Acoustic, Hawaiian, Slack Key Chef Bruce's Jazz Kitchen
Slack-Keys In Paradise - The Artistry of Hawaiian Guitar Masters Vol. 1 original

Slack-key guitar is a fingerstyle genre of guitar music that originated in Hawaii. Its name refers to its characteristic open tunings: the English term is a translation of the Hawaiian kī hōʻalu, which means "loosen the tuning key". Most slack-key tunings can be achieved by starting with a guitar in standard tuning and detuning or "slacking" one or more of the strings until the six strings form a single chord, frequently G major.

The style originated from Mexican cowboys in the late 19th century. They provided guitars, taught the Hawaiians the rudiments of playing, and then left, allowing the Hawaiians to develop the style on their own. Slack-key guitar adapted to accompany the rhythms of Hawaiian dancing and the harmonic structures of Hawaiian music.

As a solo instrument in the hands of a master, the sound created is simply beautiful. It evokes warm sunny beach days that never end. To celebrate this wonderful music and honor the culture of Hawaii, I have put together a three volume series that I’m sure you’ll love. Close your eyes, relax and be swept away to an island shore…

00:00 Ray Kane - Popoki Slack Key
00:02 Jeff Peterson - Kaua'i Beauty
00:06 Keola Beamer - 'Imi Au la 'Oe
00:09 Bryan Kessler - Celtic Summer
00:12 Keoki Kahumoku - Circle Song
00:14 Ledward Kaapana - Wood & Steel Slack Key
00:19 Cyril Pahinui - Kowali
00:22 Charlie Recaido - Kanaka Nova
00:26 Jim Kimo West - The Hawaiian Wedding Song
00:28 Sonny Lim - Mehameha
00:31 Barney Isaacs & George Kuo - Maui Medley
00:38 Sonny Chillingworth - Liloa's Mele
00:40 Charles Michael Brotman - Hapuna Sunset
00:44 Kohala - Kona Breeze
00:49 Moses Kahumoku - Pohakuloa
00:54 John Keawe - Keiki Slack Key
00:58 Ken Emerson - Hamakua Hale
01:02 Sonny Lim - Anuhea's Song
01:05 George Kahumoku - Aloha 'Oe