John Berger of The Honolulu Star-Bulletin says: "This isn't the first tribute album to honor...the popularity of an iconic artist, but it sets a new standard for any and all that come after.

Gabby "Pops" Pahinui was not a prolific composer, but he was the most influential Hawaiian slack-key guitarist of the 20th century. therefore, rather than have a bunch of hot young artists redo Pahinui's music in their style, producer 'Flip' McDiarmid has collected 10 recordings by artists who were influenced by Pahinui's music and have sought to perpetuate it – George Kuo, Dwight Kanae, Albert Kaai and Anita Pahinui Nakamura, to name four.

There's also a recording of "Moana Chimes" by Raymond Kane...[and]...a beautiful 1961 vintage recording of Pahinui playing 'Nani Wale Lihu‘e,' 'Silver Threads Among The Gold' and 'Wai‘alae.' "

McDiarmid includes all the documentation to make this album a perfect introduction to pahinui's life. It includes an overview of Pahinui's life, short bios of the other artists and the slack-key tunings used on each song." (1/4/08)

Album Tracks:

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1. Slack Key Medley:  Nani Wale Lihu'e/Silver Threads Among the Gold/Wai'alae
2. Old Hi'ilawe
3. L&L Medley:  Lihu'e/Lei Nani
4. Moana Chimes
5. Kahalewai's Tune
6. Maunaloa Blues
7. He'eia
8. Panini Pua Kea
9. Lei No Ka'iulani
10. Kohala Morning
11. Pu'uwa'awa'a
12. Aloha Slack Key

Hula Records International proudly announces the second release by world-renowned shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) grand master, Riley Lee (of Hawai`i and Australia) and Maui born guitarist Jeff Peterson. Lee, with nearly 50 albums to his credit, tours the world eight months out of the year, performing and lecturing, while Peterson, Hawai‘i's rising star,continues to teach music and is in demand not only on O`ahu, but abroad.

"Bamboo Slack Key," the pairs latest offering, takes us on a musical journey to the most remote areas of an unforgettable island – Maui.  Peterson, a prolific composer, has drawn much inspiration from the beauty of the island and has composed eight selections reflecting his experiences there. He collaborated with Lee to give us three more pieces. A hauntingly beautiful arrangement of Johnny Almeida's "Kanaka Waiwai" completes the journey; and a narrative about the places metioned in song completes the package.

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin said of Lee and Peterson:  "...The duo is clearly taking Hawaiian music in a fresh and imaginative direction that has worldwide appeal..."

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Pahoehoe
2. Pi'ilanihale
3. Bamboo Ki Ko'alu
4. Wailua Falls
5. Pauwalu
6. Waianapanapa
7. Kupahulu
8. Kaumahina
9. Paniolo Waltz
10. Noenoe Ua Kea O Hana
11. 'Ohe'o
12. Kanaka Waiwai
    

"Evening In The Islands" features the twin steel guitars of two of Hawai‘i's noted musicians: Barney Isaacs and Eddie "Kalani" Pang. Hawaiian music legends Gabby Pahinui (slack-key guitar) and Eddie Kamae (‘ukulele) team up with Kaipo Miller (bass) and Sol Kamahele (guitar), and together with the two wizards of steel, comprise The Maile Serenaders. The lilting voice of Nina Keali‘iwahamana is heard as she delivers an occasional line from each song.

Here are instrumental versions of some of Hawai‘i's most popular songs of all time, with an unusual twist: This is the only instrumental recording of Hawaiian music featuring two steel guitars playing in tandem. The result is both romantic and relaxing; a perfect background for a candle-lit dinner with someone special, for sitting alone an enjoying a beautiful Hawaiian sunset; or for dreaming of your return to these islands.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. I'll Weave a Lei of Stars for You
2. Hula Breeze
3. Soft Green Seas
4. Whispering Lullaby
5. White Ginger Blossoms
6. Evening in the Islands
7. Hana
8. Hawaiian Wedding Song
9. Pearly Shells
10. Blue Hawai'i
11. Love Song of Kalua
12. Hawai'i Calls
    
    

To Islanders, Gabby will always be one of Hawai‘i's best known and best-loved musicians. He played, by choice, the old songs in the old style...the music Hawaiians play to entertain each other. His artistry on Hawai‘i's own slack-key style guitar is unmatched.

The Sons of Hawaii (in this configuration) are ‘ukulele virtuoso, John Maunawili (a.k.a. Eddie Kamae); the noted bass player, Joseph Kalei Marshall, who also arranged for the group; and David "Feet" Rogers, who played steel guitar in a style reminiscent of other greats: his uncle, Benny Rogers and the much-loved David Keli‘i.

Information about each song, and selected lyrics are included.

Album Titles:

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1. Na Ono Na I'a Na Kupuna
2. Pua Alani
3. Wai'alae/Halona
4. Pua Mohala
5. Panini Pua Kea
6. Nani Kaua'i
7. Hale Aniani
8. Hilo E
9. 'Ulili E
10. Haleakala
11. Hanalei Boy
12. Lei No Ka'iulani
    
    

"Haiku" is the third in a series pairing the shakuhachi or Japanese bamboo flute by Riley Lee with Jeff Peterson's Hawaiian slack key guitar. While their first two albums explored the simplicity of the bamboo flute and guitar, their latest recording takes their collaboration to a new level, combining flutes and guitar in multilayered arrangements. The addition of a bass adds a deep rhythmic component to the soaring harmonies Riley and Jeff have created for this new collection of originals and old favorites.

 Internationally acclaimed  Riley Lee has recorded over 50 albums, both as a solo artist and in tandem with others playing instruments such as Australia's didjerido. Jeff  Peterson was born and raised on Maui where the music of his Hawaiian heritage provided a foundation for his exploration of classical and jazz forms. Local audiences will recognize him from performances at Milton Lau's annual Ki Ho`alu Festivals or recitals at The Honolulu Academy of Arts. Also a noted composer, Jeff's works have been heard in the US and abroad. Information about the artists, their instrumental stylings andbrief comments about each song are included.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Soaring
2. Mele 'Uhane (Spirit Song)
3. New Moon
4. Nu'uanu Nocturne
5. Haiku
6. Pua Mamane (Mamane Flower)
7. Ku'u Pua I Paoakalani (My Flower in Paoakalani)
8. Hi'ilawe in the Rain
9. Puamana
10. The Night Blooming Cereus (Panini O Ka-Punahou)
11. Makuahine Aloha
12. Waikiki

Nahenahe is the Hawaiian word for music which is soft, sweet and gentle music – music to relax the mind and fulfill the soul. Nahenahe is the mood created by the slack key artistry of George Kuo. On this debut album, he plays all the instruments heard: slack key guitar, rhythm guitar, ‘ukulele, and electric bass.

The most important element in playng ki ho‘alu (slack key) is the feeling for tempo and melody. The thumb plays the bass strings and sets the tempo. At the same time, the index finger plays the melody. The simultaneous playing of tempo and melody provides the full sound of ki ho‘alu and little or no accompaniment is required. Whether you are a newcomer to the nahenahe sounds of ki ho‘alu, or an old hand at it, you'll enjoy these musical reflections of a more relaxed Hawai‘i in the soft, sweet and gentle moods of George Kuo.

Comments regarding George's selections and a further description of slack key are included.

Album Tracks:

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1. Ki Ho'alu 'Ekahi (Slack Key No. 1)
2. Old Hi'ilawe
3. Kohala Charmarita
4. Kona Kai 'Opua
5. Kane's Tune
6. Ho'oluana
7. Maunaloa Blues
8. Radio Hula
9. Ho'omanawanui
10. Hawaiian March Medley
11. A Medley for Tutu
12. Kolohe Medley
    

In 1973 Raymond Kane became the first slack key (ki ho‘alu) artist to perform a full-length solo recital. He went on to become one of the most widely honored artists in the world of Hawaiian music. Today, a generation of younger musicians has come to revere Raymond's style as the purest example of traditional ki ho‘alu. His many students – including his protege, Michael Lowe – who joins him on this album, ensure that his legacy will live on.

Here is music to calm your thoughts at the end of the day, transporting you to the beach in Nanakuli where Raymond Kane grew up, where each day's sunset sends amber beams of light down O‘ahu's Leeward coast. Listen to the slack key melodies that move with the easy motion of ocean waves at dusk, reminding us that the world always looks a little better as the sun is going down.

Album Titles:

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1. Hu'i E
2. Ke Kaula 'Ili
3. Mo'opuna Lullaby
4. Ahi Wela
5. Na Hoa He'e Nalu
6. La Paloma
7. Ka Punahou
8. Moana Chimes
9. 'Opelu
10. Kuamo'o Slack Key
11. The Sidewalks of New York
12. Papakolea
13. Home Sweet Home
    
    

Fresh from his success with three recordings in which he teamed with shakuhachi master Riley Lee, and multiple solo performances at Milton Lau's Slack Key Festival, highly regarded guitarist Jeff Peterson released his first solo CD, "Kahealani."

The Maui-born artist cut his chops with the paniolo (cowboys) of Haleakala Ranch before moving on to study with slack key luminary Ozzie Kotani and well-known classical and jazz guitarists. A prolific writer, Jeff's compositions for guitar and guitar ensembles have been performed both here and abroad.

Equally comfortable playing for a noted opera singer or a lawn-full of ki ho‘alu  (slack-key) enthusiasts, Jeff's unique interpretations and intricate guitar stylings breathe new life into familiar Hawaiian songs and bring depth and beauty to his original compositions.

Featuring "Kahealani," heard on the Grammy Award-winning slack key compilation, voted the first ever Best Hawaiian Music Album.

Album Tracks:

1. Haleakala
2. Kahealani
3. 'Ulupalakua
4. E Ku'u Sweet Lei Poina'ole
5. Mahalo
6. Green Rose
7. Sunburst
8. The Kukui Nut Run
9. I'll Remember You
10. Hulihuli Slack Key
11. Tango En Skai
12. Ki Ho'alu Processional
13. Hawai'i Aloha
    

"Maui Morning" is a unique instrumental recording featuring world-renowned shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) master, Riley Lee (of Hawai`i and Australia) and Maui born Jeff Peterson, who, as a youth, learned to play slack key guitar from the paniolo (cowboys) at Haleakala Ranch. Lee is a seasoned recording artist who, at the time of this release, had some 40 albums under his belt, while Peterson, who has studied with some of the world's best classical and jazz guitarists, and is himself a music teacher, was a newcomer to the recording world.

Never before has there been such a recording! The shakuhachi has not been used in either traditional or contemporary Hawaiian music ensembles. No "standard" repertoire of duets exists for the shakuhachi and guitar. Together Lee and Peterson assembled a collection of favorite Island melodies and set about making beautiful music together. Here are seven Hawaiian classics that span the generations, an original title track composed by Jeff Peterson, and a version of the ever-popular "Hawaiian Wedding Song" that is appropriate for use in wedding ceremonies.

Information about the compositions, the shakuhachi and ki ho‘alu is included.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Maui Morning
2. Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u
3. Pua Lililehua
4. Honolulu City Lights
5. Lei Pikake
6. Mauna Loa
7. Pupu Hinuhinu
8. Kawika
9. Lei Nani
10. Morning Dew
11. Pua Tubarose
12. The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)
    

Slack key requires expert coordination by the musician who simultaneously plays bass, melody and rhythm. Ki ho‘alu (slack key) is also a reflection of the player's emotions at the time. When asked to explain slack key, Gabby repeatedly answered "I just play the way I feel." He said he could play the same song in the same tuning and each time it would sound different. The bottom line for Gabby was "Do it from your heart."

Here are 12 traditional Hawaiian favorites performed by the undisputed master of slack key guitar, Gabby Pahinui (1921-1980) – all straight from his heart.

Song lyrics and translations are included .

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Hi'ilawe
2. Ki Ho'alu (Slack Key Instrumental)
3. Nanea Ko Maka I Ka Le'ale'a
4. Lihu'e
5. Lei Nani
6. Slack Key Medley:  Nani Wale Lihu'e/Silver Threads Among the Gold/Wai'alae
7. Wai Hu'ihu'i O Ke Aniani
8. Slack Key Hula Medley:  Mauna Loa/Moana Chimes/Pua Be Still
9. Mauna Loa
10. 'Ahulili
11. I Ka Po Me Ka Ao
12. Farewell Medley:  Isa Lei/Aloha 'Oe
    

A dozen Hawaiian classics of long standing, using the typical Hawaiian instruments: slack key guitar, ‘ukulele, steel guitar, bass and the most familiar hula implements. As is true of a good share of the lastingly popular Hawaiian music, most of these songs were originally hula chants, that later were developed melodically. Names of the poets of these chants are lost in time, for the newest of the collection dates from the 1800's.

The Maile Serenaders include legendary Hawaiian musicians: Eddie Kamae (‘ukulele), Joe Marshall (bass), Atta Isaacs (guitar) and David "Feet" Rogers (steel guitar).

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Ka Wai O Namolokama
2. Nani Ko'olau
3. 'Ulili E
4. Alekoki
5. Kona Kai 'Opua
6. He'eia
7. Nani Wale Na Hala
8. Kona Hema
9. Hanohano Hanalei
10. Moku Kia Kahi
11. Hi'ilawe
12. 'Ula No Weo
    
    

Like the music of Volume 1, these songs date from the late Monarchy period and into the last century. But most of these selections have always been songs; only one or a few originated as chants. And half of them were not intended, and are not usually performed, as hulas. Many or most of them are as apt to turn up at any casual gathering as on a rehearsed show.

Enjoy these unmistakably Hawaiian slack-key and steel guitar instrumental interpretations of a dozen longtime favorite Hawaiian songs and hulas, featuring virtuosos Gabby Pahinui (slack-key guitar), Peter Moon (‘ukulele) and David "Feet" Rogers (steel guitar).

Perfect for relaxation or as background music for your Hawai‘i vacation videos.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Heha Waipi'o
2. Nanea Ko Maka
3. My Sweet Sweet
4. He Aloha No O Honolulu
5. Kananaka
6. Hali'i Ka Moena
7. 'Ia 'Oe E Ka La
8. Sweet Lei Lehua
9. Ho'okena
10. Sassy
11. Kahuli Aku
12. Punahou
    
    

Here are four outstanding soloists, each tops on his instrument, all equipped with the sweet and masculine voices so typically Hawaiian. These are the Sons of Hawaii: Gabby Pahinui has no equal when it comes to Hawai‘i's own slack-key style, on guitar and 6-string ‘ukulele. Eddie Kamae...that'd be the first name mentioned by anyone in the know...to the question: Who's Hawai‘i's best on ‘ukulele? David Rogers, one of the greatest steel guitarists. Old-timers say, you never heard it better...even in the old days. Joe Marshall's way with the bass matches the other three for artistry.

Lyrics to selected songs are included, as are tidbits of information about each selection and an explanation about Hawaiian poetry and what Hawaiians call kauna, or veiled meanings.

Album Tracks:

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1. Komo Mai E Hea Ke Kanaka
2. Honesakala
3. He'eia
4. Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua
5. 'Ama'ama
6. Pua Kukui
7. Sanoe
8. Moku Kia Kahi
9. Kaua'i
10. He Nohea 'Oe I Ku'u Maka
11. Liholiho
12. Maile Lau Li'ili'i