Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Master Cyril Pahinui

I have been so fortunate to have Cyril Pahinui as a friend and supporter. Cyril was the first person I called to invite to participate in my first Southern California Slack Key Festival January 2008 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach - a showcase of Hawaiian ki ho'alu (slack key) guitar - and to have the honor of presenting him on stage has been nothing short of a blessing as has his friendship.

This past weekend he was in town here in Southern California for a couple performances in Culver City and Claremont and taught a workshop which was hosted by Na Mamo, the folks who put together the annual E Hula Mau hula competition in Long Beach. I've really only been playing slack key in Taropatch tuning (low to high: D-G-D-G-B-D) mostly out of laziness, I must admit. So the workshop was the first time I'd ever actually played in Cyril's tuning. He tunes his guitar to C-G-E-G-C-E, an open C tuning inherited from his father, the famous Gabby Pahinui. It is just one of the many Hawaiian slack key tunings out there but a very versatile one. Nice how you can get that alternate bass thing going not just between the root and the fifth but with the third in there as well, plus you can get octaves in 3 different string combinations which is also nice for soloing.

While Cyril had to learn everything by ear from his dad (who apparently never actually formally taught anyone anything), Cyril travels across the country sharing all he knows to anyone who wants to learn. If you ever have the opportunity to catch him at one of these workshops in your area, don't pass it up. Not only do you get a nice education in the Pahinui slack key style but you get to hear some great stories as well, sure to motivate you!

Here's a couple of nice videos of Cyril and his father. You can become a friend of Cyril on his Facebook page as well.

Pomaika'i Keawe Lyman Podcast Interview

Had a great time last night visiting the studio of the Hawaiian Concert Guide, a podcast dedicated to the music and culture of the islands of Hawaii (Hawai'i). This includes Hawaii musical instruments such as 'Ukulele, Ki Ho'alu (Slack Key), Kika Kila (Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar), the Upright Bass and Pahu (Drum) as well as the singing styles of Leo Ki'eki'e (falsetto) and the Ha'i (glotto stop) style of singing. They also help publicize special concert performances as they occur on the mainland U.S.A. and around the world. To listen to the interview, click here.

Granddaughter of the late, great Aunty Genoa Keawe, Pomaika'i Keawe Lyman shares some of her favorite songs with us, live, over the internet airwaves and explains what it was like growing up with and learning from her world famous and beloved tutu. The interview was scheduled to help promote the upcoming Aloha Falsetto Festival happening July 18th at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach, CA. This will be the 2nd Annual celebration and the only gathering of Hawaiian falsetto (leo ki'eki'e) artists outside of Hawai'i. Pomaika'i is one of the special featured artists in this year's lineup which includes Hawaiian music Grammy winners and nominees all on one stage, plus hula, Hawaiian food, arts and crafts vendors, and more. Honoring one of the world's great ethnomusical traditions, the first-ever "Aloha Falsetto Festival" on the US mainland July 2008 was truly an historic occasion and this year's program will not disappoint. The other artists who will be appearing:
· Richard Ho'opi'i - Two-time Grammy Winner
· Weldon Kekauoha - Most Promising Artist, Favorite Entertainer, Song of the Year
· Leokane Pryor - up and coming singer from Maui
· Kekaimoku Yoshikawa - kumu hula and falsetto singer in Southern California

Don't forget to check out the interview where we also get to know kumu hula Mohala Reese of Halau Hula Na Meakanu O Laka O Hawai'i, a wonderful supporter of the Hawaiian arts community here in SoCal.

ARTIST STEVE MEI AT PUKA GALLERY

Steve Mei has been a wonderful supporter of the Aloha Falsetto and the Southern California Slack Key Festivals in Redondo Beach.

He has been invited to showcase his highly stylized and distinctive works exclusively at Puka Gallery in Hanapepe, Hawai’i. The gallery is located on Kaua’i’s west side and is considered the island’s center for the visual arts.

Mei is an internationally collected artist best known for his evocative signature series titled: "Tropical Deco”. This series of works incorporates Mei’s stunning use of nostalgic island subject matter with bold, bright colors to create works both contemporary and traditional. Mei’s abilities as a graphic artist are also evident in his exquisite pen and ink renderings of island life.

Working primarily in gouache, acrylic and watercolor on acid free museum quality papers and boards Mei creates uniquely bold and distinctively beautiful works depicting his beloved Kaua’i and islands of Hawai’i.

Mei divides his time between Los Angeles, California and Kaua’i, Hawai’i where he had lived for many years and is returning permanently to Kaua’i. Mei is deeply respectful of the people and culture of Kaua’i and the islands of Hawai’i which is evident in every work he creates. Mei invites you to experience his Hawai’i through his captivating works of art.

For more info:
Ana Schutz/Chad Ulmer ~ Tel: 808/335-5306 ~ Cell: 808/652-9323 ~ Email: ana@episodeevents.com
Website: www.pukaboutiquegallery.com

Jeff Peterson, Slack Key Guitarist and So Much More

It was a weekend of wonderful and inspiring performances by Jeff Peterson here in SoCal. What an incredibly diverse repertoire - he played everything from original slack key guitar - "ki ho'alu" in Hawaiian - arrangements of standard Hawaiian tunes like "Koke'e", "Hawaii Aloha" and "Kaimana Hila", slack key renditions of jazz songs like "Don't Get Around Much Anymore", "Begin the Beguine" and "Blue Hawaii", original compositions like his "Kukui Nut Run", "Kahealani" and "Let's Ride" and even pop tunes like "Every Breath You Take" by the Police.

Don't hesitate to checkout out one of the most diverse guitarists you'll ever hear - Jeff can do it all! Jazz, classical, pop and, of course, slack key guitar. Everyone's anxiously waiting for his next CD to come out which should include beautiful new tunes he wrote, which he previewed for everyone over the weekend - watch this video of his new tune "Lilinoe" - some Facebook comments from fans: "Just watching you play the instrument is something to behold", "Beautiful! Jeff is truly gifted! Mahalo for sharing this!"

Be sure to catch Jeff Peterson as he performs in the house band for the upcoming Aloha Falsetto Festival this July in Redondo Beach and, of course, in the 2010 Southern California Slack Key Festival.

Let us know what you think of his music!

What is "Slack Key Jazz"? pt 2

Who are some of your jazz influences?

Jeff: I am influenced by many jazz guitarists including Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Tuck Andress, Pat Metheny, and Larry Koonse. There are many other artists I enjoy including John Coltrane, Keith Jarrett, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Roy Haynes, Ray Brown, and Ella Fitzgerald. Jazz music has left an incredible legacy of innovative artists. The music continuously evolves and covers a tremendous range of sound and style from Blues to Dixieland to Swing to Bebop to fusion. I am particularly found of jazz from the 50s and early 60s.

Why does slack key guitar and jazz sound so good together?

Jeff: Swing and jazz music had an impact on Hawaiian music during the big band era in the 20s, 30s and 40s. Hawaiian musicians took the swing feel and harmony and adapted it to their own music. You can hear it in many hula classics and hapa haole songs like Puamana, Sophisticated Hula, Alika, Hula Blues, and Little Grass Shack. The swing feel is there and the chords progressions follow
patterns and cycles that were common in jazz at the time. Slack key guitarists play these songs and use the same chord progressions. What makes slack key guitar playing unique is not just the tunings but the feel and phrasing of the music. Although it is not exactly like swing music, it uses similar scales, syncopation, and chromatic notes.
A very important link is also improvising. Playing in the moment is the heart of jazz and is very common is slack key. You play how you feel. It keeps the music fresh and exciting.

Don't forget to join us for three wonderful evenings in Dana Point, Malibu and Redondo Beach with one of Hawaii’s most gifted and respected musicians! From Hawaiian slack key guitar to classical to jazz, Jeff Peterson’s versatility makes him an artist highly sought after by Hawaii’s top recording and touring artists!

Jeff Peterson has performed at a variety of venues from Symphony Space in New York City to the National Folk Festival in Canberra, Australia. He appeared on Slack Key Guitar, Volume 2 which won the first ever Grammy Award for best Hawaiian recording in 2005. Jeff was a featured artist in the 2008 and 2009 annual Southern California Slack Key Festival in January 2008 which included Cyril Pahinui, Dennis Kamakahi, George Kahumoku Jr, Ozzie Kotani, Owana Salazar, Makana, Kimo West and Steven Espaniola.

Jeff Peterson Reflects on 2008 Aloha Falsetto Festival

With the 2nd Annual Aloha Falsetto Festival coming up in Redondo Beach this July, I wanted to share some of my experiences from the first concert.

I had a wonderful time performing in the "house band" with featured artists including Steven Espaniola, Gary Haleamau and Raiatea Helm. Each artist had their own unique style and dynamic on stage and the music felt very fresh and exciting because each group was essentially playing together for the first time. We were already familiar with the songs and had rehearsed on our own, but putting it all together backstage then sharing the music with such a receptive audience was amazing. I had already toured with Steven and Raiatea but it was my first show with Gary. What an incredible musician - a fantastic singer and a great guitarist whose talent really inspired the band to open up at let loose - what a rush!

I also enjoyed many of the spontaneous moments like the groove we broke into with Steven Espaniola on his original song "Hokulani" that got everyone dancing in their seats and Raiatea's idea to do "At Last" extra slow and bluesy. The energy of the crowd can really influence a performance and the reception we got pushed us to play our best.

I have to say that after being a part of both the Southern California Slack Key and Aloha Falsetto Festivals, the audiences have always been outstanding, the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is the perfect venue for these festivals with its phenomenal sound in the theater. The performers get the chance to meet the audience at each show in the huge lobby during intermissions and it seems the Hawaiian community in the area really supports each other and the artists who come up from Hawaii to perform. We also have had wonderful receptions before each festival at Duke's in Malibu or at the theater where the musicians can kani ka pila and talk story with the guests. That has been one of the highlights for me: just being together with so many of my friends and peers up there has been great.

I look forward to many more festivals at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center - it's like a home away from home for musicians here in Hawaii.

Mahalo nui loa to all those who have supported the concerts and have given their kokua.

A hui ho,

Jeff Peterson

To view a photo slideshow of the 2008 Aloha Falsetto Festival, please click here.