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George Kahumoku, Jr. wrote:

Playing Solo with Chino Montero

When I was young in Kealia S Kona where I grew up, the first thing I heard 4 am in the Morning was my Great Grampa Willie Kahumoku playing solo slackkey guitar. It was also the last thing I heard at night after a hard days of work, of building stone Walls, working in our Mala (garden) or picking our Kona Coffee. Solo Slackkey guitar played by Grampa Willie was always a part of everyday life growing up in Kealia.

Growing up with 26 cousins, it was a rarity to do anything Solo, but once in a while we got a quiet moment to reflect & practice a few licks & do something solo.

Growing up I played music with various cousins & my Dad & mom & Tutu and we sang Hawaiian Hymns at Tutu Emily Hoopale Dulay's Kamakuamauloa Church in Kalihi. Later I formed a band with Eddie Akana & the Climax Five where once in a while Marcella Kalua would sing Solo with us. Earlier in 7 th grade I had a band at Nu'unanu YMCA called, The 3 G's with my self, George, Greg Kaniakala on Rhythmn & vocals , another G- Greg Enomoto on drums. I also had a band in Intermediate 8th grade at Kamehameha Schools with Brian Ahue on Bass, Patrick Nakoa on Rythmn, George Ferrira on drums & me on lead. For about 20 years my brother Moses & I formed the Kahumoku Brothers. Like my great grandfather Wiilie Kahumoku before me, I learned to awaken early & play slackkey early in the am & last thing at night when I moved back to Kealia where there was no TV or radio reception.

In fact I got up in the Aumoe 2-4 am in the early Am to create songs again & play Solo.

Later I was blessed to record for Dancing Cat with George Winston who invited each of us guitar Masters to play & record Solo. When my brother Moses & I played at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Kawaihae, we often played the same song for 3-6 hours taking turns honing our Solo skills to pass the time especially when no one was listening. Again playing Solo.

Then we got to tour the great performance centers of the World from The Great American Hall in SF to Carnegie Hall in NY, again playing solo.

For 10 years our Slackkey show in Napili has featured me as the Host playing Solo with a different Guest artist each week featured also playing Solo. For at least 10 years I've watched Chino Montero back up several artists. I want to thank my Nephew Herb Ohta Jr for finally recording Chino Montero Solo.

The last time I played with my two great friends Dennis Kamakahi. & Chino Montero was at our SK show in Napili . But instead of Playing Solo each artist backed up each other up, so it was more of a duet concert really not Solo. This coming May 21-14. I was finally going to play with Chino Montero & finally hear him play solo.

Unfortunately, Instead, in less than a week, I've lost two great Hawaiian friends who were great Musicians & artists: Dennis Kamakahi & Chino Montero. I'm convinced that they are taking turns in heaven playing Solo riffs along with Gabby Pahinui, with Joe Marshall on bass, and Sonny Chillingworth, Leonard Kwan, & Ray Kane jamming & singing along, with my two friends Dennis & Chino each taking solo riffs.

Tonight I'm at Haiku Sacred Santuary listening to Solo guitarist Elijah Ray and I just had a spontaneous Lomilomi by my new friend Blue Mountain. I feel like all my needs are being met and I can finally let go & finally mourn both my friends Dennis & Chino's passing through Music, dance & Sharing the vibrations & Mele on this earth and on Maui. Mahalo Ke Akua for the gifts you've given us. Help us to use our gifts to thy service. Mahalo for all the blessings I've recieved these 63 years of my life.

My 2 cents for this May 3-14! Sat Kukahi night and a rough rough past week!

George Kahumoku, Jr.

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