Slack key, or kī hō’alu, is one of the most important genres of music in Hawaii’s musical history. It is a staple in our culture, and inherently Hawaiian, combining traditional chant with various musical influences from around the world. The name refers to the technique of loosening (or “slack”-ening) the strings, and predominantly plucking instead of strumming whilst playing.
The guitar as an instrument was enjoyed as far back as the days of Kalākaua in Hawaii, with it being noted that guitars were used in his coronation in 1883. A musical style developed in the 1870s, named “hula ku’i”, combined old and new styles of music, which included bringing the guitar into the fold.
If you are unfamiliar with this legendary genre, fear not! We’ve plucked out some of the best and most influential pieces of slack-key history to bring you up to speed.
(This blog post was written by Bradley Izumi-Hee)
We must begin with Gabby Pahinui. With a career of near 40 years, Gabby was the first person to make commercially released slack key recordings, and one of the first to record a full-length slack key album. “Hi'ilawe” may be the first recording of slack key ever. Known for his “guttural” falsetto, his unique cadence and character displayed through his voice sets him apart from the rest, regardless of his legendary status. Raised in Kaka’ako, he was said to be a “working-class hero”, as a City and County road worker with his own vices. Yet still, he remained an example and inspiration to many. He left behind many children including three sons who went on to pursue musical careers.
Leonard Kwan was another one of the most influential slack-key guitarists. Before the Renaissance of the 70s, he made the first-ever LP of slack key instrumentals. Oftentimes, slack-key was gate-kept in a way, with tunings being hidden, and many players only playing in small, private audiences. Said to “embody the spirit of nahenahe”, or gentleness, Kwan pioneered the education of future generations of slack-key players by opening it up to more players. His instrumentals are rich, and without a doubt gentle.
Sonny Chillingworth started playing guitar at twelve, and met his mentor Gabby Pahinui at age 17. Sonny’s first album, Waimea Cowboy, went gold. He is one of slack-key’s most esteemed guitarists, playing for many different bands including The Sons of Hawaii. His unique and passionate talent reached many, and significantly influenced many in the genre. The western, paniolo influence in his music is clear and sets it apart from the rest.
Credited with kicking off the (second) Hawaiian Renaissance, Peter Moon is another artist to take note of. The leader of both The Sunday Manoa and the Peter Moon Band, (both of which, at times, included Cyril Pahinui, son of Gabby Pahinui. Bla was also a part of TSM initially, and Martin was only part of the PMB.), Moon had a lengthy career of over 40 years as well. Called “slack-key rock”, Peter Moon brought influences from a myriad of different genres, ranging from jazz to samba. Majestic harmonies and energetic strings make Peter Moon the cream of the crop in this genre.
We of course cannot talk about slack-key without mentioning Keola and Kapono Beamer. The brothers mixed many sounds into one, taking from folk, rock, latin, and more to bring together what is known as “Hawaiian contemporary” music. They redefined the limits of slack key, taking hapa-haole songs and bringing them to slack-key, and sharing it with the world. They were the first Hawaiians to have their music featured in Hollywood (Big Wednesday), as well as Sesame Street. The Beamer Brothers spent much time as a duo together, but eventually split up and became successful in their own rights as solo artists.
For almost 40 years Ledward Kaapana has been playing slack-key in Hawaii. With a trademark for improvisation, Kaapana formed the band Hui Ohana, and together they played Hawaiian contemporary slack-key, kicking off with a project aptly named “Young Hawaii Plays Old Hawaii”. The falsettos and the winding melodies make it feel almost heavenly to tune in.
When I think of music in Hawaii, I often think of slack-key first. The perfect blend of tradition and experimentation, mixing melodies and rhythm in a way that no other genre can replicate, slack-key is one of those genres that you’re always in the mood for. Slack key continues to evolve. Through generations of kī hō’alu, a staple of Hawaii’s music has redefined the meaning of tradition, and will continue to do so for years to come, bringing joy to all of our ears.