|
|
Hawaiian slack-key guitar began
evolving in the 1830s, when Spanish and Mexican cowboys brought guitars to the cattle
ranches of the Big Island. It became a recognizable style around the turn of the century.
The term refers to the practice of slacking some strings from standard tunings to create
open tunings; the thumb provides the bass line while the other fingers play melody and
improvise. It might thus remind some listeners of the fingerpicking of a country master
like Doc Watson, but the style has a wind-blown, wide-open quality all its own.
Traditionally an accompanying instrument in a group setting, slack key has recently moved
out front, and this all-instrumentals CD shows why. From the light touch of Moses Kahumoku
or Leonard Kwan to the bluesiness of George Keo or Ray Kane to the pop feel of Keola
Beamer, it offers the best possible introduction to the music. --John Morthland, Amazon 1. Panini Pua Kea - Cyril Pahinui
2. Ku`u Kika Kahiko - Ozzie Kotani
3. Pohakuloa - Moses Kahumoku
4. Ke`ala's Mele - Leonard Kwan
5. Maui Medley - Barney Isaacs & George Kuo
6. Moe `Uhane - Sonny Chillingworth
7. Kalena Kai - Keola Beamer with George Winston
8. Whee Ha Swing - Ledward Kaapana
9. E Ku`u Morning Dew - Keola Beamer
10. Waikiki Hula Medley - George Kuo
11. Punahele - Ray Kane |
