Ken Emerson
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Buy "Slack & Steel: Kaua'i Style" |
CD Reviews:
Ken Emerson, Slack & Steel: Kaua'i Style, Hana Ola Records / Cord International 2007.
Several years ago Ken released an excellent album full of instrumental standards called "Slack and Steel," not to be confused with his latest offering "Slack & Steel: Kaua'i Style." While the former album is unfortunately out of print, the new one has some interesting cuts that make it worth picking up as well. Ken has moved in various jam, blues and classic rock circles, and brings some of those friends along for the ride on this album. While hearing Todd Rundgren help out on some Hawaiian vocals is an interesting musical oddity, that collaboration is not the main reason to pick up the album. More interesting is blues harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite's work on "Too Much Kava Kava," which results in a nice blend of the genres. (Note: the two have collaborated before, also to good effect.)
While Ken does traditional tunes like "Lei Nani," and "Ulili E," this is more of an experimental album that pushes beyond the bounds of traditional Hawaiian toward Ken's unique melting pot of world music and folk influences. Along with the above mentioned Harmonica, the song "Miloli'i Slack Key" that opens the CD features some bluegrass style mandolin. While the use of banjo and mandolin is certainly not unheard of in Hawaiian music (Johnny K. Almeida in the early 1900's, for example), it is not often heard in this day and age. Further reflecting a broader scope is the eclectic song choice of perennial 'island' tunes like "Endless Summer," and "Sleepwalk." I particularly enjoyed his version of one of "Small Axe," one of my favorite Bob Marley / Wailers songs.
Ken also remains focused on adding a modern island sensibility, expressing the current frustrations with the increased cost of living in his updated lyrics to Manuela Boy. Though traditionalists might be more pleased with his previous "Slack and Steel" album, this CD takes some risks and succeeds. Overall, an interesting album that will not leave fans of Ken disappointed. - Nov. '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