Hey List, could someone in the know talk a little about Hawaiian slack-key guitar? I bought a $5 compilation a few years ago that claimed to be slack-key guitar, but it was horrible crap and I used it for target practice immediately. I mention this because of the middle section of Eno's "Some of Them Are Old" -- I love that sound, but I don't even know if it's representative of slack-key guitar. If it isn't, what is it an example of? Just something that popped out of Eno's head fully formed? Thankee, William Crump
Hey List, could someone in the know talk a little about Hawaiian slack-key guitar? I bought a $5 compilation a few years ago that claimed to be slack-key guitar, but it was horrible crap and I used it for target practice immediately. I mention this because of the middle section of Eno's "Some of Them Are Old" -- I love that sound, but I don't even know if it's representative of slack-key guitar. If it isn't, what is it an example of? Just something that popped out of Eno's head fully formed? ------- the Dancing Cat division of (shudder)Windham Hill has been putting out slack-key stuff for a while now, and are probably tops in the game, at least outside of Hawaii. they put out a couple samplers that might be a good place to start. I tend towards the instrumental stuff myself; i'm not all that into vocals myself, especially warbley vocals. (btw, warbley seems to be desireable in slack-key vocals). most of the albums indicate on the track listings whether they're instros or not. try Cyril Pahinui, Ledward Ka'apana or their collaborations with Bob Brozman: all lean towards instrumentals. stay clear of Keola Beamer, he's kind of cheesy. on the other hand, slack-key may not be what you're looking for. the "Some of them are old" solo is actually Sneaky Pete Kleinow on pedal steel guitar. He's a major session-cat who is probably best known for his work with the Flying Burrito Brothers and also plays the solo on Frank Zappa's "it Just Might be a One-Shot Deal" from the album Waka/Jawaka. hope that helps, sean
on the other hand, slack-key may not be what you're looking for. the "Some of them are old" solo is actually Sneaky Pete Kleinow on pedal steel guitar. He's a major session-cat who is probably best known for his work with the Flying Burrito Brothers and also plays the solo on Frank Zappa's "it Just Might be a One-Shot Deal" from the album Waka/Jawaka.
I just love that solo on the Zappa album. I always rewind to hear it at least one more time. Pure bliss. It sent me on a hunt for similar stuff. So far I haven't found anything that matches that solo but here's a few things to explore: - The Pahinui Brothers self-titled CD is pretty good. Some of the music is really good but does get syrupy at times. Ry Cooder, David Lindley and Jim Keltner guest on it which drew me in. - Ry Cooder's Chicken Skin Music is an excellent album with a bit of slack key. Gabby Pahinui plays on a tune or two. And then there's also Flaco Jimenez on accordion for some nice conjunto touches. - Bob Brozman's Devil's Slide features some good slack key. His playing is impeccable, but sometimes I find some of his stuff to be a bit corny. The collaboration album(s) he's done with Hawaiian musicians might be worth checking out... - King Sunny Ade's Juju is another excellent album that features slack key in some mellow but awesome African grooves. -Dave
For anyone looking for the Art Ensemble Of Chicago's Les Stance A Sophie and People In Sorrow, dustygroove.com is selling a 2fer CD with both albums called American Swinging In Paris for only $11.99. These albums have been hard to find on CD in the past, and this is a great price. They also have Larry Young's Lawrence Of Newark in case you're looking for that... For those who have ordered from Dusty Groove, anyone care to recommend some of their favorites? -Dave
Seem to remember that someone -- Brian? Jon Abbey? -- indicated that the two-fer was mastered from vinyl, which doesn't really bother me as long as it's done well, as in Atavistic's Unheard Music Series. But so often it's done indifferently (BYG reissues on Sunspots) or downright poorly (D.A. Music's Black Lion "transfers"). Anyone out there actually heard this one? 'Lawrence of Newark' is just unbelievable, and had been (for me, anyway) MUCH more difficult to track down than the two Art Ensemble LPs in question. Anyone interested in proto-fusion-space-trance-late-Impulse-period Pharoah-spiritual-ethnic-groove just needs to possess it. It's got Blood Ulmer on it, too, and I'll bet money that "Mystery Guest" is the mighty Pharoah himself. Short but oh so sweet. Steve Smith ssmith36@sprynet.com -----Original Message----- From: zorn-list-admin@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:zorn-list-admin@mailman.xmission.com]On Behalf Of Dave Lechtenberg Sent: Monday, January 13, 2003 9:52 PM To: Zorn List Subject: Art Ensemble + Dusty Groove For anyone looking for the Art Ensemble Of Chicago's Les Stance A Sophie and People In Sorrow, dustygroove.com is selling a 2fer CD with both albums called American Swinging In Paris for only $11.99. These albums have been hard to find on CD in the past, and this is a great price. They also have Larry Young's Lawrence Of Newark in case you're looking for that...
-----Original Message----- From: zorn-list-admin@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:zorn-list-admin@mailman.xmission.com]On Behalf Of William Crump Sent: Wednesday, January 08, 2003 10:21 AM
Hey List, could someone in the know talk a little about Hawaiian slack-key guitar? I bought a $5 compilation a few years ago that claimed to be slack-key guitar, but it was horrible crap and I used it for target practice immediately.
Not familiar with that Eno tune, but the one Hawaiian slack-key guitar compilation I own (and have played to death) is "Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Masters," with tracks selected by George Winston for Windham Hill (I think for the Dancing Cat label, to be specific). Gorgeous stuff. I hope this wasn't the one you used for target practice. Later, Ben http://www.thewilyfilipino.com np: "the two towers" soundtrack
Hi, There is a wonderful UNESCO release called "Gitarre Hawaienne Authentique" (sorry about French spelling) that I like a lot. It's a guitar trio and if you want to go straight to the roots of slack-key, I think this might work for you. Best, Efrén del Valle n.p: Fred Frith "Gravity" (Fred Records)
Hey List, could someone in the know talk a little about Hawaiian slack-key guitar? I bought a $5 compilation a few years ago that claimed to be slack-key guitar, but it was horrible crap and I used it for target practice immediately.
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participants (6)
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Benito Vergara -
Dave Lechtenberg -
Efrén del Valle -
Sean Westergaard -
Steve Smith -
William Crump