Slack Key Lady
OnSlack Key Lady,Cindy Combsblends  traditional Hawaiian melodies, 1930s pop songs, pieces by modern island  musicians such asKeola  BeamerandCyril  Pahinui, and her own compositions into an enchanting personal guitar style  that honors the music's roots while still sounding contemporary. Combs is an  excellent guitarist, and whether she is playing a lively piece like "Makani  'Ula'ula" or a slow one like "Kalena Kai," she always puts her technique at the  service of the music. She is also an accomplished singer; on such tracks as  "Sweet Leilani," her sincere vocals and jazzy guitar playing retain a  sentimental feel without descending into mawkishness. Her compositions "Ke  Welina" and "Kipu" reveal a gift for melody, and her arrangements show she  really understands the rhythmic and harmonic subtleties of the slack-key guitar  style.Slack Key Ladymay be Cindy Combs's first solo release, but from  the strength of her performances, you would think she has been making CDs for  years.--Michael Simmons