Native American flutes Part 2

In the post "Native American flutes Part 1" we looked at flutes made in the "Plains" style. In this post we're going to look at a "Woodland" style flute made by Hawk Little John and Geri Little John of Woodsong flutes. (The main difference between these two styles is basically that the sound of a "Plains" style flute has a brighter tone while "Woodland" style flutes are more mellow.)


This flute, like the last two, is also made of cedar.

The block, the classic Little John design, is also made of cedar as are the tips.

This is an extremely expressive flute, having a haunting sound that begs to be played solo. It has a classic Little John tone, dark, resonant, and full. This particular flute is also a little temperamental and can squeak if you're not careful. My other Woodsong flutes do not do this. This squeak is not always bad. I like to use it during the ends of notes to add expression from time to time. Most "Woodland" style flutes are not built for fast fingering and tonguing. Not that they can't be played that way, it just seems most of the time to work against their lovely, warm sound. Here is an audio sample of this flute from my second CD, Sacred Dreams.
LISTEN TO THIS FLUTE.
If you compare the audio sample of this flute with the flutes from Part 1 you might be able to hear the difference in tones.

The flute is 23-1/2" long and has a 1-1/4" bore. Hawk and Geri made it for me in 1999 and it is #63 of 250 flutes they made that year. Little John flutes are beautifully made, with simple clean lines. Unfortunately Hawk passed away a few years ago. A major loss to fans of the Native American flute. Geri is rumored to be making flutes again under the name Red Moon Flutes, but I have not spoken to her in a long time and do not have any information where to get them.
We'll talk about Little John "Woodland" style flutes in future postings, including looking at one of their Bass flutes.

To find out more information about these makers, check out the Native American flute makers page on my web site. LINK
There is no link for Woodsong flutes.

Be sure to check out the photos of my flute collection on my web site. LINK.

Here is a page where you can also learn more about the history and construction too. LINK

If you have any questions, send it to me using the link below.