Emergence is one of R. Carlos Nakai's most emotive CDs, exploring traditional melodies and prayers of Northern and Central Plains Native Americans while waxing improv on everything from desert winds to willow trees and red-tailed hawks. The result is a sweet, expressive, and grounding music dedicated to the songs and stories of Nakai's tribal ancestors. This longtime master owns a natural gift for singing with the cedar flute, and this becomes delightfully apparent after hearing the fresh and light "Whirlwinds Dancing" and "Coyote Rainbows." Nakai devotes the last third of the album to South American Diné creation and emergence stories and his original, "Willow People"--with its echoing notes and touch of ambient synthesizer--begins to sing with cosmic tones, reflecting the landscape of the Din&ecute; songs. What follows are four lovely pieces of expansive Native American music, some of which include Nakai's deep, godly voice floating over a timeless universe, before ending on a quiet, melancholy rendition of "Amazing Grace." With each song, Emergence emerges into a masterpiece. --Karen Karleski