Hawaiian Love Songs (Na Mela Aloha)
OnHawaiian Love Songs, George Kahumoku skillfully manages the delicate balancing act of stretching the sonic boundaries of slack-key guitar technique while keeping the music firmly rooted in tradition. On tracks like "The Queen's Prayer," which features a bass-string glissando inspired by theChantays' surf-guitar classic "Pipeline," Kahumoku's 12-string guitar playing recalls the intricate picking of a youngLeo Kottke. On gentler tracks like "Nu'oli" and "Nakalele" he revels in the gorgeous melodies that Hawaiian musicians seem to produce in endless streams. Kahumoku is joined by vocalistDiana Akifor a duet on the tragic love song "Keiki Mahine." Other guest artists include slide-guitar masterBob Brozmanand harmonica playerNorton Buffalo, who adds a soulful blues wail to "Lei Pikake."Hawaiian Love Songsis a beautiful blend of contemporary slack-key guitar playing by a musician who respects the past, but doesn't feel compelled to repeat it.--Michael Simmons