How did the slack-key style originate?
The origins of slack key are unknown. Early Hawaiian music was basically flutes and chanting. During the 1830s, Mexican and Spanish cowboys from North America introduced the guitar. Hawaiians slacked the strings and adapted the tradition to make it their own.
Are there different types of slack-key music?
There are three general styles:
• Traditional (The first-ever recordings in 1946 by the late Gabby Pahinui are now called traditional.)
• Slack-key jazz (A more modern way of playing with subtle variations and some improvisation. Since the 1960s, Cyril Pahinui, for instance, has played each song in a different tuning, key, and tempo every time.)
• Arranged (Involves little-to-no improvisation, like the music of Keola Beamer, who likes to set his pieces almost exactly.)
How is the guitar played?
While there are no real rules, most slack key is played on steel strings (about 90 percent) rather than nylon. There are about 50 tunings that Hawaiians have played in or recorded, but G-tuning is the most popular (If you don’t think you know what G-tuning sounds like, just listen to “Honky Tonk Woman” or “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones).
What are some of the most popular songs and artists?Gabby Pahinui does the signature version of Hi’ilawe. Gabby Pahinui’s son Cyril does a version of Opihi Moemoe that sounds nothing like the original by the late Leonard Kwan. Ledward Zaapana has a great instrumental version of Ki Ho’alu. Pua Lili Lehua is another classic, with a version by Sonny Chillingworth and an instrumental by Keola Beamer. There’s Punahele by Ray Kane, and Koke’e by arguably the most prolific composer, Dennis Kamakahi. The most beloved artist would have to be Queen Liliuokalani. She was Hawaii’s last ruler and continued writing classics such as Aloha ’Oe, The Queen’s Prayer, and Ku’u Pua I Paoakalani until her death in 1917.
How has slack-key music changed over the years?
The Hawaiian Renaissance began in the 1970s, sparking arrangements that were increasingly noisy, with faster tempos than those from the 1800s. I guess, over time, the tradition has grown to incorporate many different styles. In the future, there maybe more improvisation, with the occasional new tune created.
Why did you start Dancing Cat Records?
To preserve traditions. When artists from other regions hear a recording, it influences their own styles. I learn from records, as long as I understand that it’s not the be-all, end-all. Instead, it’s the song at that moment. I guess I’m kind of like an audio photographer—I know I’ve succeeded in capturing a moment when the soul of the sound is there.
It’s incredible working with the greats whom I’ve admired my whole life.
Want to learn more about slack key? Visit dancingcat.com, georgewinston.com, or slackkey.com.
