Coyote Oldman creates a sound that is fundamentally grounded in the physical act of breathing. Their music is a masterclass in the use of space, where the silence between notes is as important as the melodies themselves. It sounds like the interior of a deep forest at twilight, where every rustle and echo feels amplified and significant. The primary focus is on the rich, woody timbre of handmade flutes, which possess a haunting, human-like quality that digital instruments cannot replicate.
What sets them apart is the sophisticated interplay between Barry Stramp's classical precision and Michael Graham Allen's deep knowledge of flute construction. They don't just play the instruments; they explore the physics of the air moving through them. By layering these organic woodwinds over subtle, shimmering synth beds, they create a 'new age electronica' that avoids the plastic sheen of the genre, opting instead for a textured, earthy resonance that feels both ancient and timeless.
Start with 'Compassion' or 'House Made of Dawn' to experience their peak ability to weave atmosphere. These albums serve as perfect gateways for anyone seeking music that facilitates a deep state of calm without becoming saccharine. It is music for the quiet hours, designed to lower the listener's heart rate and clear the mental clutter of modern life.
Coyote Oldman is a duo of new-age musicians consisting of Native American flute players Barry Stramp and Michael Graham Allen. The name Coyote Oldman is derived from the trickster archetype in Native American mythology. Michael Graham Allen met Barry Stramp in 1981 at an Oklahoma City crafts fair. Their music can be described as new-age electronica. The duo plays Japanese and Indian flutes, Incan pan-pipes, ocarinas and Native American pipes, as well as contemporary instruments such as guitars and keyboards. Oklahoma-born Barry Stramp (b. 1959) is a classically trained concert flautist, while Alabama-born Michael Graham Allen (b. 1950) is a manufacturer of handmade flutes in addition to being a musician. Since 1987, the duo has released 13 albums.
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