Posted on: Sunday, September 11, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
Brilliant slack-key with jazz infusion; classic hapa-haole
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
The profile for ki ho'alu or slack-key guitar, a favored form of Island music, soars anew thanks to a brilliant release by Grammy-winning Jeff Peterson, who fuses jazz with local-style guitar-strumming.
Hapa-haole classics are revived in traditional form, with soloist Nathan Aweau (of the group Hapa) providing just the right vocal flavor.
"SLACK KEY JAZZ" BY JEFF PETERSON; PETERSON PRODUCTIONS
Genre: Ki ho'alu, jazz, world music.
Distinguishing notes: As a member of the coterie of Grammy Award-winning ki ho'alu artists from Hawai'i, Jeff Peterson is emerging as one of the stellar leaders of the movement to expand the appeal of slack-key guitar. In this new 16-song assembly, Peterson lets his fingers do all the talking as he shares his passion for several genres: jazz, Hawaiian and, naturally, slack-key guitar. The diversity of his music transcends labels. Unmistakably jazz on "Take Five" and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," his jazz takes on a Latin flavor on "The Girl From Ipanema." Hawaiian influences penetrate "Pua Lilia" and "Wahine Hololio." There is hapa-haole enchantment with a jazz slack-key coloration on "Blue Hawai'i" and "Sophisticated Hula." Middle-of-the-road focus is on such standards as "Paper Moon" and "Blue Skies." Easily one of the best cuts is his smooth and seductive take on "Don't Know Why," the Norah Jones signature, which reflects his sensitively interpretation. Peterson displays creativity as tunesmith on such originals as "Broke Da Mouth" and "Makena," clear endorsement of his place in Island living. What this disc shows is how accessible slack-key guitar can be — romantic, reflective, emotive, hypnotic. The sound is studio-crisp; the packaging classy and hip. The typography and font, however, could be a tad clearer and larger for those of us with trouble reading fine print.
The outlook: A real contender in multiple realms: jazz, guitar, dinner music, dancing, or just plain listening.
Our take: Peterson raises the bar a few notches in both slack key and jazz with this bright and exceptional release.
"THE HAWAI'I CLASSIC SERIES, VOL. I/VINTAGE" BY NATHAN AWEAU; BASS PLUS MUSIC ARTS
Genre: Hapa-haole music.
Distinguishing notes: At first glance, this looks like a nostalgic compilation of golden oldies. However this newly recorded compilation features the subtle and sweetly territorial voice of Nathan Aweau, who otherwise thrives as a member of Hapa. Aweau, a former Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, has lovingly arranged classic Island favorites with a stroll-down-memory-lane posture and makes it work: "Blue Hawai'i," "Lahainaluna," "Honolulu City Lights," "Hawaiian Lullaby," "Lovely Hula Hands" and "Beyond the Reef" speak of earlier times, with simple arrangements and no-frills eloquence.
The outlook: Let's hope this, the first of four CDs that comprise the "Classic" series, and future releases will be recognized for preserving and retaining the flavor of the original songs.
Our take: This is a departure for Aweau, and a delight for those who favor hapa-haole selections.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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