Faces of the Sun

by Scott YanowKeyboardist-composer Peter Kater's Faces of the Sun accurately states "File under New Age/Native American/Peter Kater." Six different Native American flutists are utilized (one apiece) on various tracks so the feel of Native American music is felt throughout. Unfortunately the new age aspects of the music dominate with plenty of one-chord vamps, endless noodling on pieces that do not develop and forgettable soundscapes. Peter Kater's electronics lack any real personality, Paul McCandless is largely wasted (mostly heard on penny whistle) and nothing much happens. But at least this set was properly labeled "new age"; it functions best as background music.