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Interview with Charles Littleleaf

© Karen Stafford

The art of performing on a Native American flute is unlike the "regular" flute. Not only is the technique different, but I believe the feeling that goes into it is in another realm altogether. The belief and emotions that most Native Americans feel for nature and nature's elements come across in this hauntingly beautiful style of music.

Charles Littleleaf is one such performer. I've had the privilege of "springing" up an e-mail correspondence with him and his wife, Vicky, and feel honored to bring to you some of Charles's beliefs and ideas about his performances and his music.

Listen to this RealPlayer segment of Who Am I?, composed by Carnes Burson. (If you don't have RealPlayer, click here.)

KS: What significance does flute music have for most Native American cultures?

CL: Flute music is a reminder to Native American people, of who they are and where they come from. Through our music, we can preserve our history, stories, traditions, and culture. Flute music is a great gift from the Creator and the natural nature of the universe. This music must be shared with all of life because it is also of healing medicine from a sacred place. We can express our love for all human beings, because each one of us are special. All people are related.

KS: What inspired you to use the sounds of nature on your "Whispers of Earth Medicine" recording? Just how did you go about making this recording with these sounds?

CL: Flute music and nature have always gone hand in hand. Many songs throughout Indian history have been inspired by these great wonders.

We have always learned from the animals of earth, as they have been our greatest teachers. The bear alone, has shown us many natural medicines and edible foods. If you want to learn the medicine of any animal on earth, just closely observe it and you will be shown many traits which can be adapted for human benefit. I always thank the woodpecker for presenting us with the flute, even if it was in innocense, by boring holes in a hollow branch and looking for grubs. It was a great day when the wind blew through that natural flute!

There are several sound-effect libraries available that can accompany flute music. I carefully and selectively chose the sounds I felt were accomodating to the melodies I play...the sounds of earth and nature.

KS: Do you make your own flutes? What you would suggest for (or what advice would you give to ) anyone interested in learning to make flutes of this type?

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