Testimonials

"Cama-i" (Aleut Greetings)

I have been playing Russ's flutes since I met him back in the early 90's at one of our very first Northern California flute gatherings in Sacramento!!
He would eventually bring me flutes to try, and we'd play them at the Native Gallery I use to work at in Old Sacramento. Folks would hear the sound of flutes and wander in to an impromptu concert. The aroma of white sage filled the air and it was always so amazing how the vibe would draw them in.... I am proud and honored to call him my friend and brother!

A Russ Venable flute still possesses that magic, and then some! This flute maker has not only improved his already incredible flute making skills over the years, but his creative mind and adventurous curiosity has led him down roads not yet taken!! I can't tell you how many "prototypes" this Aleut woman has in her possession. You flute players would just drool- if you haven't already seen them on the flute tree (Also a RV creation) in my music room! This man is an ARTIST!

The two first things I look for in a flute are tonal quality, and volume- pretty much in that order. If I'm in pitch and have a lot to work with, within each note, it not only makes for an awesome sound, but is SO conducive to recording and performance.

Russ has always come to the table in that respect, and as I tell my flute students- 'when I have a HUGE window of sound in which to play in... it gives me so much more to work with, considering it is an instrument often thought of as (seemingly) having limitations.' We have found, that there is no such thing when it comes to the Native American style flute!

Quyanaa (Aleut Thanks) Russ!! Keep up the good works- sharing your gift of song with the world, and beyond !!!!!

This journey truly would not have been the same without you walking beside me brother...

(Mare) Mary Youngblood 7/9/05

      

"In my opinion, Russ Venable is one of the premier flute makers in the nation. He places his total concentration on each piece of wood so that it becomes a work of art. He is especially gifted when presented with a challenge and has created some of the best multiple-barrel (drone) flutes I have ever played."

Lew Paxton Price