"The vision for the "Salish Moon" world flute instrumental recording may have started over 20 years ago when I first fell in love with the Snoqualmie Valley during my cycling days. I used to love riding out Fall City Redmond road and up the long climb to the Falls. I always liked returning to the falls for hikes and when I first had my music at the Lodge, I began to think about a site specific recording to bring to life a glimpse of this most beautiful region.

Meeting world class photographer Bill Hagstotz was a blessing for I asked him many times to come up to the falls and begin shooting the area. This process took over a year in the making with the final shoot on the opposite side of the falls late at night where you see the results on the cover of "Salish Moon".

I wanted to not draw attention to myself the artist with this recording. I wanted a memory of the falls and Salish Lodge for folks who visit to take home with them. The music does have world music and American Indian overtones from my own past work with music inspired by a "sense of place" and the first peoples who first visit sacred sites around the world. I consider the falls a sacred site and should be respected in a good way. The first people who roamed the valley were called "people of the moon". So we honor these first people with "Salish Moon" new music for all to enjoy.

I want to thank my friend Joan Southon for believing in my work and presenting the music to the Salish Lodge resort. I also want to thank my friend Bill Hagstotz who truly brought to life the true essence of the falls and surrounding area through these compelling images you see."

~ Gary Stroutsos

Quiet Fire

Oru: The Natural Order

Echoes of Canyon de Chelly

Pacific Moon