becomes a perfect album discovery for those who appreciate the smooth sounds of tranquil and relaxing music. Ann Licater is well rehearsed in classical silver fluteshaving began her own journey into Native American & World flutes years ago after listening to the unique sounds indigenous flutes can produce, having studied with master flutist R.Carlos Nakai at the Renaissance of the Native American Flute which nicely reinforces the comprehensive skill level of her already accomplished classical flute studies. Many of the indigenous instruments Ann plays on this album are selected for their unique tonal qualities and include Native American-style, Chinese Rosewood Xiao, Zapotec Triple Clay, Anasazi and Alto flutes. In addition to her recordings, Ann teaches in workshops and during concerts, describes to her audiences the origins for each of the numerous clay and wood instruments featured during her appearances. Doorway to a Dream is a natural contrast to her first solo album by inclusion of recognized artists who incorporate their talents and help expand her original compositions by collaborative instrumentation of Middle Eastern Tar, African udu Coral electric sitar, Edo period Japanese shakuhachi, flugelhorn, acoustic guitar, piano, keyboard and World percussion. Whether you are searching for music with the unique intonation flutes can produce when placed in the hands of an accomplished musician, or simply enjoy the finer sounds produced by music professionals, Doorway to a Dream is a natural choice. The world class musicians accompanying Ann Licater on various songs throughout this album and you are sure to recognize are Jose’ Neto, Jeff Oster, Peter Phippen, David DiLullo, Troy Arnett, William Hoshal and Shambhu. Mastered by Award Winning Engineer Stephen Hart. REVIEWS BY RAJ CD Review – Doorway to a Dream, by Ann Licater Close your eyes and drift away as the entrancing tones of Ann Licater’s flutes whisk you away to another dimension of being. Unless you’re driving, of course – which is an equally valid way to experience the dreamy soundscapes of this composer-performer’s second CD. No matter where and how you listen to the album, you will find yourself embarking on a healing, meditative journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Licater plays a variety of Native American and other flutes from around the world, both in single lead lines and multi-tracked duets. Other musicians add additional layers of texture with keyboards, synthesizers, guitars, and percussion to create a full, rich sound that is soothing and relaxing while at the same time expansive and penetrating. The result is a CD with a variety of styles that never bores, even as it gently lulls listeners into a transcendental state. The proceedings begin with the enchanting mystery of the title track, which serves not only as the gateway to the album but also as a portal to the sonic dreams that Licater weaves. The eerie cadence of the keyboard backing on “Wind and Butterfly II” evokes the melancholic musings of some of Jan Hammer’s Miami Vice themes. “Angel Bird” is at once folksy and lofty. The soft, inviting, yet edgy “Radiance” is the perfect meeting of jazz cool and New Age chill. Doorway to a Dream is a great showcase for Licater’s talents, both as a skilled flutist and as a brilliant, wide-ranging composer. Her compositions and arrangements elevate this work from being a mere display of flute-playing ability to something more deep, riveting, and profound. This is highly recommended not only for fans of flute music, but also for fans of instrumental and New Age music in general. --Raj Manoharan Sept 21, 2010 PRESS RELEASE for DOORWAY TO A DREAM CONTACT: Beth Ann Hilton The B Company 310-560-8390 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Divinity, Creativity and Healing Converge in Ann Licater’s Musical Vision. World Flutist Ann Licater’s Doorway to a Dream hits #3 on Zone Music Reporter’s Top 100 Radio Airplay Charts. The album is a richly dimensional follow-up to Licater’s award-nominated solo debut Following the Call; she launched the album with a performance at INATS (Int’l. New Age Trade Show) 2010. San Francisco, CA (September 21, 2010) ─ Ann Licater has been living the dream. That is to say, in the three years since her celebrated first album, Following the Call, she has absorbed every musical moment in her life to nurture her latest release, the refreshingly unique Doorway to a Dream, now charting at #3 following its first full month on Zone Music Reporter’s Top 100 Radio chart. Licater’s artistic growth becomes apparent when comparing the simple beauty of Following the Call with the lush journey offered by Doorway to a Dream. From the first mysterious notes of the title track “Doorway to a Dream” to the final piece ─ aptly titled “Floating” ─ listeners experience a complete journey with Licater’s flute music consciously crafted to benefit body, mind and soul. The artist’s sophomore album features impressive guest artists and worldly exotic instrumental collaborations without abandoning the ethereal flute solos that gently whispered her arrival on the recorded music scene three years ago. The critical acclaim of Licater’s first album was encouraging, most notably her Best Native American Album nomination by Zone Music Reporter (formerly New Age Reporter). The next few years passed quickly, as doors opened to exciting collaborations and larger stages, and Licater played to audiences of all sizes. These included the World Flute Festival at New York’s Carnegie Hall; collaborating with an orchestral composer as a featured soloist with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra; and various live performances with San Francisco Bay Area musicians to both compose and improvise pieces for World flutes with flugelhorn, synthesizer, world percussion, electric guitar and fretless electric bass. All the while, Licater continued her ongoing solo flute concerts and her facilitation of the “Flute for the Soul” workshops for Kaiser Permanente and the Center for Spiritual Living in San Jose, CA. By the end of 2009, it had been three years since Licater was in the studio on her own project, and she knew it was time to produce a new album. Again, it would include multiple roles as performer, executive producer, composer, and arranger. “I see creativity as a divine journey,” Licater says, explaining “All of my experiences really helped to shape what would become the 14 tracks on this current recording. Connecting and performing with other musicians in the San Francisco Bay Area opened up new ideas on how I could incorporate Native American and world flutes with other musical styles and genres. My goal was to let that shine through on this album.” The new album’s tracks are combined in a perfect order to reveal human stories of love and regret, joy and celebration, expanded mind and lucid dreaming. The pieces are pure expressions unmediated by language, yet the feelings evoked are universal. Licater used flutes from around the world on this recording including Native American, Native American-style, Anasazi, Zapotec, Chinese Xiao, and silver alto flutes. Licater’s beautiful tone emanating from these wood, silver and clay flutes is pure emotion on the solo tracks, while effortlessly blending with the eclectic, unusual pairings of modern and indigenous instruments also from around the world. These include a Middle Eastern tar and African udu; Edo period Japanese shakuhachi; Coral electric sitar; flugelhorn; acoustic guitar; grand piano; electronic keyboards; synthesizers; Akai EWI (Electric Wind Instrument) and electronic piano. (more) Doorway to a Dream, cont’d… The highly talented guest artists on the album include Jose' Neto (Coral electric sitar), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Peter Phippen (Edo period shakuhachi), Shambhu (guitar), David DiLullo (world percussion), Troy Arnett (keyboards/piano), and William Hoshal (Awai EWI/keyboards). Four producers ─ Licater, Phippen, Hoshal and Stephen Hart ─ shaped the evolving album at separate stages over the span of a year. The initial tracking and mixing was done in October 2009 and March 2010 at the renowned Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA; final recordings were done at Mix Room in San Rafael, CA, with Hart at the helm. Silver flute fans may find it interesting that Licater also returned to her classical flute roots on this project, by delving into the sonic qualities of the silver alto flute and its mysterious and melodic tone. She began playing with breathing techniques and fingering patterns as if this western instrument were an indigenous flute, as heard on the tracks “Shades of Light” (track 2), “Into the Heart” (track 3), “Earth to Sky” (track 9), and “Healing Hearts” (track 13). Licater’s “dream” project is receiving positive attention, with early rotation on John Diliberto’s Echoes radio show distributed by Public Radio International, and on various terrestrial and internet radio stations. Her music will also be heard on international healer, writer, and lecturer Denise Linn’s Soul Coaching™ radio broadcast, a weekly show airing on www.HayHouseRadio.com. Music reviewer Raj Manoharan of Rajman Reviews writes, “Doorway to a Dream is a great showcase for Licater’s talents, both as a skilled flutist and as a brilliant, wide-ranging composer. Her compositions and arrangements elevate this work from being a mere display of flute-playing ability to something more deep, riveting, and profound.” Licater finds that one of the most meaningful expressions of Native American and World flute music can be experienced beyond the concert hall. She is creator and facilitator of “Flute for the Soul” workshops, in which participants explore how contemporary replicas of ancient wood and clay flutes can be used as tools for personal discovery, spiritual practice and relaxation. By journaling, meditating and reflecting on an issue while listening to the ancient sounds of Native American and World flute music, she believes it is possible to tap into one’s intuition to discover more about oneself and one’s journey. Licater is delighted that several wellness and health education centers of one of the nation’s largest health providers offers her CDs for sale to employees and members, plays her music in the workplace, and has engaged her as an ongoing wellness workshop facilitator and performer. MiMi A. Belser, M.Ed., Manager of the Mind-Body Wellness Center, Dept. of Health Education of Kaiser Permanente’s Santa Clara Medical Center says, “Doorway to a Dream is a luminous and nourishing journey. The delicate balance of the instruments allows the ‘flow’ of mind, body and spirit. We play it continuously at the Mind-Body Wellness Center, it provides a calming, and gentle energy for our members and our staff.” “Doorway to a Dream is best listened to in its entirety for the ultimate sonic and multi-dimensional aural experience,” Licater says. “The last track ‘Floating’ connects perfectly to the opening title track ‘Doorway to a Dream’ so that listeners who want to press ‘repeat’ and extend the album can remain in the dream story while meditating, journaling or creating.” A full promotional team is on board to promote Doorway to a Dream, and Licater is busy with media interviews and appearances. Ed Bonk’s LAZZ Promotions manages radio outreach; Bette Timm promotes to new age retail stores; The B Company’s Beth Hilton handles communications. Retail distributors include Music Design, New Leaf and DeVorss & Co., but fans can also purchase the album in physical or digital format online at Amazon, CD Baby, and iTunes. About the Artist ANN LICATER is an international recording artist, “Flute for the Soul” workshop facilitator, and world flutist from the San Francisco Bay area. Her discography includes Doorway to a Dream (2010), Following the Call (2007), and a digital release of “Amazing Grace” in duet with Jeff Oster (2009). For information on how to connect with Ann, or where to buy her albums, please visit her Cul de Sac Mystic Productions at www.annlicater.com. # # #