Jan-Michael DeRuyter: Reviews

REVIEWS

 “Your spiritual and reflective CD, 'Prayers From Within', is a rare and creative journey that will touch and enrich many souls, speaking to the hearts of today’s fast-paced and complex society. The CD is peaceful, reverent, and healing…pure and honest. 'Prayers From Within' is truly a soulful work of love and respect…a blessing for the world.”
-Charlene D. Dunn,
English Editor, Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

 “I love your album…it’s just so beautiful, it transports me.”
-Andy Monroe,
Singer-Songwriter, Recording Artist

 “I purchased your 'Meditations: Native American Flute' CD for my mother. She had cancer and was in Hospice care in our home. Your music was a soothing presence for her almost around the clock. The spiritual nature of your flute made this time in our lives less painful, and had a calming effect on us all. My mom passed away quietly, still with your flute playing softly in the background. Since your music was such a wonderful gift in my mom’s final hours, we thought it only fitting to share it at her memorial service. You will never know how much your beautiful music has touched our lives.”
-Many blessings,
Lynne C.

 “Your music has touched me deeply. It seems like music from home, and I thank you from my heart.”
-Mary W.

 “After departing company and two unexpected travels, I’ve now been able to listen to your 'Prayers From Within' CD. It is quite beautiful; I enjoyed listening to the forest inspire you. It is good to feel welcomed back into the rhythm of my studio with such soothing music.”
-Carol Alleman,
Carol Alleman Studios

 “Thank you for sharing what you love most…your music is medicine for one’s soul.”
-Skip

 “I just wanted to let you know how beautiful your CD is, and how much it has meant to me and my family. After a two year fight with colon cancer, my mom came to live with us for her end days. We played your music again and again, as she loved listening to it. When she passed, the family gathered, and I played your CD. We also played it during her funeral. A few months later, my wife and I took a trip. While standing on the North Shore of Lake Superior, waves crashing in the background, we listened to your music again. It was truly healing and magical. One never knows how something will be used, or what memories will be evoked, when one makes art or music. Your CD will always be part of our lives and memories of my mom’s passing, and the healing that also happened.”
-Thank you so much for your very emotive and haunting music,
Steve B.

 “I listen to your music. It is very beautiful, calming, and spiritual.”
-Thank you for creating it,
Ron C.

 “My life, up to this point, has been unmanageable and disastrous due to problems with alcohol. After two years of trying to stop on my own, I found help with other alcoholics who suggested that I try meditation and prayer. I prayed for help, and shortly afterward found your music. It’s important for me to understand that in order to stay sober, I must keep pushing out spiritually. Your music has been a very important tool in doing just that. I want to thank you for helping me to be alive and happy today.”
-You will remain in my prayers,
Chris C.

 “Excellent CD. I play it at my desk ALL DAY!”
-Gary W.

 “It’s hard to clearly express the beauty I have found in your music. It brings everything from joy to tears. Of all the artists I have found, not one has been able to touch the deepest aspects of my soul like you can. When I listen to your flute, I envision forests and flowing rivers and animals running. I feel the wind blow and the sun shine. I feel as if I’m actually experiencing living. That seems to be the key word; 'living' your music. Thank you for such a wonderful gift, given to those of us lucky enough to have found your music.”
-Thank you for sharing this beauty that many search for,
Tammy T.

 “I play your CD, 'Prayers From Within', several hours a day and no matter where I am, anyone who hears your music will sit down and peace falls across their face. I believe I can’t change the world in a day, but I can change one person at a time. I believe you are doing this with your music, so please keep these beautifully mystical sounds flowing. May the Great Spirit walk with you on the pathway through the journey of life.”
-Smooth Paths,
Julia J.

 “Your 'Meditations: Native American Flute' CD has had a profound impact on all of my family and friends. I have several meditation tapes, and I must say that none of them have had the effect that this one has had. Thank you for sharing this wonderful talent you have with others. I know that my world is a better place because your music is a part of it.”
-Kyle

 “I certainly do enjoy your music. It’s very special: simultaneously delicate and powerful, driven by your respect for beauty and nature. Your sincerity echoes through the haunting melodies which sound as if they ride on the wind. I love working on my paintings while listening to your music, as the raven’s wings flap and stir the sky overhead.”
-Thanks for the gift,
Nel I.

 “Your music soothes the soul and quiets the heart. Be assured that my soul is touched in a mighty way.”
-Paula W.

 “I have been at the computer all morning listening to your wonderful Native American flute music playing next to me. You play with a respect and reverence that honors the traditions of Native American flute players and the spirits they communicate with through their playing.”
-Our Best,
Gil and Carol A.

 “Your CD, 'Prayers From Within', is perfectly beautiful. I cherish its peacefulness, and the mood it evokes. I fixed a steaming cup of hot tea, watched the snow flutter down, and listened to your flute. It was magical!
I totally relaxed and found myself with The One of All, a gift I’ve longed for.”
-All the Very Best,
Eva H.

 “As a Native American flute maker and performer, over the past decade I’ve had the blessing of being able to hear many flute players, both live and in recorded format. With regards to Jan~Michael, I’ve had the extreme blessing of listening to his CD, 'Prayers From Within', in my home and my gallery while also performing live with him in concerts. In my view, Jan~Michael’s music, and the spirit in which he shares his music, is awesome! His flute playing is unique and a breath of fresh air, to say the least. In this day and age, I’ve seen many flute musicians come and go. However, I’d be willing to bet that Jan~Michael and his spiritual way of sharing Native American flute will be around for a long, long time.”
-Blessings,
Mac Lopez, Whirlwind Studios

 “While listening to your music I have had feelings of peace, relaxation, and for the first time in a week I have felt focused. It has helped me to forget, for a moment, the tragic events that have occurred in this country recently. Thank you for such beautiful sounds.”
-Jenny L.

 “Your music just takes my breath away. Thank you for your love of music, and for sharing this wonderful gift you have been blessed with.”
-June C.

 "Vicky and I enjoyed your flute songs! I am honored by your 'Song for Littleleaf', and your credits to me. Your flute playing is just awesome and very healing. I can honestly say that your style and songs are very beautiful, with a lot of feeling. You play a great flute, and I am excited by what you have to offer the world. I’ve listened to your flute, and I know that you’ve got the gift of spiritual and meditative qualities threaded throughout. Vicky and I thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for sharing your music with us. We will treasure it always.”
-Your friend and brother,
Charles Littleleaf

 “In the spring of 2000, Jan~Michael DeRuyter sent his Native American flute recording titled, 'Prayers From Within', to me. The loon-like voice of the flute and the spiritual integrity of the artist remained with me for weeks. The enchantment of the woods, and a reverent spirit, flow through his melodies like birds of grace. As I listened to his recording at work, people would walk up in a daze and ask what it was. I would respond by saying that it was the Native American flute. They always commented on its beauty.”
-Paul Frantzich,
Compass Productions

 “I am so happy to have come to know your music.”
-Julie M.

 “The music on 'Prayers From Within' goes right to the heart of the matter. It speaks to one’s soul in a spiritual and nurturing way. As a teacher, I use it often during classroom writing assignments because it sets the mood for reflection and focus. I’ve also used it with autistic children and upset babies for its calming effects. Magical in its essence, this CD is an absolute must for everyone!”
-Elaine G.