Various Artists
Steal Away
Panini Pua Kea
Sanoe
Hui Aloha brings together four players of the Hawaiian slack-key tradition for a lilting, reposed music that sways as gently as a palm tree's leaves. Guitarist George Kuo and Dennis Kamakahi, both of the respected Sons of ...
more »Hawaii, joined Martin Pahinui for several gigs around the islands before Dennis's son began sitting in on ukulele. The combo was sweet magic, as is this album, their first recorded collection together. Made up of mostly Hawai'ian standards with a few originals sprinkled throughout, Hui Aloha follows the gentle, flowing qualities of the slack-key tradition while creating a gentle vibrancy through the multiplicity of instruments. Dennis, Martin, and George trade vocals on various cuts, with Dennis's gritty, dark tone billowing luxuriously on the country-tinged "Steal Away." "Monterey Sunrise," composed by Kamakahi on the first morning of 1997, reflects the ebb and flow of the beach's waves in an intimate, enchanting way. There are too many musical gems here to highlight; better to let this charming debut speak for itself through your stereo speakers. --Karen K. Hugg