Already world renown as a virtuoso performer on Native American flute and a preeminent composer of contemporary ethnic music, Douglas Spotted Eagle makes his Higher Octave album debut with "PRAY", a musical and spiritual journey combining ancient and progressive sensibilities in a dazzling multicultural context. Introduced to Higher Octave fans through his work on Craig Chaquico's "Once in a Blue Universe", Spotted Eagle has recorded 11 previous albums under his own name and collaborated on more than 40 recent projects, including the Kevin Costner production of "500 Nations", Robbie Robertson's score for The Native Americans, and Brian Keane's "The Way West", as well as performances with Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Peter Buffett, David Arkenstone, John McEuen, and others. His musical voice, percussion, and performances may be heard on projects as diverse as Saturday morning cartoons (Johnny Quest, Star Wars Ewoks) to "The X-Files", "Millenium", "Tracy Ullman", and Cadillac commercials. Raised in the small town of Valley Junction, Iowa, Douglas Spotted Eagle built his first Native American flute when he was 12 years old. During junior high and high school, after his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, Spot sang and played guitar in a rock and roll band that reached its peak opening five concerts for Z.Z. Top in the late 1970s. He put music aside when he married and began raising his own family; it was only in the wake of divorce in 1988 that he returned to his muse and created a tape of original music in tribute to his children. That recording, integrating flute and synthesizer in a wholly personal context, found it's way to Tom Bee, a former Motown artist who had just founded SOAR, Sound of America Records. Spot became the first outside artist signed to SOAR. "I had never planned to be a performer," Spot explains. "It just happened. It was a fluke occurrence that became a wonderful thing. And I certainly never thought it would last. But here I am, seven years later." Setting up his own recording facilities, Native Restoration Studios, Spotted Eagle, with Tom Bee, has been largely responsible for bringing Native American music, from authentic pow wow recordings to experimental Modern Ethnic amalgams into the digital age, advancing the format from low-fi cassettes to state-of-the-art compact discs. Along the way he has fashioned a unique modern ethnic sound with "PRAY". Featuring artists as unique and diverse as the Indian Creek Singers, Wil Numkena, Lynelle Kirkwood, Daryl Stuermer, Michael Manring, Marion Meadows, and Samantha Rainbow, "PRAY" is yet another step in the musical journey begun by Spot ten years ago.
In addition to flutes, Spot performs on a variety of drums and percussion instruments, synthesizer, and voice. Didgeridoo, guitar, clavinet, and vocals further broaden the musical palette, but Spot emphasizes that "the flute is the predominant instrument. I write the melodies on the flute, and everything else falls into place around it.
Living in a peaceful, rural area of Utah, "searching for the ultimate place of quiet," Spotted Eagle nonetheless maintains a wide and influential network in the modern world. He has been a spokesperson for both the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Straighttalkers USA, a national organization combating drug and alcohol dependency among youth. On a technological level, in conjunction with Q-Up Arts of California, Spot designed "Voices of Native America", a CD-ROM of instrumental and vocal samples that have been used throughout the music industry by Michael Bolton, Spike Lee, Michael Jackson, and several others. His live performances vary from striking solo presentations to small ensembles, and the 20 piece "Voices of Native America" group augmented by multimedia lighting, film, and special effects. "Voices of Native America" Performing Arts tour is the realization of a dream, presenting Native culture from a past, present, and future view. Most folks don't have a real clue as to what's going on out there. They see a few Hollywood movies, and think that is the defining structure of Native America. Couldn't be more false. We are still fighting, just not with bows and arrows. Education is a great weapon. And through education, the future of Native America, the culture, the People, and the legacy will live on forever."
Currently at work on his newest project "PRAY", due to be released on Higher Octave Music, (distributed by VIRGIN) Douglas once again taps the special personality of the flute. "It seems that the flute touches a part of everyone who hears it, regardless of who the player might be. You see, I believe that when it comes to the flute, I am like a pitcher of water. I don't put the music in the pitcher, I don't listen to the music that pours out of the pitcher, but I do get to hold that music for a short time, and that's where I find my musical fulfillment". But in every context, Spot explains, he is touched by the way audiences partake of the musical and spiritual journey. "It seems to reach a primal sense in them," he explains. "Even non-indigenous or so-called non-ethnic people are tribal, they just don't consciously remember. We all have tribal instincts still within us, and I feel this music tends to reach in and touch that part of spirit. I hope that "PRAY" exemplifies that idea. Modern times seem to generate a feeling that contact with a higher being or Creator is less important, and regardless of one's religious beliefs, the benefit of prayer is that it encourages contact with the soul, spirit, or whatever you choose to call it, in addition to communicating with a higher being. Prayer is one means by which we can make ourselves better people, and thereby reshape society into a better place. Prayer helps the spirit remain focused in a constantly changing environment for both young and old. By way of the music in this recording, I hope to encourage listeners to pray by whatever means best works for them." And given that even the most devout atheist has most likely invoked the name of the Creator at some point in time, Spot is very likely correct in his thought...........
1997-TENAYA (Natural Visions/NV120)
Named after the legendary Miwok leader, this tribute to Yosemite is unusual, in that it's Spot's first soundtrack release as a solo artist in 9 years. Mixing traditional vocals with contemporary themes, flying flute melodies with powerful drums, and delicate piano, this recording is certainly unique to the Spotted Eagle sound. This album features Rob Greyhill and Frank Warren on vocals, Jason Meadows on bass.....
1996-CLOSER TO FAR AWAY (Windham Hill/BMG)
Douglas Spotted Eagle's first solo project for a major label brings a new sound, a new producer, new personal flavorings to the ear, without changing the emotional content that Douglas is remembered for. With the Indian Creek drum group, Jim Brickman, MarionMeadows, Brian Keane and many others, Spot has created an emotional journey, with several radio friendly cuts. This record is Douglas Spotted Eagles' first foray into the realm of true symphonic work, strings arranged by Brian Keane. This record is the first to mix saxophone, didgerdoo, Far East percussion, natural elements and Native flute with traditional vocals and symphony.
1995-COMMON GROUND (Natural Visions/NV106)
"COMMON GROUND" carries on much of the tradition of "HUMAN RITES", with instruments from around the world. The opening cut features the refrain "We are all the same" spoken in 27 different languages. This album also features a remake of "Scarborough Fair/Canterbury Road." The main theme of the recording is one of anti-racism, although presented without the use of lyrics. This album has received heavy airplay in many different radio formats, reaching a broad audience.
1994-ULTIMATE COLLECTION (Natural Visions/NV103)
This recording is a collection of Spotted Eagle's favorite music, remixed, chosen by his fans and himself, the favorites, including Spot's first outing as a vocalist.
1993-HUMAN RITES (Natural Visions NV102)
Utilizing instrumentation from around the world, including dhoumbeks, kotos, earth drums, electric and acoustic guitars, this recording is a panoply of emotion. Ranging from the most ethereal sounds to driving dance beats, traditional singers to gentle ocean rhythms, "Human Rites" has something for every age and lifestyle. Spotted Eagle also imported several other musicians on this project, using violins, rock guitars, and powerhouse percussion. Critically acclaimed, with many cross-sections of airplay and press coverage. "Spotted Eagle has found his wings........" This album is destined to become a classic".
1992-STAND AT THE CENTER (Natural Visions NV101)
Based on the teachings of Black Elk, "Stand" delivers a powerful message. This is the first recording of Native American flute to combine world beats with percussion and sounds from around the world. Heavy airplay, coupled with a video released from this album has made this Spotted Eagle's most successful recording to date. Touring In Europe to support this album, Denmark press called Spot a "visionary of what the world should be,.....a perfect musician in an imperfect world".
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