Chris Otto combines Native American flute music with folk traditions from around the world, creating a unique blend of styles. Music that can be mellow or upbeat, and often is experimental. 
     Chris wants to be clear that he is not of Native American heritage, but the Native American flute is the instrument that speaks to him, and speaks for him.

New CD, "Leaving the Path"

    "Leaving the Path" represents a departure from the traditional, new age style of play that was featured on my first CD, "Rain on Broken Glass". The new record is more upbeat, more energetic and experimental. I've embraced the more diverse world music aspect of my music, with world percussion, kalimba and other instruments backing up the flute. I hope you envoy this new path that I am on.

Chris Otto


Leaving the Path is now available on line at CD Baby, Amazon, and ITunes. 

"Aimless Thieves" have arrived

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My collaboration with Paul MacFarlane now has a name: Aimless Thieves. Having evolved into a musical entity very different from my solo work, this project has it's own identity, and now, it's own name. We borrow from so many sources, (world music, prog rock, improvisational jazz), so the name embodies the adventitious spirit of the project. Keep in touch with us on Facebook: Aimless Thieves

New collaboration with Paul MacFarlane 

     I'm happy to announce a new collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Paul MacFarlane. Paul plays guitar, world percussion, keyboards, the Turkish saz and other instruments. We share an appreciation for world music and progressive rock, and working with Paul is allowing me to explore a whole new side of my music. Paul and I started playing music a few months ago with no expectation of "developing an act", but we soon both realized there was a musical chemistry that needed to be explored. We have started to do shows together and things are developing nicely. We have no idea where this collaboration will lead, but I will keep you posted. Here are some examples of what we are cooking up: Chris on NAF, Paul on Saz , an improv with Chris on NAF and Paul on guitar , an experimental improv .

CD Finally done, Indigogo fundraising coming soon! 

     So, it took longer than I anticipated, (Ok, much longer), but the new CD is done. The recording is done. The mixing and mastering is done. "Leaving the Path" is one big step away from being a reality. That step involves raising the money to get the CD pressed. I will soon be launching a crowd funding campaign on Indigogo to raise money to have the CD made so I can share it with fans and friend. If all goes well, the Cd will be out in April. Thank you for your patience. 


Chris Otto                                                                                             1, 5, 2015 

News: Chris is Recording his second CD

     I've been busy this winter working on a new cd. The cd will be titled "Leaving the Path", and will build on the theme of fusing different folk traditions from around the world. "Leaving the Path" will be more upbeat and experimental than my first cd, "Rain on Broken Glass", with a lot more percussion and other accompaniment, including some guest appearances from some fine St.Louis musicians. 
     As I was fine tuning the songs for this cd, I was revisiting some of the progressive rock and jazz rock fusion that I listened to in my youth. I was struck by the musicianship and willingness to experiment in this music from the 1970's, something I often find lacking in today's music. It inspired me to make the music on this cd a little more interesting, be willing to experiment, and to be a better musician. I think the result is a recording that is energetic and inventive, and hopefully, an enjoyable listening experience. The hope is for the cd to be released this summer. Stay tuned.


Take Care,


Chris Otto                                                                                                 3, 8, 2013