Kenneth Little Hawk Releases
The Talking Tree On March 14, 2007

The Talking Tree CD is the second time Little Hawk has collaborated with Cherokee drummer, Thunder Bear. In 1996, they recorded a world music CD, "First Light," as a result of performing around New York City in a group that promoted a connection to all life through it's musical offerings. The band was called Sinhtala which is an Inuit name for spiritual energies on the surface of the Earth.

Little Hawk and Thunder Bear reunited in October 2006 to record "The Talking Tree" which is an acoustic album of original music. The project evolved into a celebration of nature, featuring the Tree, which is the source of both the flute (tree branch) and the drum (tree trunk). The result is an inspired set of 16 tunes with a bonus recording of Little Hawk telling his "Talking Tree" story of generosity and respect. The album also features carefully placed nature sounds recorded in the Waitomo forest of northern New Zealand by award-winning sound designer, Dan Dugan of Partners in Rhyme.

The CD begins with an open-hearted invitation of love, compassion and humility with a drum beat that leads into a "Beautiful and Majestic" flute melody. It is followed by another flute and drum piece, "Walk Among Them," featuring a chant that welcomes the presence of ancient wisdom. "Of Living Things," is a percussive piece dedicated to all life on the Earth with Thunder Bear soloing on drums and Little Hawk on shaker. The drum to us is like the beating of the heart, a rhythm that keeps the body and song in balance. The CD continues to lead the listener on a journey of surprise and delight with amazing sychronicity between the flute and drum.

"Music comes through us, not from us, so we can share the gifts of the spirit." Kenneth Little Hawk

Thunder Bear on his collaboration:
To be able to play with Little Hawk again is such a wonderful gift. Over ten years have passed since our last CD and it is as if we never stopped playing. We tuned in to each other immediately and the music just flowed. We have a very special musical connection, and the sound to my ears is total harmony, especially between the wooden flute and wooden drum...the music feels very natural and very inspired... thanks. - Thunder Bear...2007

Little Hawk on the music:
We do hope our listeners feel our encouragement to bring love, unselfishness, humility, and compassion to all the peoples of Earth. What comes through us as musicians is that we are all connected. We are reaching out to all the hearts and minds to add the message of the Talking Tree to their daily lives.... be generous and respect all life." - Little Hawk...2007

Excerpt from "The Talking Tree" story on track 17:
"I will tell you what the Tree said. The Tree said 'You need to be like me!' I need to be like the Tree Grandfather? Yes, the Tree is saying 'you need to be like me.' The Tree is saying: 'I did not ask any of those families what language they spoke; I did not ask themwhat color they were; I did not ask them what religion they followed; I gave freely of what I had; I was generous to all people; And the more that I have, the more that I am able to give.' That is what the Tree is saying. We need to be more like the Tree."

Several tunes on the CD serve as background music on Little Hawk's recent DVD, "The Little Hawk Show" which is available at Amazon.com.

"Oh Great Spirit,
come live in my heart.
Give love and contentment
to the children.
Give health and long life to our elders
so they may remain with us
for a long time.
And to all life give peace and love.
As long as the sun shines
and the water falls,
may you always be happy."

Kenneth Little Hawk