The Ancient Key

Album Review

Flutist Wendy Luck recorded 14 solo pieces inside the Great Pyramid of Egypt, and while the results border on new age simplicity, Luck often adds elements of jazz and non-Western sounds to create something a touch more sophisticated. The sounds resonate eerily, and the tempos are generally taken slowly to fully absorb the resonances. Lock alternates among C-flute, alto flute and wooden flute, and is clearly comfortable with freely improvised structures. Still, she often sticks to a conservative path, and her appeal is likely to be limited. With song titles such as "Night Prayer," "Secret of the Desert," "Winds of the Sahara," and "Hidden Temple," she is clearly hoping to reach the new age market, and while the jazz element is limited, she is clearly a talented and ambitious performer, comfortable playing in several traditions.