Album Review: The Story Of Land
Robert Mirabal

Reviewed by Liam Hawthorne

Robert Mirabal’s The Story of Land is a deeply spiritual and evocative album that explores humanity’s connection to the Earth through the lens of Native American traditions. Released in 1995, the album seamlessly blends the ancient sounds of the Native American flute with poetic storytelling and contemporary musical elements, creating a profound listening experience.

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The album begins with “Isidro's Song,” a track that sets the tone with its haunting flute melodies and natural themes. The tracks is accopanied by an ever-present wind, and a drummed heartbeat, deepening ones own sense of mortality and the transient state in which one lives it.

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Mirabal uses his voice as another instrument on tracks such as "MoonLight Song". His voice carries a weight of wisdom, grounding the listener in themes of ancestry, resilience, and the sacred bond between people and the land.

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Mirabal is a master of the Native American flute, and this album showcases his ability to imbue every note with emotion and meaning. Tracks like “Yuba's Song” feature intricate flute patterns that mimic the rhythms of nature, evoking the sound of raindrops hitting the earth or the whisper of wind through canyon walls. This piece feel alive, as though the land itself is speaking through the music.

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What sets The Story of Land apart is its total lack of New Age.  It is an indigineous migration across the land with flute, voice, and rustic percussion.  in "White Buffalo" for instance, what sounds like a gourd rattle is as prominent as the haunting flute.  The listener's fill fill with the gentle sliding/scraping sound, then the flute cuts through.  The marriage of unadorned music is moving. ​​

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The closing track, “Masa-Yume,” is particularly poignant, with a constant vibrato and (to Western ears) an out-of-scale tune. One feels it is as a message about the reverence tribal people have for the land, and the fragility of that very relationship, if not properly honored.

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Rating: 5/5

Robert Mirabal’s The Story of Land is more than an album—it’s a journey into the soul of the Earth. His masterful flute playing, combined with heartfelt storytelling and innovative arrangements, creates a timeless work that honors tradition while remaining accessible to modern audiences. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking music that connects deeply with the spirit and the natural world.