“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to share my personal style of flute playing, recording, and performing on numerous albums and soundtracks inspired by the natural world since 1997. I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart the inspirations I’ve found within American Jazz, Afro Cuban, UK pop rock, and Indigenous people and communities over the years. Not only have I been accepted, but welcomed and appreciated by Native American collaborators whose work brings to life the important traditions they uphold.
Now, after 40 recordings and hundreds of live concerts, the transition to a mentorship role is upon me. I look forward to guiding others to find their voice using the flute. My ongoing role of promoting jazz giants and Cuban music is also very important, and I hope to continue to inspire young artists of this great body of music.
My work with the desert rim flute and the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office is a lifetime achievement, as well as playing alongside Hopi vocalist Clark Tenakhongva. I trust the work we have done and continue to do will benefit Hopi people first and foremost, which always has been the goal.
I’m forever grateful to all the listeners, fans and friends who have supported me along my path, as well as my teachers and peers. Paul Horn once told me it was my responsibility to ‘keep the music going,’ which I will. I hope you will do the same.”
Gary Stroutsos
December 2022
Seattle, Washington
