Greg Bishop

FLY BROTHER FLY, Greg Bishop's debut outing for Native Language, blends exotic and cinematic textures to a contemporary vocal and instrumental setting. Basing his writings and inspirations from working with brother and Native Language co-founder Theo Bishop, Greg transcends new age music with the lyricism of his flute and the honest loftiness of his voice.

An accomplished flutist formerly of the country/folk group Tuxedo Cowboy, Bishop has been given the opportunity to bring his education and musical experience into the new age genre, while at the same time expanding upon it. Classically trained at the University of Idaho in Moscow and the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Bishop's foremost influence comes not from Bach or Mozart, but from his four brothers, all noted musicians and writers.

I spent the better part of my childhood being raised in a very musical family, Bishop says. I think it would be difficult to say that they didn't influence me in any way. My brothers were always playing and touring, so it was a great atmosphere in which to learn.

FLY BROTHER FLY brings together a range of contemporary genres, from the latin Rhythm of Love with contemporary jazz guitarist Marc Antoine, to the Celtic-inspired Longing for the Green, to the soft vocal ballad Always You. Bishop's music also exhibits a deep sense of spirituality and passion, and it is that prevailing theme throughout the album that propels it to loftier heights. Fly Brother Fly the album's title cut, is a hymn of strength and courage. Just spread your wings and close your eyes, believe it and my brother you can fly, the song's lyrics state.

All art is borrowed from God, Bishop says. Every note I play or sing is inspired by Him. He gave us a great mind, and we have to work to keep it sharp, but we always learn and grow. That's the most incredible thing about music as it allows us discover things about ourselves and about others that we wouldn't have known or felt before.