Great, extensive Slack key article and reference to taropatch.net in the latest issue of Taylor Guitars Wood and Steel Quarterly publication-
"HANGING LOOSE WITH HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY" It's like a secret society of fingerstylists, except that it's not "secret" - it's a Hawaiian form of guitar music that's taking the Mainland by (very soft tropical) storm. By Jim Kirlin."
Taylor guitars has been very proactive with sponsorship of the slack key festivals in Hawaii - a really good thing
The article mentions that prominent guitarists as Joe Satriani, Stevie Vai and Kevin Banks( tonight show) are falling in love with slack key.
Stevie Vai mentions in his workshops across the country "talking about slack key being one of the last frontiers for guitar players"
Hardcopy can be picked up at any Taylor guitar dealer or can also be viewed online at www.taylorguitars.com via PDF file.
It was great to see slack key getting such good exposure and I was thrilled to see our site (http://www.alohaplentyhawaii.com) listed too.
I was disappointed that the author didn't fully represent the traditional style of slack key. It's not necessarily the most popular story so it was probably edited out. It's what I've learned and I know many don't agree... I share it here not as dispute, but as an additional perspective on slack key for those that care to consider it.
According to the Bishop Museum and most elders we have talked with, singing primarily came to the islands with the missionaries (1820's was the first trickle) and became particularly prevalent for hymns in the mid 1800's when missionaries were settled on most islands and were working with the monarchy teaching, etc.
With the need for self-accompaniment (the theorized reason for the rhythm bass part played with the thumb on the lower strings while the melody is played on the upper strings with the fingertips), it makes sense for the original slack key to be instrumental in nature. There are a couple of recorded examples of slack key instrumental that accompanied chant... another with ipu or other percussive instrument...
The Hawaiian form of singing that first developed was a bridge between chant and western style singing. The style of 'mele' didn't develop until the late 1800's... a kind of hu'i style fitting in with the King David Kalakaua way of combining tradition while adopting/adapting modern styles. And of course, moving into the 1900's and the 'entertainment' industry, singing and western stylings became more important/valued because it was more 'acceptable'. Radio has always favored vocals and popular rhythm stylings. As we all have learned... the real slack key was family music and kept tightly in the families.
There are so few people left really carrying on the 'old style' I worry about it being lost... even fewer perpetuating it with ability to compose in the old style.
I applaud everyone here on taropatch.net that work and play every day to carry on the tradition of slack key... long may you play... and I wish that slack key live on forever.
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Posted - 10/18/2003 : 01:58:56 AM
