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)
