Darin Leong - Hawaii Guitar » Hawaii Music News

Bishop Museum Features Ki ho’alu (Slack Key Guitar) with Cyril Pahinui

darin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:11:36 +0000

Bishop Museum is pleased to announce that Ki ho’alu Master, Cyril Pahinui will be the featured instructor of an on-going class in slack key guitar. Public educational programs incorporating the expertise of one of Hawai’i’s preeminent cultural practitioners, and artists is in keeping with the Bishop Museum’s mission of sharing and preserving the cultural history of Hawai’i.

“I am honored to share what I was given by my father, Gabby and the other masters of my time, says Cyril. That is our way to pass on and preserve from one generation to the next. I felt so honored when I came to see the opening of the Hawaiian Hall and saw my family’s Brown Album in the display. I feel so grateful to be given this opportunity to teach here among the treasures of our Hawaiian culture.”

Cyril Pahinui, son of musical legend, Gabby Pahinui, is, in his own right, one of Hawai’i’s most gifted guitarists and singers. Cyril has twice played at Carnegie Hall, has contributed to three Grammy Award-winning compilation albums, was nominated for another for his 2007 solo album “He’eia”, has received numerous Hoku Hanohano Awards, and has recorded on more than 30 Hawaiian musical releases. As a Master slack key guitarist, Cyril’s technical virtuosity, rhythmic adaptations, and instrumental harmonics impart the soul of Hawaiian music, and his beautiful, emotive, and well-recognized voice renders an intimate picture of his Pacific island home.

As a traditional master of Kiho’alu, Cyril instructs in the kanikapila style. Nana ka maka; ho’olohe ka pepeiao -watch with the eyes, and listen with the ears. Thus one learns. This traditional method provides the perfect instruction to this rich tradition. Students of all levels will be guided through simple exercises and solos to create the “slack key” sound.

Slack key can be played on any guitar, acoustic or electric. The term refers to both the musical style and the myriad ways the instrument is tuned. Cyril teaches several traditional tunings and focuses on those that originated in his family. Students of all levels will be guided through simple exercises and solos to create the “slack key” sound. In addition, you will learn the use of vibrato, harmonics, slurs, harmonies in thirds and sixths, legato playing and other musical ideas that have helped create a distinctive guitar sound.

Students will also gain a deeper understanding of Hawaiian music and Hawaiian slack key guitar as Cyril shares his knowledge of one of the world’s great acoustic guitar traditions. A brief history introduces the student to Hawaiian music styling and slack key’s specific context. Featured songs are selections traditionally performed by the Pahinui family. Each has specific techniques and ideas that will enhance and improve the student’s skills and add variety and uniqueness to each individuals playing. These songs and slack key guitar pieces reflect stories of the past and present and people’s lives. Historic and place context, insights on the composer and theme are also explored. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Students must bring their own guitar. The introductory series is scheduled for Oct 26, Nov 30, and Dec 21, 2 sessions each day at 4:30 and 6:00pm $40 per Session. For more information, or to register please email Cyril directly at: cyril@cyrilpahinui.com.

Dennis Kamakahi

darin — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:33:49 +0000

Word is out that Uncle Dennis Kamakahi will be inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame this year. Composer of Pua Hone, Wahine `Ilikea, Koke`e, the list goes on and on. Congrats to an outstanding musician and prolific songwriter!

Life In These Islands

darin — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:37:42 +0000

Check out the Life in These Islands website! It’s all about. . . well. . . life in these islands. The show airs again on KGMB 9 on June 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Hapa

darin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:07:09 +0000

For those unfamiliar with Hapa, here’s a great read from awhile back:

http://www.aroundhawaii.com/entertainment/music/2007-02_profiling_hawaiian_music_legends_hapa.html

Edgy Lee Takes TV To The Internet

darin — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:42:47 +0000

Award winning film and television producer Edgy Lee recently unveiled www.pacificnetwork.tv, which is full of great, high quality content. Further evidence of the ways in which technology affects the way we consume media content. Read the full article here.

The 31st Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards on K5 The Home Team

darin — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:53:37 +0000

The 2008 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards will be televised locally on K5, and streamed live via internet HERE. Performances will include: Brothers Cazimero, Hapa, John Cruz, Hoku Zuttermeister, Opihi Pickers, Mighty J, Pilioha, Darin Leong, and Kamau.

Nominees for the 2008 Hoku Awards

darin — Thu, 29 May 2008 08:58:30 +0000

Hoku Zuttermeister’s “ ‘Aina Kupuna” leads nominees.

Nominees for the 2008 Hoku Awards have been announced. Hoku Zuttermeister and Napua Greig lead the pack with eight and seven nominations respectively. I’ve been nominated in the “Best Instrumental Album” and “Most Promising Artist” categories! Read the full article HERE