Customer Reviews

Kani Wai - Sound of Water

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Finding a recording of Hawaiian slack key guitar and acoustic steel guitar masters George Kahumoku Jr. and Bob Brozman together was a difficult task - until this music CD. The steel and slide guitar great Bob Brozman released a great example with Ledward Kaapana twelve years ago - and now follows it up with an equally enjoyable outing with guitarist/singer George Kahumoku Jr., who sings as well as plays great slack key on KANI WAI: SOUND OF WATER. In addition there's something deliciously different in the guest musician slots: West African Kora as well as violin. George Kahumoku Jr.'s vocal range is outstanding - the result of all this is pure joy for any Hawaiian music collection.

I've got all the Bobster's Hawaiian CDs, and this doesn't disappoint. This one is more adventurous than usual, and I don't just mean they throw in a "kora" playing dude and a fiddle player on a tune or two.

No, I mean that Big Bob really lets go on this CD. I can only shake my head at his effortless facility, his technical ability, and his musical imagination.

Most interestingly, his style has changed a fair bit. BTW, though this album was released in '09, it was recorded in '01. The other albums were done around '95 to '97, I think. Anyway, it's hard to describe, but Bob on this CD plays a little less over the top. The slobbering Italian tenor vibe on ballads has disappeared and he plays more deftly. Technically he's palm-muting more and getting a snaky, whirling, understated feel out. I haven't the ability to put into words just what it is, but it's much different that the earlier CDs and is brilliant.

I should add he doesn't play his National guitars anywhere on this CD despite one being on the cover. Plays Weissenborn-style guitars throughout. This accounts for some, at least, of the changes in sound.

BTW, does anyone take seriously Bob's claim that he's simply playing "traditional" Hawaiian steel? Ages ago I took his claim seriously for a year or two, but after being unable to come up with a single solo from the 20's & 30's that sounded remotely like him, I realized that he plays a TOTALLY original Hawaiian steel guitar. Why he claims otherwise I don't want to speculate on. Well, let's just say it's some weird patronizing thing he's got regarding "the colonized" (his words) that he imagines is enlightened and correct. Or something.

Never mind, he's the best. I play acoustic steel guitar, btw. If you heard me and knew Bob's stuff, you'd say, "This guy obviously has listened to a lot of Brozman." Note that you wouldn't say, "This guy listens to a lot of 20's steel guitar."

More vocals on this CD than usual, but don't worry, Bob doesn't sing! Mr. George is interesting. I still prefer Cyril P. and Led Kaapana's vocals, but this chap grows on you. Plays 12-string a lot, like Cyril. Has his own guitar style. Fairly masculine, maybe as much as Cyril but less than Led. And the more aggressive you play slack key with a steel player, the better. Especially with a wild man like Brozman hammering away beside you.

I digress. Get this album and enjoy.

Thanks, Bob and George.