Quiet Spaces: Flute Meditations for Mindfulness and Relaxation is world flutist/composer Ann Licater’s fifth album to date. The fifteen original compositions include twelve flute solos and three duets that are performed with Grammy-nominated Peter Phippen (electric bass). A few of the “solo” tracks are layered to sound like two or more flutes playing together, and one includes Ann’s wordless vocals. Subtitled “Flute Meditations for Mindfulness and Relaxation,” this music is also recommended “for yoga, spa, healing arts, creativity, study, sleep, and overall stress reduction.”

Ann Licater plays eleven different flutes on Quiet Spaces, but thirteen of the fifteen tracks include Native American or Native American-style flutes, keeping the overall feel of the album fairly even and consistent throughout. And no, I’m not saying that the music all sounds the same. Being consistent helps to set the mood and maintain it for the full album, allowing the listener to get “lost” in the music. On the other hand, music that is too repetitive can be anything but relaxing (believe me, I know!!!). This is music for a purpose (several purposes, actually!), and I think it succeeds exceptionally well. I did some of my listening in the car while driving on the Oregon coast highway, and found Quiet Spaces to be a wonderful aural companion - especially when driving in a beautiful area, where the music can add a bit of magic to the experience.

Ann Licater’s awards and nominations include those from Amazon music editors (Top Ten Best New Age Album), New Age Reporter (Best Native American Album), ZMR Music Awards (Nominations for Best Relaxation Album, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album and Best Meditation Album), Independent Music Awards (Nomination for Best New Age Song) and the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (Nominations for Best New Age Album). In addition to her recordings and concert appearances, Ann has created and facilitates “Flute for the Soul” workshops where she plays Native American and world flutes for personal discovery. Her love of wood and clay flutes led her to study with master flutist R. Carlos Nakai (Navajo-Ute), complementing her years of classical flute training at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis, MN.

Quiet Spaces is healing, relaxing music at its finest. It is available from Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby and various streaming sites.