The photo of Sherry with angel wings on the cover of her latest release is certainly appropriate, since the music contained within could well be described as “heavenly.” Entitled “Sanctuary ll: Earth” it marks the second in her series of new age relaxation music. I had the pleasure of reviewing the first release, “Sanctuary” here in Music and Media Focus, and I’m happy to spread the word about her latest offering. While there are some things in common with the original recording, there are also some differences. Sherry is well known for her talent and versatility on the flute and she plays a variety of them, both in her live performances with a number of different ensembles, as well as on her recordings. However on this album, it is the alto flute in particular that is heard on all the tracks.

The ambience of this CD is very meditative, almost Zen-like in its simplicity and spaciousness, and forgoes the rhythmic and ethnic elements that made occasional appearances on her previous release. The goal of the album is to provide a gentle soundtrack for relaxation, meditation, and yoga. In Sherry’s words: “This CD reaches deep into the soul to bring about an emotional release and healing.” With song titles like “Earth,” “Tranquil Waters,” “Woodlands,” “Dawn’s First Light,” and “Redwoods” it’s clear that the music is inspired by and reflects the beauty of the natural world.

Opening with the title song, Sherry is accompanied by Darin Mahoney on acoustic guitar played through a delay effect, which allows the notes to hang suspended in space momentarily before trailing off into the distance like echoes through a canyon. Long lingering flute phrases float gracefully over and in between the spaces. A music video of this song paired with beautiful nature photography can be seen at Sherry’s website. As the title of the second track, “Dream Flight” implies, the feeling of flying in a dream was the inspiration for this piece, which is the longest on the album at over nine and a half minutes. Taking wings over a subtle synthesizer soundscape, Sherry’s flute glides and soars on drifting musical air currents. Throughout the album I was aware of how delicate and supportive the accompanying instrumentation was, never drawing your attention away from the flute’s sweet song.

Spirits having flown, the sound of a babbling brook brings the listener back to earth as track three, “Tranquil Waters” begins to flow. The aforementioned understated keyboards provide a languid liquid undercurrent to the track which feature the alto flute enhanced with ethereal echo and reverb. Sounds of birds and crickets greet us as we depart the waters for “Woodlands” on the fourth track. A subdued electronic background blends interestingly as Sherry is joined once again by Darin Mahoney on acoustic guitar. The interplay is sublime and for me, conjured a picture of shafts of light filtering through the leaves onto lush ferns and moss on the forest floor.

“Dawn’s First Light” illuminates a more minimalistic yet expansive musical vision that is sculpted of equal parts space and sound… a peaceful portrayal of the early morning sky beginning to lighten as the rays of the sun, ascend over the horizon. Bringing the album to an appropriately majestic ending is “Redwoods,” which was composed and performed by Ric Flauding for Sherry’s Desert Journey CD, and has been specially remixed for “Sanctuary ll: Earth.”  It was a perfect artistic decision to save this one for last in that it has the most melodic and textural content, and features a bit more instrumental interplay with keyboard strings and choirs, acoustic guitar, and flute, exhibiting a sense of grandeur befitting its name.

Whether performing or recording as a solo artist on her own Phoenix-based Heart Dance Record label or playing with her two groups: Radiant Sky and dulce Vas, Sherry paints from an eclectic musical palette. In addition to being a Pearl Flute Performing Artist, and Grammy nominee, she travels nationally and internationally, to perform at diverse venues. They say that good things come in threes, so I’ll be looking forward to soul-soothing sounds of “Sanctuary lll” in the hopefully not too distant future.

On Woodlands from Sanctuary II: Earth

I felt an out of body experience twice the first time and needed to settle my thoughts before I replayed it. If we could hear the Trees of a most deep forest talk in giving an expression of discerning observations to all foolish activity about them during a moment of prayer’ this is what their conversation would sound like. A lovely work in which a great imagination wherein meaningful expression abounds.

Ron Emmerton

“Sherry is a GREAT Flautist, and puts everything into whatever she does. I have worked with Sherry in both live performances and recordings, and she is great to work with not only in her actual playing and performing, but also in her professionalism and integrity about her work.”

“Sherry Finzer is a thoroughly professional and personable musician. An elite talent, she delivers to the audience not only musical excellence but also a restless quest for new forms of musical expression. Her mastery of tone and latitude of musical styles will delight the audience; her professionalism and enthusiasm will please the promoter. Highly recommended for a standalone concert or as part of a concert series.” June 3, 2011

“Sherry is a fantastic and versatile musician that can adapt to any event and musical style. She is very personable, professional and presents herself and her work beautifully. I would recommend her highly for any musical venue from a wedding, a party or a corporate event. She will delight you!”

“Sherry is the consummate professional. Her creativity is unmatched and this carries throughout her work along with the charities she is involved in. It has been a pleasure in all aspects working with her as well as getting to know her. I highly recommend Sherry for any endeavor you may be thinking about.”

REVIEW by MICHAEL DIAMOND

If you are looking for Sanctuary, you’ve come to the right place. Sherry Finzer is a multi-talented musician and recording artist, who breathes life into a variety of flutes including the modern C flute, the alto flute, and the Native American flute. She not only does studio recording, but also performs in a wide variety of musical contexts including solo, duo, trio, and larger ensembles ranging from classical…to new age, world, jazz, and pop music. In addition, she runs her own music label, Heart Dance Records, which is an appropriate name given how much heart energy comes through in her music.

Another way that Sherry shares her love and passion is though the creation of her Arizona World Music Initiative (www.azwmi.org) which is an interactive music program for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and seeks to introduce children to music early in life and give them an opportunity to participate with performers and hopefully create an interest that will last a lifetime. Living in the beauty of Arizona, much of the influence of that particular landscape finds it’s way into her sound.

Her recent album “Sanctuary,” which was a 2010 Grammy semi finalist for best new age album, often reflects the colors and feel not only of the Southwest, but of more subtle dimensions as well. In her own words, “The music’s imagery will awaken your senses while you are traveling through distant lands and ethereal worlds outside of this realm.” And travel you will.

From the beginning of the first track, “Awakenings” you get the feeling that a journey is about to unfold. In an unexpected intro, the song opens with the sound of wind and surprisingly electronic percussion creating a mid tempo ambient groove and laying down a rhythmic foundation for her graceful flutes to glide over. Another surprise unfolds as the sound of Gregorian chanting begins to be heard softly in the background. Which brings me to an aspect of the album I feel deserves mentioning – the mix. While various musical elements weave in and out throughout the album, they are often mixed in very subtly and tastefully, allowing the flute to shine. Sherry’s playing is exquisite as she shows her versatility in the various compositions.

Track two, “Celestial Voyage,” begins with a sensuous wash of keyboards overlaid with softly chiming bells and an electronic texture that sounds like water dripping in a cave. Her music makes wonderful use of synthesizers and electronic effects that set a mood and compliment the sound without pushing the music too much in that direction.

And speaking of directions, the album takes an obvious turn to the East on the next song “Mystic Haze”, with it’s drone background, Indian tabla drums, and something that sounds like a Santur – a Persian hammer dulcimer-like instrument. Sherry’s flute casts an exotic spell using Eastern scales and melodies to evoke an air of mystery and intrigue. This vibe carries over into the next song as well.

The fifth track, “Fortitude” brings us back to earth a bit with only the sound of water and a thunderstorm off in the distance providing a sonic landscape for Sherry to color with her flute. This song, which reminded me of the aural equivalent of a Georgia O’Keefe painting, is the most minimalist track on the album and is a nice shift from the previous two pieces.

The nature sounds continue on the last composition, “Peaceful Drift,” which couldn’t be more appropriately titled, as the sound of ocean waves and seagulls create a relaxed ambience for the other instruments to float on. This is perhaps the most melodically adventurous piece on the CD featuring some unexpected chord changes and directions.

I appreciated that the compositions were extended – mostly from around eight to ten minutes in length, giving the listener ample time to become absorbed in the meditative spaces created.

“Sanctuary” takes in diverse elements of music, nature sounds, and electronic textures and provides a sheltered creative space for them to blend. It’s a place I look forward to seeking refuge in again.

From the Winds of the Desert

Citizens of Phoenix, Arizona are very fortunate to have a talent like Sherry Finzer in their midst. She is an extraordinary flute player with an exceptional imagination. I am fortunate to be telling you about her most recent offering called Sanctuary. She bills it as meditative and relaxing and she is correct, but it is so much more. It is a sonic cocoon that I was able to wrap myself in and just exist. The music was a positive embrace to the spirit that allowed me to roam boundlessly free and dream exuberantly in my mind. I have to admit I was a little disappointed after I heard the first cut. I wanted more and the liners notes said just six tracks. Providentially, they were long cuts (total 52 minutes) and eventually, I was satisfied.

The album opens with the tune Awakenings that began with an industrial background, thunderous and frightening. Soon however I was soothed by the echoing sounds of the multilayered flute, the ancient voices and the captivating melody. After several listens, I was almost mesmerized and I began to sway with the music. Very powerful, very hypnotic. I was energized.

Celestial Voyage is one of my favorites. A nighttime desert sky is a breathtaking experience with countless pinpoints of light that make you feel very small. In the southwest, each star represents an individual story told by numerous ancient cultures. Stories about man’s journey on the planet, how he came to be, or why the stars exist in the night sky. It maybe the story of Kotcimanyako accidentally scattering the stars or how Coyote let the stars escape or even more profoundly, the Celestial Sisters. Sherry offers a twinkling ballad of deeply haunting flute that calms and yet piques the senses.

It was three years ago. We started our vacation in mid-January. It was cold and Tucson received ten inches of snow. The city was at a standstill. No one knew what to do. Luckily, I am from hardy New England stock and I found back roads that eventually took us north to Sedona. Sherry’s flute sings of a Mystic Haze and I can only deduce that it is the mist that surrounds Sedona. We climbed the mountains and as the clouds parted, we were blessed by a crimson vision of the mystical place. To say Sedona is awe-inspiring just does not cover it. To me it is an important part of the history of humankind carved by Nature in red sandstone. Sherry’s song brilliantly adds dimension to the magic and power of that hallowed site.

The electric droning in the tune Ethereal Journey sometimes sounds like the rush of water in a desert gorge. Or perhaps it is the same sound that comets or asteroids produce as they zoom through space, vacuum notwithstanding. The song has a delicate Oriental feel that maybe is a voyage through silk covered dreams. In any case, the music is a springboard for a plethora of playful fantasies.

With undoubtedly strong southwestern roots, the song Fortitude rekindles the flame of Native American flute with its beautiful and haunting approach. The song is a testament to the strength of countless generations of desert dwellers who survived the harsh conditions of the relentless sun and the lack of resources and still managed to make an indelible mark in man’s history.

Peaceful Drift is a tune that keeps its promise as it provides muted nature ambiance and a timeless melody. There is a wonderful current of sound that pulls you along and it takes the calmest route possible.

Sherry released her first album in 2006 called Desert Journey as part of a compilation CD. Since then she has released several other albums. She is partnered with some of the biggest names in the Arizona music scene such as John Calvert, Diego Andres and VeeRonna Ragone. She also plays in a group called Trillium Flute Trio. In addition, when she is not appearing all over the southwest or winning numerous music awards she actually has time to teach. Obviously, she is way past multi-tasking and her efforts substantiate her amazing work. Although Sanctuary is a cross between New Age and contemporary, it would feel right at home in many other genres. This luscious music is highly recommended.

Rating: Very Good+

R J Lannan, independent reviewer for the Zone Music Reporter

For a sample of my work go to www.zonemusicreporter.com and click on the Sounding Board

Sanctuary Sherry Finzer 2009 52 minutes Sanctuary is the second release of the award-winning flutist Sherry Finzer, an artist who has shared the stage with great musicians: guitarists, duos wind, pianists, harpists ... much more. Using various types of flutes, Finzer has created six pieces of long duration, where the soft and gentle sound of these wind instruments are mixed with Gregorian chants, ethereal sounds, natural and other ethnic instruments that help create a state of absolute relaxation. Perfect compositions that manage to immerse the listener in a pleasant trip. The first track on the CD is entitled "Awakenings." The beginning of percussion and a haunting Gregorian chants accompanying the flute Sherry. The melody of this piece has an incredible power of sedation, the extensive sound that plays the flute with distant percussion, hypnotic vocals, and above all, the linear course of it, without surprises or changes make this issue be difficult to listen to the end, entering a deep sleep. I like it!. In "Celestial Voyage", Sherry mixing electronic sounds with ethnic sounds, but always without breaking the peace and calm that characterized its parts. Of course very slow, Sherry is committed to a start of synthesizer, like drops of water falling and relaxing sound of which is attached to a curtain of "sweet dreams". In this composition, Sherry dispenses with percussion and uses a background, almost imperceptible and mysterious synth pad that serves as the basis for The flute appears intermittently, drawing a soft and tender melody. Pure quiet!. The largest part of this work is "Mystic Haze", more than ten minutes. The ethnic piece of the CD, has a mysterious touch with strong oriental. Sherry's flute, more present on this topic, it is accompanied by tables and a stringed instrument that, together, give life to an issue that moves the listener to the Far East, but with a quiet melody, confusing and unclear. My favorite without a doubt!. The soothing sound of the sea is the background music of "Ethereal Journey". A lonely journey through a maritime environment, where thoughts are the only company in this journey. The melody is disconcerting, so relaxed that comes to disturb the listener and where the sound of the flute enhances the feeling of loneliness, showing a scenario where only the blue color predominates. A very distressing piece!. In "Fortitude" rain makes its appearance with the sound of a storm, a storm that overwhelms with its strong thunder, just the opposite, calm. Sherry dispenses with any instrument and only relies on the sounds of nature to improvise a melody on his flute cozy. Sometimes the flute makes a break to give prominence to the soothing power of water. Although it is a piece devoid of musicality, rather the environment, the soothing power of this is surprising. Another of my favorites!. Again, comes the sound of the sea, but in this case, accompanied by the singing of seagulls, wind ... "Peaceful Drift" combines two instruments with ambient sound, the beautiful Sherry flute and a stringed instrument. Perhaps the warmest part of the whole album, which despite being reassuring, it is easy to imagine a clear sky and sunshine. A perfect ending to this CD, making a special welfare. I like it!. Sanctuary is peace, relaxation, tranquility, relaxation ... Any adjective that appeals to well-being is included in this CD. The mixture of sweet sound of the flute Finzer Sherry, along with environmental sounds of the sea, wind, birds and ethnic instruments, make it one of the CDs suitable for enjoying the more relaxed moments of the day, helping to find the desired state of relaxation. Sanctuary is a fascinating journey and introspective, recommended to soothe the soul. Available at: Amazon CDBaby iTunes

Flutist Sherry Finzer's latest release, Sanctuory, is an intoxicating voyage of sensual and transportive soundscapes in which her C, alto, and Native flutes float, course, and wend their way over a bed of rhythms, ambient effects, Gregorian chants, and nature sounds. The six tracks each explore a different segment of a sonic map. 'Awakenings" is more tribal in nature, while "Celestial Voyage" has a quasi-subterranean aspect to it. "Mystic Haze" conveys a strong East Indian influence and "Ethereal Journey" presents a haunting, subtly disquieting electronica evocation. The burbling brook, muted thunderstorm, and lilting wooden flute of "Fortitude" meld into an amorphous "Peaceful Drift" buoyed by the sound of waves and gulls.

Review of "Sanctuary":

Sherry Finzer’s latest CD, Sanctuary, is not a place to seek emotional refuge. Its opening percussive rhythms induce, rather, a state of unrest—like the feeling of electricity in the air before the first lightning strike of a summer storm. Perhaps that’s what Finzer intended; after all, the first track is titled “Awakenings,” and once we are roused by the insistent thumping, Finzer’s flute leads us on a gorgeous meditative journey. After the five-second intro, Finzer’s soulful woodwind, accompanied by Gregorian chants and tinkling bells, produces an almost hypnotic alertness, the sort that comes with listening to rain pound a tin roof—and the sort that inspires new awareness, if not comfort. From there, however, it’s an easy lapse, finally, into the soothing, ethereal notes of “Celestial Voyage.” But this disc is no standard New Age lullaby. Finzer, who is based in Phoenix, has clearly been influenced by Native American flute masters such as R. Carlos Nakai, as well as more synthesized forms of ambient music—but she brings greater diversity to her sound. For example, the third song, “Mystic Haze,” begins with melancholy notes reminiscent of Eastern Europe, then seamlessly transitions into a more upbeat melody with Indian elements, reminding us of our interconnectedness. The fourth and fifth tracks, “Ethereal Journey” and “Fortitude,” incorporate the sound of ocean surf, yet when Finzer adds in her longing, lyrical flute playing, she somehow captures the solitude and spirituality of desolate canyons and deserts. The liner notes say that Finzer plays a trio of different flutes on Sanctuary: a modern C flute, an alto flute and a Native American flute. Her unmistakable talent extends equally to each instrument, and people who think they dislike flute music—whether based on bad experiences with junior high band or Jethro Tull—may well be amazed at how multidimensional and deep the instruments sound under Finzer’s command. Rather than providing a 51-minute refuge, Sanctuary beautifully mirrors the multiple layers of the human experience and, gently but persistently, challenges listeners to explore them. —Laurie Budgar

I just wanted to thank you for your CD. It is beautiful music and I have used it many times already when giving massages. It is very relaxing and calming. I think it would be perfect not only for massages but also for doing yoga or meditating with, or just to have as back ground music to calm the soul from a hectic day. I wish you great success with it and I know you will bring a lot of joy and peace to those who listen to your music.

"Sanctuary" is a sure prescription to forget the worries of your day! As soon as I began listening to these six expertly composed and performed pieces… I found myself effortlessly transported to a dimension rich with textures and hues I have never experienced before. This is a gorgeous set of compositions with an intoxicating range and depth – sure to help you forget whatever was bothering you before you started to listen!

Review of Radiant Sky CD:

Your flute tones are joyous, sparkling, dancing! A joy for me to hear. As I listen to your `Radiant Sky' CD, it is like you are having a conversation with me, describing your world, as you are experiencing it. Always changing, wherever you focus your attention. Your `punctuation' is very remarkable. It certainly gets my attention. Sometimes you are just dreamy, wandering the pleasant countryside, pensive, (not melancholy), just thinking and exploring life. (I like those times the best.) Then you see amazing things in shop windows, and describe the sounds of a busy market place, - a parade? - or a jubilant festival. Other times, You loudly command my attention. "Hear me! Listen! I have something important to say, Right now." And then you might end abrupty, saying, "Enough!" I've said it clearly. Were you paying attention?" And I want to rewind, to make sure I didn't miss something important. Sometimes I hear the bustle and clamor as you are strolling in a busy market place, or window shopping, seeing amazing delights, - or dancing in wild joyous abandon, with gypsies in a forest clearing. With her long and meticulously trained talents, Sherry shares her life in music. Her many CD's reveal, and invite us to listen and enjoy, as she discovers and explores many more dreams, and translates them into a universal music language, with her flute. Listen! You are in for a real treat. Marge

“Sherry Finzer’s technical mastery was matched by her depth of expression. The program was inventive and engaging. The audience responded enthusiastically and wanted more!” - David Kruse Coste, Friday Night Out concert series.

YMCA employee helps raise funds for Strong Kids Campaign

Dulce Vas, an instrumental band playing the harp and flute, will perform today at Ground Control, 14140 W. Indian School Road, Suite B1 in Goodyear.

VeeRonna Ragone, the harpist, Sherry Finzer, the flutist, and Andy Ragone, the vocalist, will preview their newest Christmas album. The album will be available for purchase at Ground Control throughout the holiday season.

"They are a local fan-following group," said Sean Rassas, owner of Ground Control. "It's hard not to want to hear them again."

Shortly after meeting at the Wedding and Event Network, VeeRonna Ragone and Finzer began to work on music together.

"A week later, we rehearsed and found out that we kind of liked each other and it evolved from there," Ragone said. "It all kind of happened by accident, but it's a really cool thing." Both artists had separate MySpace music profiles at the time.

The group will play recognizable tunes such as "Moon Dance," "Save the Last Dance," "Fragile," "Jingle Bells," "Feliz Navidad," and "O Come Emmanuel."

"We play at an old-jazz standard with Latin motives," Ragone said.

"We have a style that is completely unique," she said. "There is not another group in the area that plays what we do."

The concert will run from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is free. Seating availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

"We are expecting close to 100 people," Rassas said.

John Sinn, a percussionist, and Haijung Choi, a bass player, will join Dulce Vas today at Ground Control.

VeeRonna and Sherry also perform as a duo under the name Desert Fusion.

"Dulce Vas was developed about a year ago," Ragone said. "Sherry is from Rochester, N.Y. I am a native. We have been playing professionally as separate artists for over 20 years."

The group has a MySpace profile where most of its songs can be heard. The music on MySpace is not available for purchase, but will be available through the group's new CD sold at Ground Control.

"The album will include all Latin-style Christmas songs," Ragone said. "The Christmas songs are available on iTunes as well."

Ground Control will sell wine, mixed drinks, hot chocolate, cheese, salads and sandwiches. The event is suitable for all ages.

The group was originally hired for private events, but now plays throughout the Phoenix area.

The most recent concert took place Nov. 11 at Tuscany Falls in PebbleCreek.

"It was a tribute to the veterans," Ragone said. "Around 50 to 75 people were able to go."

They also performed at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix on Nov. 13 during a wine-tasting event.

The Dulce Vas Web site with details on upcoming events is accessible at www.dulcevas.com.

When I first heard your trio at Glencroft, on 7-30-10, I was deeply moved, almost entranced, by your performance. I would like to hear it again!

The shape, as well as the softer, deeper, mellow tone of your alto flute interested me.

(I played a school flute and piccolo in my high school band and orchestra, in  1943-1947). Those were very happy days for me.)  (I am now 81.)

I have always liked James Galway's flute music recordings, but I think you may have surpassed him in my appreciation. (and perhaps in skill?)

Your sparkling, clear, pure tones are sometimes soft and peaceful, serene, and pensive. (But never melancholy.) Other times they are joyous, dancing, exhuberant, racing, full of energy and surprises. Very loud and powerful, when desired, but still pure and clear, not strained or harsh.  Through modern technology, you even play duets and trios with yourself. A pleasure to hear!

The drums played (and made) by Jason Wiedman absolutely fascinated me.

He had a `box' drum, called a cajon, and also wore a colorful open-ended ceramic `jar' type of drum on his arm, that he called a Dumbek, or goblet drum.    His gentle, artistic, changing hand movements, (and the location where he placed them), made those instruments emit all kinds of delightful rhythms, that were descriptive, supportive, but not intrusive to the melodies. I felt the beats resonate in my body, not just in my ears.
The sounds were different when tapped in the middle, or on the side of the same drum head.
Jason's hands and fingers (not a stick) artistically caressed his drums to get such gentle percussion sounds, and various gaits, to seamlessly blend with a flute and guitar, into one beautiful `song sentence' and paragraph.

Until the skillful acoustic guitarist, Jason Calvert, played a solo, his gentle accompaniment was so supportive and unobtrusive, I was hardly aware of hearing it. He demonstrated how he used a Capo to change it's range to another key. It would make the sound brighter. His guitar could imitate the lyrical tones of a flute, and also sound like a full orchestra, when desired. (It was never loud and overpowering, like many guitars I have encountered in the past.)

All together a very fulfilling, satisfying, amazing performance, leaving one begging to hear `just one more song'.