SEARCHING FOR THE GATES OF LOVE is a radical departure for a great blues man, rock’n’roll guitarist, and singer-songwriter. Sunrise Fletcher has made memorable performances and recordings in folk and rock for years, but in this epic production, he shows himself a master of surprising contemporary technique and a completely fresh approach. The whole effect, to me, is that of a space-age minstrelsy bundled with a medieval sensibility, a Renaissance energy, and an operatic sweep. The disc as a whole carries a rich nostalgia for someplace you’ve never been but would dearly like to go, with a cast of characters you fell in love with in a dream. But it also touches solidly down on all four feet, as when it teaches us that we ARE part of the watershed, made of the swirling muddle of DNA. There is also a winsome what-if quality to the work, as when Cara asks, "Should we go in? Or not?" From its beautifully illuminated jacket, fascinating liner notes, and involving narrative quest, to its broad philosophic blend and penetrating whimsy, SEARCHING FOR THE GATES OF LOVE makes us feel in the space of one CD that we have lived a great book while listening to fine music, all in the best of company. There is scholarship here, but it never overreaches the power of story, melody, and dream. I found the album very compelling to the ear, both melodically and in its spoken text. There is beautiful guitar work, digeridoo, and harmony, as well as brilliant use of electronic tools. Samples are employed with great flair and sharp wit. Overall, I recommend SEARCHING FOR THE GATES OF LOVE as a completely fresh adventure in sound and story, and a new side of a fine artist. By all means we should go in. Who knows what we might find?
.Robert Michael Pyle, author, naturalist, John Burroughs Medal winner
" ‘Searching for the Gates of Love’ is a unique, truly creative work. Authentic mysticism echoing the often unheard, lost songs that the cosmos whispers to us in our dreams. The album offers the true magic that underlies all love, all visions."
Francesca De Grandis, bard with top ten album, "Pick the Apple from the Tree."
"…brilliant…engaging…beautiful."
Steve Nebel, Icebird Records
"…WONDERFUL!"
Bobbie DuFault, Programming Director, Rustycon 16