[.ca] Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters V.2

From Amazon.com:
This second album in Dancing Cat Records' Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters Series produced by George Winston follows its successful Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters. Again the masters of the genre are featured in several well-known tunes such as Lili'uokalani's "Aloha 'Oe" (played here by George Kahumoku) and "'Ulili E" (Dennis and David Kamakahi), as well as modern originals and two tracks that had not been available on CD before: "Ulu Niu Ke'eke'e" (George Kahumoku and Kekuhi Kanahele) and "Slack Key Serenade" (Leonard Kwan and Ozzie Kotani). The liner notes provide complete information on each song's original album. A balance of instrumental and vocal tracks, the compilation is a terrific starting point for exploring the artistic and stylistic diversity in modern slack key. Instruments on this album include everything from traditional mouth bow, 'ukulele, and percussion stones to 12-string slack key and modern acoustic guitars. Elder statesman Ray Kane lullabies us with his simple instrumental "Popoki Slack Key" (popoki means "little cat"); renowned improviser Cyril Pahinui and Sol Hoopii-influenced Bob Brozman combine 12-string slack key and acoustic steel guitar interpreting "Hilo E" and "Lili'u E" in a style evocative of the 1920s. Showing off how slack key works solo, in duets, or with mixed accompaniment, this is one of the most beautiful slack key compilations out there. --Erik Macki

Warm Summer Nights:
An Excellent collection of true Hawaiian Music. This is the CD most hotels use when your wondering around their properties Excellent :) Aloha -

The sequel's never as good:
There was a copy of Vol. 1 lying around the office that I always passed over because I've never been a fan of Hawaiian music. But one day I put it on and it's been a favorite ever since. The guitar picking is beautiful and it has no distracting vocals or slide guitar. Vol. 2 has some of the same kinds of tracks, but the vocals and slide guitar on about half the songs inevitably conjure up tacky images of tourists getting some cruise ship docked in Hawaii.

Great CD to read or write to:
This is a great CD to read or write to. Flowing, relaxing. A couple of tracks have a little too much non-musical guitar noise. Contrary to what another review said, I found the slide and vocal selections well integrated into the whole album. Haven't played Volume 1 yet -- I'm enjoying replaying Volume 2!

A must have for slack key guitar and Hawaiian music lovers.:
Dancing Cat has done it again, this is like a Best of Dancing Cat CD featuring songs by the top guitarists in Hawaii. You will love this low fare trip to Hawaii.... ALOHA!

A continuation, but with vocals this time.:
This isn't truly a sequel to the first collection, but rather is a continuation adding, to the instrumentals, a few vocals to balance out the representation of music here. I personally could wish for more female vocals in addition to the "Bonus Track". I'm sure Hawaii has more than one notable lady singer. That's not enough to take away a star though. This again is a most rewarding collection. However, I always associated the ukulele with hawaiian music and there's only one cut, "Pu'u Anahula" which includes one. There is more traditional music here than with the first collection, including the familiar and beautiful "Aloha Oe", a classic love song written by Queen Lili'uokalani in 1877. Also notable and familiar is the "Radio Hula" as played by Led Kaapana. This record and its predecesser are great CDs to help create a romantic, tropical atmosphere. Hey, they'd be great background for a luau!

• Popoki Slack Key \oInstrumental\c - Raymond Kane
• Ulili E \oVocal Version\c - David Kamakahi, Dennis Kamakahi
• Hilo E/E Lili'u E \oInstrumental\c - Bob Brozman, Cyril Pahinui
• Liloa's Mele \oInstrumental\c - Sonny Chillingworth
• Radio Hula \oInstrumental\c - Ledward Kaapana
• 'Imi au la 'Oe \oInstrumental\c - Keola Beamer
• Pu'u Anahula \oVocal Version\c - Dennis Kamakahi, ,
• Hurrah Lani Ha'a Ha'a \oVocal Version\c - Cyril Pahinui
• Maori Brown Eyes \oInstrumental\c - James Bla Pahinui
• Wahine 'Ilikea \oVocal Version\c - Dennis Kamakahi
• Lei 'Awapuhi (Yellow Ginger Lei) \oInstrumental\c - Bob Brozman, Ledward Kaapana
• Beauty of Mauna Kea - Keola Beamer, George Winston
• Mai Poina 'Oe Ia'u (Not to Be Forgotten) \oVocal Version\c - Sonny Chillingworth
• Aloha Oe \oInstrumental\c - George Kahumoku
• Ulu Niu Ke'eke'e (The Crooked Coconut Tree) \oVocal Version\c - George Kahumoku, Kekuhi Kanahele
• Slack Key Serenade \oInstrumental\c - Ozzie Kotani, Leonard Kwan