Raven In the Snow

Native American artist Bill Miller released his second album, Raven in the Snow, in 1995. Any preconceived notion that this might be new age or traditional music is put to rest immediately with the opening track, "River of Time." The song is a harmonica-driven, midtempo rocker that compares favorably with the music of artists like Peter Himmelman. The song contains a heavy spiritual vibe that runs through the entire record, from the powerful lyric of "Listen to Me" to the fire-and-brimstone tone of "The Final Word." The proceedings, however, never fail to be highly melodic. There are several instrumentals that take a more traditional Native American bent; these don't really add to the record, but they don't detract from it either.