In The Saddle

In The Saddle

Although the guitar was introduced to Hawaii only in the 1830s (the European guitar tradition dates at least to the 1500s), Hawaiian musicians developed two of the instrument's most important playing techniques: the use of the metal slide or steel to fret the strings, and the altered tuning style known as slack key. On <I>In the Saddle</I>, Led Kaapana, one of the current masters of slack key, and Bob Brozman, the king of acoustic steel guitar, join together to play an enchanting collection of old Hawaiian melodies and original compositions. Hawaiian guitar music is one of the most sweetly melodic styles in the world, and Kaapana and Brozman's versions of tunes like "No Ke Ano Ahiahi," which was made famous by Gabby Pahinui, and "Meleanna E," a party favorite that dates back to the 1900s, rank among the most lovely renditions ever recorded. Most of the tracks here are instrumentals, but Kaapana sings a small handful in the traditional falsetto style. <I>In the Saddle</I> is a fine example of two of the world's finest guitarists playing some of the world's prettiest music. <I>--Michael Simmons</I>