Cyril Pahinui
Cindy Combs
  |
  |
Cyril Pahinui, He 'eia, Dancing Cat 2007.
Cindy Combs, Sunny Rain, Dancing Cat 2007.
These excellent CD's were recently released on the Dancing Cat label, the premier label for the genre and one which which both artists have had an ongoing relationship - this is Cindy's second and Cyril's third album for Dancing Cat.
Though not released as a 'set', the albums provide an interesting contrast when listened to together (as is inevitable when you rush out and buy them both). As on previous albums, Cyril favors a heavier, richer style - using a 12 string and tuning down a half or whole step for most of the songs. Most of the tracks are instrumental, with several that also showcase his equally rich vocal style. Tuning-wise, most of the album is in Atta's C. Exceptions include "Ki Ho'alu" in Taro Patch and (doesn't sound like a relation to the one on Pure Gabby done in Mauna Loa tuning, also covered by Ozzie Kotani) and Salomila done in Cyril's signature D 6/9 tuning - also used for Sanoe on Night Moon - instead of the usual Taro Patch. The title track is done twice, first as an instrumental in Mauna Loa tuning, then later as a vocal backed in Atta's C. This is kind of an unusual thing to do, but it works well to unify the album. As the liner notes point out, the song takes place in a bay of the same name in Keauhou (Big Island), where the cover was shot. (As I'm staying about a block from Keauhou Bay right now I plan to search it out tomorrow afternoon.)
For me, highlights included both versions of the title track, Makee Ailana (a nod to Sonny Chillingworth no doubt), Cyril's fresh take on Hula Blues, Meleana E, and Salomila. Overall, this album is of the same quality as the previous two Cyril put out on Dancing Cat... So if you liked the first two, this is a winner. If you haven't picked up any of Cyril's albums, this would be as good a place as any to start.
In contrast to Cyril's deep, rich style, Cindy Combs's style is more open and sparse (similar to Keola's style in that respect). She uses space to great effect on this all-instrumenral album, and comes out with a very vocal personal quality. The use of 'space' puts one foot in the new age / progressive camp, but Cindy also manages to keep the other foot planted in tradition- a tough balance. The tunings are mostly G6 (Half Taropatch) and C Wahine, with a C tuning of her own invention added. Highlights for me included "Laid Back Slack," "Pakala" which alternates between tame and aggressive, "Ua Noho Au A Kupa & Wai`alae," and Mauna Loa. If you haven't heard Cindy, this is a good album to pick up.
While their styles are different, both albums are well thought out and filled with spirited playing. Pick them up together for some relaxed slack key listening. - October '07
Past Kihoalu.org Reviews
Cindy CombsKen Emerson
Steven Espaniola
Bobby Ingano
Maunalua
Cyril Pahinui
Jeff Peterson
Pilioha
Donald Kauli'a
Slack Key Christmas (Palm)
Treasures of Slack Key