Customer Reviews

Ki Ho'alu: That's Slack Key Guitar A Documentary Film

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Good introduction into Hawaii's unique style of tuning and playing the guitar. Passed down from father to son since the 1800's, slack key guitar is now known worldwide. Played in their homes and on the beaches of Hawaii this DVD will make you want to catch the next plane to Hawaii.

I hope this video becomes available again, because it is far and away the best introduction to slack key guitar I've seen. While it focuses on Raymond Kane ("Kah-nay") it also includes other great artists such as Sonny Chillingworth, Leonard Kwan, Ledward Ka`apana, and more. Even if you've never heard of slack key, grab a copy of this video and open your ears (and heart) to some of the most beautiful and relaxing guitar music in the world.

Of the half dozen or more great slack key guitar (kiho'alu) players who "talk story" in this documentary, the late Ray Kane is featured. This is not an instructive, how-to-play slack key video. Rather, it tells the story of the role slack key guitar has played in resurrecting the Hawaiian culture and its many beautiful songs (meles) and hula dances. As you listen to the nahe nahe (sweet & easy) sounds, the Aloha will well-up inside you, revealing more about Hawaii than you'll ever discover during a week in a resort hotel. Mahalo, Susan Friedman for putting this together. Aloha.

This title is now available on DVD. As the other reviewer suggests, if you are interested in Hawaiian slack key guitar, this video is a must-see item. Highly recommended!