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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
 Posted - 02/19/2009 : 5:12:11 PM
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Kapila Kane
Ha`aha`a
USA
1051 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2009 : 07:41:38 AM
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Well late as usual...
since we're hopefully heading towards an intelligent, but kinder discussion--
my two bits (plus inflation):
The question becomes, is any category like Hawaiian, or slack key, a historical designation, or a living growing art that changes in the hands of artists?
Rhetorical question perhaps...or just another infinite topic.
I, for one was glad to see Daniel and Tia breakthough...and bring some style...if not pure historically pure to our under-recognized and mis-understood category...
Lot's of people still go..."What kind of Music is that?"
This new category had been getting it's feet on the ground...
but sticking with the:
Best of Slack Key collections # 1 - 27, with all the usual (but well-loved suspects, was effective in getting the style out there with some broad examples...
but if it didn't grow some, seemed to risk becoming a non-sentient category.
A place for old style historical, gold-watches...
What if Blues still was just Ledbelly, or Gospel was identical stuff from the 30's and 40's?
The compilations help edify new fans, that were new to the genre/category and helped to offer a bigger style sample and understanding of where it comes from...but if it's a REAL category, and not just a "historical preservation society honor badge"...it was time for a little risk-taking.
Is Daniel or Tia the purest Historically correct Hawaiian?
Absolutely not.
But Daniel's production and musicianship is valued highly by the traditional community...and he has done his share of traditional artist development...
No his Kilauea style doesn't have alternating bass...and the 6ths are true left hand development!
Standard tuning variation?...
well, Keola's main C tuning is also based on standard guitar tuning...with two bass/root notes on the bottom, and not always sticking to alternating bass.
And if perhaps Tia's beauty was a factor..., but her voice, style, and composure add integrity to an emerging category for the Grammy's.
And anyway, because beauty may come around looking or sounding like Iz, Tia or ANY OF US, (on a good day)...there will be all sorts of beauty recognized over time...
Historicallly based stuff is not gone...
but selections will always be subjective, "controversial"...and because it's the Grammy's...political too.
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2009 : 08:07:04 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Kapila Kane
Well late as usual...
since we're hopefully heading towards an intelligent, but kinder discussion--
my two bits (plus inflation):
Maybe a little late, Gordon, but well-seasoned; thanks for another valuable perspective. I had forgotten that Daniel has been reaching out to build ties with the "traditional" Hawaiian music community in recent years - for proof of that, refer to Kawaikapuokalani Hewett's most recent CD. |
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 09:17:23 AM
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quote:
What kind of music is Daniel Ho playing? If it is slack, I can not hear the connection. Is his style an advanced version of what slack key will become in the future?
quote:
well, Keola's main C tuning is also based on standard guitar tuning...with two bass/root notes on the bottom, and not always sticking to alternating bass.
OK, I'll bite: Does Keola Beamer play slack key? 
And think before you answer. Some points to ponder:
I have heard from plenty of older Hawaiian musicians that he what he plays is nice, but it isn't slack key. Some say it is "too modern."
He uses classical right and left hand technique and employs sophisticated harmonies not commonly used by other slack key players.
He rarely uses an alternating bass. (Neither does Kevin Brown, or anyone playing in tunings that don't lend itself to an alternating bass... but someone brought that up as a criticism of Daniel Ho.)
His music is highly arranged, with modulations, intros, bridges, and codas.
Often he features multiple interlocking guitar parts on his recordings that cannot be reproduced live.
His music is never spontaneous. (Seriously-- how many of you have ever jammed with Keola? I've known him for years, and I think maybe once we played together without rehearsing. Oh, wait, it was a rehearsal...)
He's all about marketing himself as a slack key artist: two books, bunches of recordings, videos, online lessons, workshops, a camp...
He performs with the Honolulu Symphony, Native American flute players and jazz pianists, but, aside from the final song or two on a concert tour, rarely with other slack key artists.
He never performs at slack key festivals or in slack key concert series in Hawaii.
His music regularly shows up in New Age playlists.
So, gang, as long as we are on the subject of who does, and who doesn't, play slack key: Does Keola play slack key, or something else?
I'd love to read your thoughts.
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slipry1
Ha`aha`a
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 09:54:11 AM
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quote:
OK, I'll bite: Does Keola Beamer play slack key?
Well, Mark, it may not be slack key, but it is most certainly Hawaiian, imho. Folks should rememeber that there's more to Hawaiian music than slack key (said the steeler ;)). |
keaka |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 10:36:27 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by MarkOK, I'll bite: Does Keola Beamer play slack key?
IMHO, Keola is definitely playing slack key. Period. |
Andy |
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Allen M Cary
Lokahi
USA
158 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 10:51:51 AM
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Thanks Mark!!
If that ain't slack key, then I sure don't know what is.
Aloha,
Allen |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 11:07:30 AM
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I think that he plays slack key; however, at the risk of being branded a heathen, it is a type of slack key which I personally do not care for. To my uneducated ear, it does seem to be quite "modern" and Lord knows there is nothing modern about me. (As I apply the heating pad to my back.)
But I do love his spam haiku and his Wendell letters. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 11:09:35 AM
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| ...and whatever it is (in either case, Keola or Daniel), I like to listen to it. My ears/tastes are so far away from "pure" that they don't prevent me from enjoying certain kinds of musical sound. |
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chunky monkey
Ha`aha`a
USA
1025 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 1:09:36 PM
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| ok guys. the horse is quite dead. no additional flogging is necessary |
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Peter Medeiros
`Olu`olu
546 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 3:28:20 PM
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Are you sure?
Okay then round up the usual suspects and bookem Danno. Y' better get CSI in here too. We can't allow this to happen to any other poor souls. Try and do it before the body gets cold. |
Edited by - Peter Medeiros on 02/25/2009 3:34:00 PM |
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markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 3:40:57 PM
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Thank God for the traditionalists. Thank God for the innovators. I think we are all much better off for having both in a healthy community.
New comers who are initially introduced into our genre through either group, if they really like what they hear, will slowly become exposed to each end of the spectrum. I know from my own personal involvement and widened appreciation for all the different colors of our musical rainbow. |
"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
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markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 4:44:12 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Menpachi Man
I share Duke's sentiments -- word for word.
Without strong roots, trunk, and limbs, it soon becomes scattered dead twigs and leaves on the ground.
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Oh yea, I fogot to add -- I shayah da professah's sentiments too. Book em Danno! Eh no worreh, da bodeh no ste cole yet.
I am very sincere when I say this. I support you all in your defense of Traditional Hawaiian Music.
But.
In March and April, my wife and I, along with lots of our friends will be going to concerts performed by the following list of Hawaiian Musicians coming to our area of California.
John Cruz
Bill Tapia
Mihana Souza
Hapa
Richard Ho'opi'i
Dennis Kamakahi
George Kahumoku, Jr.
Na Kama
Natalie Ai Kamauu
I think that this is a pretty colorful rainbow of sound. And if Led comes back to Santa Cruz, I'll try to be first in line for tickets.
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"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
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markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 6:03:53 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Menpachi Man
quote:
Originally posted by markwitz
But.
I think you have missed our point.
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I was going to leave it at that. I should elaborate out of respect for you since my senses tell me that you are a very nice person. Duke and I are speaking as one voice independently. I have never met Duke in person but we independently share the same strong sentiments for roots, tradition, and RESPECT for the tradition. As we have stated, if your roots, tradition, and respect are strong, we don't care how you branch out. However, if a person has no roots, tradition or RESPECT, then that person is simply dried leaves blowing on the ground.
I can also asure you that there are many others that share the same sentiments
Now that's a statement that I can agree with word for word, also. |
"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
Edited by - markwitz on 02/25/2009 6:59:26 PM |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2176 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2009 : 05:03:51 AM
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| Play so that an uncle or an aunty thinks of their small kid time. |
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