Slack Key Swing
katja_r | 09/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I enjoy this CD very, very, very much. This is one of those rare occassions when I feel constrained by the number of stars available. I am impressed with Led Kaapana, not only because he is once again providing a virtuoso performance, but further, that his versatility is emphasized as he successfully brings Slack Key to Nashville. It is no surprise actually given the close relationship between Country and Bluegrass, even so, it takes someone of Led Kaapana's superior talent to demonstrate how well Slack Key and Country work together. EVERY song on this CD is one which I enjoy listening to time and time again. Kaapana's 'ukelele skill is unsurpassed. The title cut is tender as is SPANISH EYES; he mimics a banjo on the Hank Williams staple MOVE IT ON OVER, and STEEL GUITAR RAG, and his Slack Key Guitar works surprisingly well with the Cajun two-step LES FLAMMES D'ENFER. If you are interested the world's best Slack Key Guitarist or music which melds Hawaii with Nashville, this CD will be interesting to you."
Lively Fusion of Americana: Hawaiian, Country, Bluegrass
C. Chu | 09/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a truly delightful album with many passionate licks, and an all-star band of Led Kaapana's friends. It is a wonderful blend of vocals and instrumentals, some more traditional Hawaiian such as Hanohano Hanalei, and 'Opihi Moemoe, and others bold and spicy mix, Les Flammes d'Enfer (Cajun), Move It On Over (honky-tonk), Honeysuckle Rose (swing jam with a piano). Having just returned from Kauai, I used various tracks for my DVD. Especially appropriate was Koke'e to accompany the Waimea Canyon slideshow, and the appearance of a violin (Stuart Duncan) is a pleasant treat. And the vocal of Alison Krauss in Waltz of the Wind, so gentle and lyrical, magical as the breeze moving between the pines overlooking the Kalalau Trail. And if you want to hear Led on vocals, there is My Sweetheart, a musical postcard to his wife while performing in Tahiti. Indeed, every song is a gift from the heart, and will touch your soul in many wonderful ways."