[.ca] Soliloquy: Ka Leo O Loko

From Amazon.co.uk:
Of the slack key guitarists that pianist George Winston has brought to light from Hawaii, the most eloquent and forward-looking is Keola Beamer, which is ironic since his first album in 1973 was called Hawaiian Slack Key in the Real Old Style. There's nothing old about the music on Soliloquy. Unlike most of his brethren, Beamer rarely sings, and that seems to free him from the sometimes clichéd phrasing and melodies that are identified with Hawaiian music. Even without those signposts, Beamer's music is distinctly Hawaiian, beginning with the slack key guitar. It's a standard acoustic guitar, but the strings are tuned lower--literally, slacker--than normal. It gives the guitar a lazy, wistful sound just shy of yearning. Soliloquy mixes Beamer's original compositions with traditional songs in unique arrangements, including some for two acoustic guitars. A bit more low-key than his previous albums, featuring more nylon than steel string, Soliloquy is a quiet meditation born from the idyllic environment of Hawaii. --John Diliberto

Gentle Island sounds:
Keola's latest release for George Winstons Dancing Cat Records is a wonderful, soothing, melodic trip through the Islands. There is no low point on the album, and as the songs all are of a quiet tempo with similiar feel, they flow together as a sort of Hawaiian slack guitar suite. Highly recommended! Also- if you get the chance- see Keola live. He puts on a super show.

Beautiful, Gentle, Waterborne:
Infused with the islands - recreates them in sound. The perfect accompaniment to a day or evening on the water. This music gently, deeply sinks in. I'm buying another as a gift for a friend so I can get mine back!

• Pailolo
• Kapaula Bay
• Kaulana Na Pua
• Kolowaka
• Li'i's Song
• Mino'aka
• Moana's Laundry Basket
• Nala Hala O Nuae
• Wai Ulu
• Pauahi O Kalani
• Kawohikukapulani
• The Myna Bird's Dobro
• Papa's okolehau
• Ka Makani 'Ula'ula
• Pau Lili Lehua