Of the slack-key guitarists that pianist George Winston has brought to light from Hawaii, the most eloquent and forward-looking is Keola Beamer, which is ironic given that Beamer's first album in 1973 was called Hawaii... more »an Slack Key Guitar in the Real Old Style. There's nothing old about the music on Soliloquy. Unlike most of his brethren, Beamer rarely sings, and that seems to free him from the sometimes clichéd phrasing and melodies identified with Hawaiian music. Even without those signposts, however, Beamer's music is distinctly Hawaiian, beginning with the slack-key guitar. It's a standard acoustic guitar, but the strings are tuned lower--literally, slacker--than normal. It gives the guitar a lazy, wistful sound just shy of yearning. Soliloquy mixes Beamer's original compositions with traditional songs in unique arrangements, including some for two acoustic guitars. A bit more low key than his previous albums, and featuring more nylon than steel string, Soliloquy is a quiet meditation born from the idyllic environment of Hawaii. --John Diliberto« less
Of the slack-key guitarists that pianist George Winston has brought to light from Hawaii, the most eloquent and forward-looking is Keola Beamer, which is ironic given that Beamer's first album in 1973 was called Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar in the Real Old Style. There's nothing old about the music on Soliloquy. Unlike most of his brethren, Beamer rarely sings, and that seems to free him from the sometimes clichéd phrasing and melodies identified with Hawaiian music. Even without those signposts, however, Beamer's music is distinctly Hawaiian, beginning with the slack-key guitar. It's a standard acoustic guitar, but the strings are tuned lower--literally, slacker--than normal. It gives the guitar a lazy, wistful sound just shy of yearning. Soliloquy mixes Beamer's original compositions with traditional songs in unique arrangements, including some for two acoustic guitars. A bit more low key than his previous albums, and featuring more nylon than steel string, Soliloquy is a quiet meditation born from the idyllic environment of Hawaii. --John Diliberto
ricko101 | WALNUT CREEK, CA United States | 12/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Keola's latest release for George Winstons Dancing Cat Records is a wonderful, soothing, melodic trip through the Islands. There is no low point on the album, and as the songs all are of a quiet tempo with similiar feel, they flow together as a sort of Hawaiian slack guitar suite. Highly recommended! Also- if you get the chance- see Keola live. He puts on a super show."
Beautiful, Gentle, Waterborne
SmallOffice | 07/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Infused with the islands - recreates them in sound. The perfect accompaniment to a day or evening on the water. This music gently, deeply sinks in. I'm buying another as a gift for a friend so I can get mine back!"
Great!
Steven D. Snyder | Illinois | 04/05/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just set the player on repeat and listen to it for hours. Soothing music. Good to pay attention to or just let it be background music. This is a good CD to have."
Wholesome Slack Key Goodness Chock-Full Of Mahalo!!!
J. Fisher | Somewhere, USA | 04/19/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like guitar, you OWE it to yourself to procure this album...in its entirety. That means ALL of it people. Believe me you will thank me later...and yes, you are VERY welcome. Hey, don't mention it. There is not ONE bad song here whatsoever. Mr. Keola Beamer is a virtuoso and knows how to bare his soul on the six-string. Add some diversity to your musical collection and buy this today. With all the overproduction nowadays that often times significantly diminishes otherwise good musicianship, it is like a breath of FRESH air to just hear something instrumental for a change...acoustic and stripped down...nothing but a man letting his instrument do the talking. I wish there was more of this kind of music available...but for now we will just have to be thankful for hidden gems such as these. He also has a really good instructional book too on the craft entitled "Keola Beamer Teaches Slack Key Guitar" via Hal Leonard Publishing."
Beautiful Hawaiian Mood Music
Sherri | Trinity County, CA, USA | 08/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The playing is lovely, and will set a peaceful, relaxing Hawaiian tone wherever you listen to it."