SLACK KEY GUITAR cannot be adequately described, compared, or analyzed.  As Hawaiian as limu, it could almost be called an emotion poured from the very soul into the instrument.  Depth of feeling is characteristic, for without the profound sensibility of the artist the spell is lost and Slack Key indeed casts a spell.  Like many Hawaiian customs, the method has been handed from generation to generation.  Yet each player has an individual style and unless this style is purposely imitated, it remains almost a trademark.

Part of the charm of Slack Key lies in improvisation, for seldom is a melody played the same way twice.  The throbbing, basic sounds of the rhythm impart a primitive fascination.  Legend has it that the method was discovered when there was a lack of back-up instruments.  The Hawaiian, not having a string bass or an accompanist, used the bass strings of the guitar to play rhythm while he plucked the melody on the higher strings.

Many stories are told of the origin and method, but we can only believe what we wish to believe concerning them.  We know that there are numerous tunings,  among them "Wahine" and "Maunaloa"  and that is said these tunings are jealously guarded as family secrets.  Thus the strings are tuned down or "slacked."  The closest resemblance to the style is found in country music.

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Aloha, Pierre

Track Listing

1.  I'm-A-Livin'-On-Easy
2.  Waihine U'i
3.  Keali'i's Mele
4.  Noho Au A Kupa
5.  Ku'u Hoa Aloha
6.  Ke'oni Nei Ka Huila
7.  Leaping Loli
8.  Manuela Boy
9.  Vaya Con Dios
10.  Waltz Medley
11.  Po La'ila'i
12.  Waltz Medley
13.  Mele Li'i
14.  Kokohi-Moani Ke 'Ala
15.  Na Molokama
16.  Sweet Lei Lehua