Slack & Steel : Kaua`i Style

Ken Emerson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 23, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Cord
• ASIN: B000WGWVQS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,330 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #15 in Music > World Music > Pacific Islands > Hawaii > Slack Key Guitar

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic Slack Key sounds with lyrics and a few special guests, January 2, 2010

By 

Steven I. Ramm "Steve Ramm "Anything Phon... (Phila, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Slack & Steel : Kaua`i Style (Audio CD)

Ken Emerson is a GRAMMY award winning musician and one of the current top slack key players in Hawaii. On this album he mixes some 1930s style songs and a Sol Hoopi piece with four of his own compositions. There are some melodies familiar to stateside listeners (Santo & Johnny's 1960s hit "Sleepwalk" and the theme from Bruce Brown's surfing movie "Endless Summer") as well as new or traditional Hawaiian melodies.

Three of Emerson's "celebrity" friends show up here but in minor roles. Philadelphia native Todd Rundgren (who has been living in Hawaii for ten years) appears on one track as part of the "vocal chorus". Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzman is here on two tracks playing Djembe drums and shakers. And blues harp legend Charlie Musslewhite duets with Emerson on "Too Much Kava Kava" a slow blues instrumental.

I have to say I'm not as big fan of Emerson's voice - nothing special there - but his playing is first rate and so it's the instrumental numbers that stand out for me on this CD.


Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vintage Hawaiian Music, August 6, 2008

By 

Patricia Marte - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Slack & Steel - Kaua'i Style - Ken Emerson & Friends (MP3 Download)

This is an AWARD WINNING ALBUM. Beautiful, classic and vintage for your enjoyment and pleasure. It taps into classic jazz and blues taking them a step beyond grassroot Hawaiian guitar traditions. Highly recommended

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful Acoustic Hawaiian Slack Key & Steel Guitar, January 25, 2012

By 

M. Cord "Hana Ola Records" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Slack & Steel : Kaua`i Style (Audio CD)

Ken Emerson is one of the world's most highly regarded traditional Hawaiian slack key & steel guitarists living today. His unique playing style reflects the Hawaiian guitar's grassroots origins of over a century ago. For over 30 years Emerson has helped lead the way in resurrecting the traditions of vintage Hawaiian music tapping into classic jazz & blues influences, taking them a step beyond. Slack & Steel Kauai Style is powerful acoustic Hawaiian slack key & steel guitar music at its best. Special appearances by Bill Kruetzmann, Todd Rundgren, Charlie Musselwhite & Pancho Graham.