Mist on the Mountain

Description

Mist on the Mountain contains the following tracks:

1. Ash Grove
The album opens with Ash Grove, a tribute to the towering ash trees that dot the campground known by the same name. This is a campground owned by a Pagan couple, and it is a rare refuge for residents of the Carolinas who practice a nature-centered form of spirituality. The flute here is warm and resonant, evoking the strength and quiet wisdom of these ancient trees. You can almost feel the cool breeze rustling through the leaves as Skene’s melodies create a sense of timelessness, transporting you to the heart of a shaded grove where time seems to stand still. This track sets the stage for the album’s journey into nature’s beauty and tranquility.

2. Autumn Mists
Autumn Mists captures the ethereal beauty of fog rolling over the mountains in the early evening as the crickets begin to sing. The flute’s soft, delicate tones float like mist, gentle and elusive as if the music itself is wrapped in a layer of fog, creating a soundscape that mirrors the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of an autumn evening. This piece invites listeners to slow down and embrace the stillness that comes with the changing of seasons, where every breath of air feels charged with possibility.

3. The Swamp Rabbit
Inspired by the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a popular hiking and biking path in upstate South Carolina, this track has a playful and lively quality. The flute’s rhythm mimics the quick, darting movements of a rabbit, as the music brings to life the bustling energy of this wooded trail. The sounds of singing frogs and rustling leaves accompany the melody, giving the impression of a lively ecosystem in constant motion evocative of the marshy areas surrounding the trail from which the track gets its name. The Swamp Rabbit is both lighthearted and invigorating, offering a sense of connection to the small but vibrant creatures that share the forest floor.

4. Spirit of the Wolf
Spirit of the Wolf is a deeply spiritual track that draws upon the powerful presence of the wolf as a symbol of strength, intuition, and guardianship. In this best-selling track from the album, the flute’s melody is haunting and primal, with deep, resonant notes that evoke the howl of a wolf echoing through the mountains. The sounds of wind and distant howls further enhance the sense of mystery and reverence for this majestic creature. This track encourages the listener to connect with their inner strength and the untamed spirit of the wilderness.

5. Yellow Branch
Named after Yellow Branch Falls, a hidden gem in the Appalachian Mountains, this track has a flowing, cascading quality, much like the waterfall itself. The flute here is light and melodic, dancing like water over rocks, while the sound of rushing water forms the perfect backdrop, accompanied by gentle wind chimes. Yellow Branch feels like a journey down a mountain stream, its music refreshing and clear, encouraging listeners to go with the flow and find peace in nature’s constant movement.

6. Dragon Ridge
Dragon Ridge is a nod to the high, rugged ridge that rises like the spines of a dragon along the horizon behind the cabin Sencha shared with the love of his life when they lived in the Appalachians. This track is filled with intensity and drama, with the flute’s powerful, soaring notes capturing the majesty of the mountain peaks. The accompanying sounds of a shamanic drum add to the sense of wildness of the track. Dragon Ridge speaks to the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains and the sense of adventure they inspire.

7. Firefly Forest
Firefly Forest was named after a sanctuary near Cleveland, South Carolina in Echo Valley. This sanctuary is home to the rare blue ghost fireflies. The track brings to life the magic of a summer night when the woods are aglow with the tiny, flickering lights of the blue ghost fireflies. The flute’s light, fluttering melody mimics the dance of these glowing creatures, while the accompanying gentle acoustic guitar melody creates an enchanting atmosphere. This track is filled with a sense of wonder and childlike curiosity, inviting listeners to reconnect with the simple joys of a warm summer evening spent in nature’s glow.

8. Stars and Cedars
Stars and Cedars is a peaceful, contemplative track that captures the stillness of a night spent under the stars, surrounded by the ancient cedar trees of the mountains. The flute’s slow, steady melody feels like a quiet conversation between the stars and the earth, while the quiet snowfall adds a sense of mystery to the night. This track is perfect for moments of reflection, offering a sense of calm and connection to the greater universe.

9. The Raven at Midnight
In The Raven at Midnight, the flute takes on a darker, more mysterious tone, reflecting the raven’s role as a symbol of both wisdom and mystery in many Native American, Norse, and Celtic traditions. The music is haunting, with low, brooding notes that evoke the silent flight of a raven through the night sky. The occasional caw of a raven in the background adds to the sense of mystery, making this track one of the most atmospheric on the album.

10. The Owl in Winter
The album closes with The Owl in Winter, a track that embodies the quiet resilience of the owl as it watches over the snow-covered forest. The flute’s melody is soft and gentle, like snow falling in the cedars, while the distant hoot of an owl reminds us of the wisdom and patience that come with enduring the cold months. This final track is serene and meditative, offering a sense of closure and peace as if the journey through the mountains has come full circle.