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Lawrence
Ha`aha`a
USA
1597 Posts |
 Posted - 06/09/2006 : 06:59:28 AM
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Nice story. Welcome to the patch, Menpachi Man!
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Mahope Kākou...
...El Lorenzo de Ondas Sonoras |
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Karl Monetti
`Olu`olu
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2006 : 11:41:21 AM
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1997, I was visiting my daughter at UH Manao in Honolulu. I searched for 3 days for anyone who knew anyhing about slack key, and finally got wind of Bobby Moderow and his band, Maunalua. They would be playing at Roy's the next night. My wife and daughter, her boyfriend and I went to the outdoor venue, got seats right next to he band (waitress said, "You want to sit close???? Most folks want to stay farther away!") They were playing mostly comtemporary standards. At the first break i introduced myself to Bobby and i said i would love to hear some slack key. The band members perked right up and Bobby got this light in his eyes. For the rest of the evening Maunalua was ours. They played to our table, did a dozen beautiful hawaiian songs and several slack key tunes, sat with us during their breaks. Bobby's wife stopped over after her hula class and she danced for us.
later that night i arranged for a private lesson, my first in slack key. We met at Bobby's house the next day and his family greeted us like old friends. Our 20 minute lesson became a 4 hour visit. Truly a great intro to slack key. |
Karl
Frozen North |
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Clint H
Aloha
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 06/24/2006 : 09:24:26 AM
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I have been performing Hawaiian music with my family in San Diego, CA for over 30 years. We have had the great fortune of playing and performing with many talented musicians before they moved back to Hawaii and became recording artists. Friends such as Gordon Freitas ("Local Folk"), Roland Chang, Kimo and Alapa'i Artis of "Kanilau" and my good friend Mark Yim (formerly with Peter Moon Band). There are many Slack-Key memories with these great musicians. Gordon Freitas is an incredible guitarist and song writer. Roland Chang plays beautiful Ki ho'alu. But my friend Mark Yim provided me with my most memorable Slack-key experience.
Unfortunately my dad suffered a severe stroke about 3 years ago, leaving him unable to continue playing and performing with our band. This left him very depressed because he loves him Hawaiian music more than anything. Well a couple of years ago, Hapa was touring the west coast and Mark Yim was travelling with them as Barry Flanigan's guitar tech. Due to my dad's condition, he was unable to attend the show. Well Mark and Barry came over to the house and Mark and Barry proceded to play for my dad for about 90 minutes. Barry played some Hapa classics such as Anjuli, Olina Road and Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai. He also played some of his style of Slack-key that he has been tinkering with and Mark sang beatiful Hawaiian classics.
It was a very emotional time for all of us. But it also reminded us of how theraputic Hawaiian music really is. My dad was revived and felt much better for weeks after that. We are still very greatful that Mark and Barry spent what little spare time they had while on tour to come cheer my dad up. In addition to Hapa visiting my dad, Gordon Freitas and the Makaha Sons visited my dad and played for him while he was still in the hospital. We will be forever greatful for the aloha that was shared with my dad during his tough times by these great musicians |
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sandman
Lokahi
USA
181 Posts |
Posted - 06/24/2006 : 12:07:56 PM
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Great story about great guys, including Clint H and his dad.
Sandy |
Leap into the boundless and make it your home.
Zhuang-zi |
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 06/24/2006 : 1:38:33 PM
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I wouldn't want anyone to think that Sarah and I did not have any favorite slack key memeories, but we told about them long ago and they are in the archives. They were not only favorites, they were life changing and they involved some wonderful people that some of you know. I won't repeat them. Moreover, the experiences never stop. Also, I don't want us to be considered for any "giveaway"; that would be embarrassing. But, when something like this comes up, it is important, for both of us, that we acknowledge our loved friends and life experiences that have made our lives so full. You know who you are and what happened.
...Reid and Sarah |
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Ianui
Lokahi
USA
298 Posts |
Posted - 06/27/2006 : 2:26:53 PM
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I discovered Slack Key about 5 years ago now and didn't even own, or know how to play a guitar. So I bought one on line, and the usual how to books we all have. I really needed an instructor and found Patrick Landeza on line, and talked him into some 3-4 hour sessions as I didn't want to fly from San Diego to Oakland for a half hour lesson. That was the first step in what has become a wonderful and joyous journey.
True friendships are rare in life, and slack key has brought true friendships into my life. As my SCSKS friends will tell you I cry easy as I am so emotionally grateful for the relationship each has allowed me to share with them. I have meet a number of fellow Taro Patchers and have fond and lasting memories of each of these meetings.
I cherish the memory of sitting on a big stage with only a dim overhead work light illuminating just its center. Within the light I sat with Uncle Dennis Kamakahi. With only he and I on this big stage, in this large and darkened auditorium, I listened in fascination as Uncle Dennis talked story as only Uncle Dennis can. Fantastic and awesome stories of his travels, the comedy of how he came to write Koke'e and the sadness of his last moments with brother IZ. He spoke of Hawaii and of spiritual things that were reverent and good.
I listened as he played wonderful music. Not only Ki Ho Alu but, Arlo Guthrie, Beatles, 70's top tunes. Truly a magic moment and a lasting memory.
I have gone back to that auditorium and sat in its emptiness and looked upon that stage recalling that magic moment in time. It is a movie that loops through the play cycle of my mind.
I must talk about Uncle Cyril as he has been so kind and gracious. I need to talk about Patrick Landeza. In another life Patrick would have to be my son as I have come to love him like a father loves their sons.
I watched Herb Ohta Jr. and David Kamakahi write a song in a Taro Patch members living room, but I'm sure that's a memory for him to tell.
I have memories of laughing real hard at the stories Keoki Kahumoku has told at the dinner table. However he isn't even trying to be funny, he just naturally is. Plus Herb is his perfect foil.
There was the concert in Carlsbad with Kevin and Ohana Brown. It was super and meeting Kevin and family was a real pleasure.
Then there is Martin Pahinui. I have never been so hugged by a man in my life.
Ray Sowders sat in my little office and shared his music with me. Another warm and gracious human being.
Last October Uncle Dennis, Cyril Pahinui, Patrick Landeza, Gary Haleamau, Herb Hanawahani. Uncle Paul Natto (He wrote Its Aloha Friday) all sat in my living room and jammed. You have to keep pinching yourself.
Then there are memories of times, events and the shareing of asperations and dreams that cannot be shared with others.
So what is all of this? To me its the memories of feeling the warmth, honesty, and the humbleness of some extremely talented men with beautiful souls. They are a Band of Brothers that keeps the Spirit of Slack Key and Aloha alive.
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Edited by - Ianui on 06/28/2006 08:34:46 AM |
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chunky monkey
Ha`aha`a
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2006 : 09:59:44 AM
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| Don's laid down the gauntlet and has pretty much summarized my feelings about the foray into slack key dreams. Some of the TPers know the story, but here goes (short version). My wife and I were fortunate to host Uncle Dennis Kamakahi, David Kamakahi and Herb Ohta Jr one week at my house a couple of years ago. While just sitting around one Sat afternoon, Herb noodled a tune that caught Uncle Dennis's attention. In a nutshell, Uncle Dennis put some words to that tune and a song about our humble home was created. I got to name it, suggesting the Hawaiian translation for the nickname of the area in San Diego where I live. Tierrasanta's nickname is Island in the Hills. Hence, Mokupuni I Na Pu`u was born. Three months later, at a concert in San Diego attended by my parents, who had driven over from Phoenix, Uncle Dennis announced that Mokupuni I Na Pu`u would appear on David's solo release (Pa`ani). The best part? watching a couple of legends create original music. One of the most emotional thing that's ever happened to me. Worth the price of admission. |
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brooklyn
Aloha
USA
30 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2006 : 11:17:58 AM
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I will share one of the dozens of memories from last week's Aloha Music Camp June 2006.
The night of the Beamer family concert. Keola onstage, playing a song his mother wrote. Aunty Nona Beamer to his right, in a wheelchair.
Keola singing...the sound of his guitar...Aunty Nona in a wheelchair...yet she performed the most beautiful hula...her arms and hands and smile telling a story...
An amazing moment. I cried. |
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mark m
Aloha
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2006 : 6:20:25 PM
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Hi,
My favorite memory is hearing a cassette tape with Ray Kane playing some slack key and this tune that made me love slack key, HAWAIIAN REVERIE. After that I heard Gabby Pahinui play some steel guitar on a CD and I was hooked. The song was BLUE HAWAIIAN MOONLIGHT. I'll never was the same after those two things happened.
Mark
Castro Valley, CA |
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parotatch
Aloha
37 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2006 : 10:49:09 PM
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The year was 1974 and the renaissance of Hawaiian music was picking up
steam but the year also marked the beginning of my collection of slack
key memories. Keola Beamer had just come out with his first album and
was offering a slack key class at the University. I didn't own a
guitar but that didn't stop me from trying to sign up. The class was
full, saving me the trouble of having to scramble around for a guitar.
I traded a $20 dollar bill for an old Harmony F-hole. It's neck was
so warped, the action was nearly a half inch high at the twelfth fret,
but I didn't care -- it was mine and I was determined to learn slack
key. Paid a guy five bucks to teach me "He Aloha No O Honolulu" and
drove my roomate crazy practicing it night and day. To avoid the
cacophony in the afternoons, that roomate went out and found a part
time job at a flower shop.
At the House of Music in the Ala Moana Shopping Center, I'd hang out
and listen to an elderly Japanese man play slack key in the guitar
section. He mesmerized bystanders with Hawaiian and Japanese
music in what I would someday learn was the Taropatch tuning.
The Kanikapila concerts at Andrews Ampthitheater were legendary. I
recall the unmistakable scent of pakalolo mixed with beer wafting
through the Manoa air. One particular incident sticks out in my mind.
Dressed in a long-sleeved purple shirt, Gabby tried to tune his guitar
as the crowd waited for the next number. After a couple of awkward
minutes, Peter Moon put his instrument down, walked over to Gabby,
picked up his guitar, tuned it in a few seconds, and handed it to
Gabby. The crowd roared!
My private slack key lesson with my teacher at Mad Music on Beretania
St. had just ended. He hands me a slip of paper and says, "Call this
guy -- he might want to jam with you -- both of you are at about the
same level". I opened the paper and saw a phone number and the name,
George Kuo. Not long after that, it was at a Ray Kane class that I
met George. Boy, that fellow (George that is) has sure come a long
way!
Neath the dim lights at Kaimuki High School, so dim it was orange, I
sat on the cement with fellow musicians as we jammed into the night.
On the way to this meeting, I was bumped by a car in the crosswalk.
The driver apologized profusely and kept asking if I was alright.
That poor fellow, relieved, offered me a ride and must have been
pleased to be driving me to Kaimuki instead of the Queens Hospital.
As long as there was no blood and the bones in the fingers were
unbroken I wasn't going to miss this jam session.
Ah those fun, crazy days way back then when I had hair down to
my shoulders ...
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Menpachi Man
Lokahi
274 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2006 : 8:14:37 PM
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Parotatch:
I remembah da amphitheater concerts too. Good memories. I use to bring 1 bag poi (One dollah sumthin, those days) and dried opelu for dinner with 1 6-pack beer. My friend's sheet music was probably from Beamer's classes since it sounds so much like his style. I did not think about it until your post.
Mahalos for sharin da memories. |
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Kapila Kane
Ha`aha`a
USA
1051 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2006 : 01:25:45 AM
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Aaaarrgh,
I mean Aloha.
Do you mean Slack Memory Keys?
It's all in my "talk story" post...
but just to stay in the mix,
I was walking through the door to backstage at Maui Cultural Center, and Walter Keale says, " would you be interested in playing a tune with us?"
Really tough decision...try not to act too "sheaaaw"...as if...
So I wander upstairs after awhile, and the tune they throw out is,"Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u", and it's not the usual...
fiddle works pretty good.
So I'm sittin' there and Dwight and the guys start into a couple more, and not having much sense, I play along, and Dwight says, '"you can do that one too!"
Pretty soon they say, "just come up when we go on"
OK
THEN, when we get onstage, it just keeps goin' and goin'.
Mike Kaawa, David Kahiapo, Melveen Leed, Daniel Ho and the others.
I'm sitting on on the end trying to be inconspicuous...a bald haole fiddler...
but having surreal fun.
The view of the peaks in clouds from the stage is heavenly.
And I'm prayin' and being thankful as fast as can, holding on for the next line of music...30 years of fiddle improvisation, 3 years of slack key wannabe... not wasted afterall.!
And the lime green shirts are out there howling.
Inside, so was I.
While we never did "Ku'u Home..." well, my life is complete...or at least, REALLY CLOSE.
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Pua Kai
Ha`aha`a
USA
1007 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2006 : 12:44:04 PM
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And all that with a massive allergic reaction building...
He's one of the greats... and I know him!!
Slack key fiddle.... how do you tune those things??
Awesome dude... |
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catheglass
Lokahi
USA
312 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2006 : 10:03:48 PM
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How to choose just one ki ho'alu favorite? Impossible. Here are mebbe the top three -
At Uncle George's camp last year - a quiet moment in the afternoon, Cyril sitting by himself under a fragrant tree and saying Cathe, come ovah here, I teach you my D tuning......
At the Blue Marlin, Kevin Brown singing the most beautiful "La Ilima" I have ever heard, and my mind filled with pictures of Miloli'i...
The moment I realized that mebbe I could learn ki ho'alu instead of just listening to it...... |
cathe |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2006 : 10:58:45 PM
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Since the camps took place in June and the Taropatch.net server has been slow... I'm going to pick winners on July 15th.
Please keep the posts coming. I've been enjoying reading them and others have too! |
Andy |
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