[.ca] Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters Instrumental Collection

From Amazon.com:
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

Sweet...sweet...da kine..:
I am really shocked to see that this CD is in the top 1,500 in sales rank. That is a great suprise. More people into slack key than I knew. Cyril Pahinui's opener is a 12-string masterpiece, and my favorite cut is a classical guitar slack key track, "Pohakuloa", done by Moses Kahumoku. His style is simply as heartfelt as it comes. Keola Beamer is represented on this one, too. Might I suggest a CD by John Keawe, "Auhele" for some more serious mastery of this beautiful and unique genre. ALOHA!

Slack Key Masters is a understatement!:
I have read about Hawaiian Slack Key guitar for years and found this disc in the public library. I was very impressed with the beauty of the music on this compilation disc. The all instrumental selection is so relaxing and well played by the guitarists. It is interesting that different types of guitars are used to show the resonance of slack key playing. The disc has songs featuring 12 string, nylon string, and of course steel string. The liner notes are top rate with the actual tunings of the guitar so those of us who play can tune up and give it a try. I ordered the disc from this site and have no regrets. For those who like vol.1 check out vol. 2 it is very good as well.

Mellow, mellow and very mellow.....:
i can just imagine lying in a hammock on a palm fronded tropical beach with a cold drink in my hand enjoying the sunset. oh, and someone next to me is playing a slack key guitar. aahhhhh.... how nice. yes this cd conjures up such pleasant images. however, what really happens is i listen to this cd on my computer while i'm doing work, and my surroundings are more of a concrete jungle than tropical beach; a less than idyllic setting. it's cool though, i'm still happy when this cd plays....

Classic Slack Key:
Classic slack key from some of the masters. Mostly traditional songs and beautifully played. Must have it if you are seriously interested in Hawai'ian slack key.

A most expressive instrument.:
This is definitely different from the Hawaiian music I used to hear in the old days. There's more heart and soul, more imagery here. Noted pianist George Winston produced this CD for the purpose of bringing the solo guitar to the forefront, featuring a number of quite talented players. The result is harmonious music which is quite soothing to the ears, and yet alive with vibrancy. George Winston proves his versatility by playing the guitar with Keola Beamer on "Kalena Kai", a standout cut. Also especially notable are Ledward Kaapana's "Whee Ha Swing" and Keola Beamer again with "E Ku'u Morning Dew". So if, like me, you're unlikely to be visiting Hawaii in person, stretch out then in your back yard with this CD on your player and a cool tropical type drink in hand...

• Panini Pua Kea - Cyril Pahinui
• Ku'u Kika Kahiko (My Old Guitar) - Ozzie Kotani
• Pohakuloa - Moses Kahumkou
• Ke'ala's Mele - Leonard Kwan
• Maui Medley - Barney Isaacs, George Kuo
• Moe 'Uhane (Dream Slack Key) - Sonny Chillingworth
• Kalena Kai - Keola Beamer, George Winston, George Winston
• Whee Ha Swing - Ledward Kaapana
• E Ku'u Morning Dew - Keola Beamer
• Waikiki Hula Medley - George Kuo
• Punahele - Raymond Kane