Robert Mirabel

While editing photos in a hotel room over the weekend, in Albuquerque, I happened to turn on the TV for background noise. A local TV station had scheduled a full evening of taped performances showcasing Native flute player and song writer Robert Mirabel from the ancient community of Taos Pueblo. While visiting an art gallery back in the 90's, I was first introduced to his incredible talents during a photo trip down in Santa Fe. After hearing a couple of songs I purchased a CD without further hesitation. Mirabel's sound was at the time so unique, refreshing and spiritually uplifting. A few months later PBS aired a live concert at the Mashantucket Pequot Fox Acres casino resort featuring musicians Robert Mirabel and Peter Buffet performing a huge theatrical production titled "Spirit". What a concert! Robert gave a performance that was dynamic and amped. An interview immediately following showed us a handsome man with a wonderful sense of humor. As an entertainer, he's packaged with it all; talented, theatrical, musical and funny.

Two-time GRAMMY winner, Robert Mirabal, lives with his family at the foot of sacred Taos Mountain in
northern New Mexico. I had the opportunity to meet him with his large family entourage while dining at a Taos restaurant. He was so kind, aimable and cracked jokes while he autographed two CD's titled "Music from a Painted Cave" and "Taos Tales" that I happened to have on hand. Needless to say, those disc's never again saw a player. They are framed and hang in the studio on my wall of shame.

Maintaining a traditional life, keeping the centuries-old customs of the Taos Pueblo people, Robert has been described as a Native American "Renaissance man" - musician, composer, painter, master craftsman, poet, actor, screenwriter, horseman and farmer - and travels extensively playing his music all over the world.

His first flute came when he was 18 with money he borrowed from his grand mother, and shortly after wards he had the opportunity to meet Native American flute player R. Carlos Nakai who greatly influenced him. My music is informed by the ceremonial music that I've heard all my life. What I create comes out of my body and soul in a desire to take care of the spirits of the earth.

 

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:

May 12, 2011
International Wildlife Film Festival
Missoula, Montana

May 13 - 14, 2011
ZION FLUTE FESTIVAL
ZION UTAH

July 16, 2011
ROBERT WITH EIKO AND KOMA
CHICAGO, ILL

July 28 - 30, 2011
ROBERT WITH EIKO AND KOMA
LINCOLN CENTER, NYC