Customer Reviews

Slack & Steel : Kaua`i Style

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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"

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

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.

Ken Emerson is a terrific musician, and the album is upbeat and highly entertaining. Clearly, the musicians are having fun. I hope to see him this summer in Kauai.