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review by Bill Binkelman Here's a superb compilation of solo acoustic guitarists who all play the style of music known as "slack key" which originated in Hawaii (a derivation of music brought there by Spanish and Mexican cowboys). The native Hawaiians loosened (or "slacked") the guitar strings which allowed for a variety of new tunings, besides also incorporating aspects of their own musical heritage. What you won't hear on this fine recording, though, is anything that an average listener may equate to Hawaii, i.e. tropical or island-sounding music, per se. Of course, I'm referring to what we mainlanders would consider Hawaiian music, which is probably nothing like the real thing anyway! Confused? I hope not. What you will hear on this album, though, are contributions from ten artists who play some of the most easy-going put-a-smile-on-your-face, enchanting and enjoyable acoustic guitar music you're bound to hear any time soon. Slack Key Guitar Volume 2 brims with friendliness and warmth and a casual sense of life's pleasures. Nothing here is morose or moribund, even when an individual selection is low-key or reflective, as some of them are. However, no one track really kicks out the jams either, although one or two do kick up their heels! As a result, this CD is perfect sunny afternoon sitting around doin' nothin' music, ideal for watching clouds roll by or reading on the back porch while your dog lazes about in the sun. Two of the artists on the album (Charlie Recaido and Charles Michael Brotman) are members of Kohala, a trio of guitarists whose release, Cool Breeze, "blew" me away (no pun intended). I didn't recognize the others, but then I'm no expert on slack-key guitar music. I am an expert, though, in recognizing talent and artistry, which is present in massive doses from everyone on this recording. Since I want to acknowledge each one of them, they are as follows: Bryan Kessler, Sonny Lim, Randy Lorenzo, Jeff Peterson, Keoki Kahumoku, John Keawe, John Cruz, and Ken Emerson (and Messrs Recaido and Brotman, too). I suppose it would take a better ear than mine to be able to articulate the difference in each individual artist's playing style with a high degree of definition in concrete terms. Which is not to say every track on the album sounds alike, just that no one artist stands out as playing in a substantially different manner, although there are plenty of tempo and mood changes song to song. Still, the overall feeling stays rooted in what I described above, i.e. warm, approachable music that is easy to enjoy from the get-go. If I was pressed to identify favorite tracks, I would pick Kessler's "Celtic Summer" (a midtempo gently rolling tune), Brotman's romantic ballad "Julia's Whisper," and also his pensive and quiet "Kiholo Moon." However, every song proved a delight, whether the lively refrain-laden "Punahele" by Sonny Lim, the sun-going-down feel to Jeff Peterson's "Kahealani" or the Windham Hill-ish "Anuhea's Song" by Sonny Lim. As the saying goes "It's all good." Lovers of acoustic guitar instrumentals should consider this a nigh-essential recording to acquire. I find it impossible to believe you will not be as captivated as I am by these talented and masterful artists and their music which is among the friendliest and most heart-warming I've heard in the last year. Listening to this sure makes me wish I was on a quiet beach somewhere in Hawaii hearing the gentle strains of slack key guitar being played live - now that would be heaven. My highest recommendation! |
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