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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
 Posted - 11/04/2014 : 8:49:11 PM
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Ozzie Kotani is a slack key master, renown teacher, and friend to many of us here at Taropatch.net so it is with excitement that I post this Q&A about his latest release. The title track marks Ozzie's first collaboration with a songwriter and features talented vocalist Joy Waikoloa.
TP = Andy (Taropatch.net)
Ozzie = Ozzie Kotani
TP: Ozzie, congrats on your sixth solo release! By my count, it's Classical Slack, Kani Kī Hōʻalu, To Honor A Queen, Paka Ua, Hōʻihi, and Island View.
While you're well known for your expertise and versatility playing in taro patch tuning (DGDGBD), you feature an uncommon tuning on several songs on this album, DGDEBD. Wow, you really slack that g string. Can you tell us about its origin, history and inspiration to use it?
Ozzie: Although taro patch is my home base, I enjoy the other tunings – I just don’t go to them as often as I should so it’s always about relearning the “landscape.” Still, every tuning has a certain sound – and limitations – and there are SO many to explore. I “found” the new tuning one day when my guitar was out of tune and I just kept slacking the 3rd down until I ‘heard” something I liked. Hawaiian Airlines wanted music for a video on the Nature Conservancy’s Kona Hema Preserve that protects over 100,000 acres along the leeward coast of the island. There was a request for something a bit “haunting” so I started the piece in the minor key. Initially, I called it the Kona Hema Tuning but after input from George Winston – it’s really a G6th Tuning and was used once back in the 50s – by whom I don’t know. The 3rd string holds up well despite going down to E. I believe the more common thing is to raise the 1st string up to an E. My reason for composing three songs and arranging Hawai`i Aloha in the new tuning was to show that it is viable – and has a distinct sound. I’m hoping to compose at least one more down the road.
TP: Island View is quite a contrast from Hōʻihi where the focus is on "traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar." What was your vision for this project? How did you select the songs?
Ozzie: I wanted to return to my music and preferences after making the statement in doing Hō`ihi. The statement was to respect what came before and what early slack key sounded like. The new CD is a reflection of my creative energy in wanting to craft new material and experiences while still playing the traditional form. This was accomplished by working with a lyricist, a vocalist, the new tuning, composing, arranging, and a couple of duets. For example, the reason I did the Star Spangled Banner was because of the request to hear me play that song AND Hawai’I Pono`i as they do at the UH ball games. It’s been something I’ve doing for a long time – one foot in the tradition with great respect while the other foot explores whatever I want to. Whatever!
TP: Personally, I like the variety of songs - a mix of traditional slack key, Hawaiian ballads and something new. Since you were not focused specifically on the traditional, did you feel less of Nā Kumu looking over your shoulder or do you feel that is an inescapable aspect of performing/studying a cultural, folk tradition?
Ozzie: Traditions change and over the years, change has occurred from players wanting to inject their personal preferences and influences. It’s also about lineage and being sensitive. I will always be a slack key guitarist – it is my identity and everything I arrange, compose, or figure out is based on it. I really don’t feel a responsibility to represent the way I did when I was younger but I still want to stay within the genre so in that sense, I want to stay near the folk art form. Having studied with Sonny Chillingworth, I hope I honor him when I play and compose – having done that, I want to explore other material as well.
TP: Defining slack key and identifying criteria for what is traditional, progressive or not slack key is a recurring topic. Do you find your criteria for defining slack key changes over time or is it relatively static?
Ozzie: My personal criteria has not changed and I remain a solo artist playing a solo folk art form. The thing to realize is that there is such a thing as “playing in an alternate tuning” that is NOT slack key and that slack key is a STYLE of playing not based on tunings. What a pity if what used to be a uniquely Hawaiian style of playing becomes “modernized” to the point of assimilation and loss of identity. I step out often but also play a lot of traditional pieces and teach which helps keep me a bit more grounded in techniques and ornamentations that characterize the style. Helps the sensitivity when I arrange and compose.
TP: As I recall, Gabby once told you not to become a full-time musician. What is your teaching schedule like these days? Will you be performing/touring at all to promote this album?
Ozzie: Ahh, yes – both Sonny and Gabby told me not to make music my full-time job and I’ve taken it to heart. I’m a full-time State of Hawaii worker keeping music on the side. I teach after work and on weekends and pick up the guitar when I can. I doubt I’ll be promoting this album unless a good offer or venue is presented – and there’s not many options here in Honolulu. Wish I could tour again but that takes a chunk of vacation – wonder what my life would be like if I did do music full-time? My production schedule would definitely get better!! This CD took 2 years to complete because I was so off and on with it.
TP: Well, your music is definitely worthy of being heard, and there is nothing better than experiencing a live performance. Where can people buy this album? CD and/or digital download?
Ozzie: Island View is now available from my website www.ozziekotani.com. Not downloadable yet although I hope to tie into that later. There are also audio clips and liner notes there.
TP: Great! Anything that I forgot to ask that you'd like to share with the Taropatch.net community?
Ozzie: I wanted to say thank you to all the wonderful people who enjoy and support slack key and I’m so touched that some like how I play – me, who can’t even read music!
TP: Thanks, Ozzie. Thanks for all that you do for the artform of kī hōʻalu.
Ozzie: My pleasure Andy and mahalo nui loa for the opportunity to share.
For more information, visit http://www.ozziekotani.com
So Taropatchers, what is your favorite track? What is your feedback on Island View?
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Andy |
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Pops
Lokahi
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2014 : 11:12:20 AM
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| What a talented and humble artist. A real gem and a heck of a guitarist. |
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sirduke58
`Olu`olu
USA
993 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2014 : 07:42:29 AM
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Going up to Ozzie's house in a couple of hours to pick up my autographed copy. Hoping for a private concert & possibly busting out my kika for a kanikapila  If given the choice I'd rather just sit & listen. Not many have the privilege of being serenaded by one of the best ki ho'alu artists ever. Can't wait for the in depth wala'au too. For the rest of you envious buggahs out there, do the next best thing & pick up your copy of the CD. I previewed it a couple of weeks ago & it's worth the listen. Christmas is right around the corner so grab a bunch of copies to give to friends & family as gifts. |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2168 Posts |
Posted - 11/12/2014 : 5:51:29 PM
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| I wen get mines awready! Da insai of da truck nevah wen sound so ono! Oz, you did a great job. |
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Ozzie
Aloha
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2014 : 05:54:36 AM
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Thanks so much for the kind comments guys! The main thing was to build my body of work and continue to try and contribute to the slack key legacy. I'm hoping other slack key players try the G6th Tuning - interesting sound from the lowered string and similarities with Taro Patch. Is there any interest in tabs from the new CD? If there is, I can add a post to my website. Also, are there any Hawaiian radio stations that might be interested in getting a copy? Mahalo and Aloha!
Oz |
Ozzie |
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kihoaluatl
Akahai
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2014 : 5:46:37 PM
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Hey y'all and especially Ozzie,
Got the CD last week and have been listening and enjoying. I must say that your guitar sounds the best on this CD.
I especially like the G6th tuning on Kona Hema, that would be my choice for a tab. Wish I had time for a lesson on my trip home but have to attend to family matters maybe next year. Duke the lucky dog gets the autographed CD.
Mahalo to you Ozzie for keeping kiho'alu alive and for all TPers for keeping me inspired to continue learning from way over here in Atlanta.
tom
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kihoalukid
Lokahi
USA
289 Posts |
Posted - 11/28/2014 : 08:30:24 AM
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Thanks Oz for another great album. The G6 tuning sounds awesome. I was immediately drawn to Kona Hema, one of those songs that puts me in "The Zone". Would love to see that tabbed. Also very nice vocals by Ms Sato on Island View.
Aloha, |
Lee |
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Ozzie
Aloha
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2014 : 11:15:27 AM
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| Thank you for the input and messages! I've tabbed Kona Hema but just in the beginning stages before I went into record. I'll re-do the tab to follow the recording more closely and make it available - maybe this month but in January for sure. Unfortunately, I improved as I normally do when recording and will have to listen and learn to make the tab! My friend and classmate from high school, Joy Waikoloa, is singing - Sherrie wrote the lyrics and I did the music. Thanks again for the comments! |
Ozzie |
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Ozzie
Aloha
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2014 : 11:18:46 AM
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| Oops! That's what happens when you're tired! I meant when I went in to record and I improvised while recording. Nope, I don't improve when recording:( |
Ozzie |
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Kapila Kane
Ha`aha`a
USA
1051 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2014 : 05:27:53 AM
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| My stocking stuffer will be cd shaped! And I'm my own Secret Santa on this one! |
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Quick Q&A: Ozzie Kotani Island View
