Personnel: Peter Kater (percussion); Mike Hamilton (guitar); Hans Christina (cello); Tony Levin (bass guitar).

Additional personnel: Bill Miller (acoustic guitar); Arvel Bird (violin); Jeff Ball, Joseph Fire Crow, Kevin Locke, Mary Youngblood, Douglas Blue Feather (Native American flute); Paul McCandless (oboe).

Pianist/composer Peter Kater has carved a niche for himself in the world of new-age instrumentalists by incorporating a Native American sensibility into his reflective keyboard pieces. Along with the usual flute and tribal percussion, this 2007 release also features an impressive number of guest stars from the Native American and new-age musical community, including Douglas Blue Feather, Paul McCandless, and Mary Youngblood, as well as support from celebrated prog bassist Tony Levin.

Keyboardist-composer Peter Kater's Faces of the Sun accurately states "File under New Age/Native American/Peter Kater." Six different Native American flutists are utilized (one apiece) on various tracks so the feel of Native American music is felt throughout. Unfortunately the new age aspects of the music dominate with plenty of one-chord vamps, endless noodling on pieces that do not develop and forgettable soundscapes. Peter Kater's electronics lack any real personality, Paul McCandless is largely wasted (mostly heard on penny whistle) and nothing much happens. But at least this set was properly labeled "new age"; it functions best as background music. ~ Scott Yanow