Ki Ho'alu: That's Slack Key Guitar A Documentary Film

Of the half dozen or more great slack key guitar (kiho'alu) players who "talk story" in this documentary, the late Ray Kane is featured. This is not an instructive, how-to-play slack key video. Rather, it tells the story of the role slack key guitar has played in resurrecting the Hawaiian culture and its many beautiful songs (meles) and hula dances. As you listen to the nahe nahe (sweet & easy) sounds, the Aloha will well-up inside you, revealing more about Hawaii than you'll ever discover during a week in a resort hotel. Mahalo, Susan Friedman for putting this together. Aloha.

Loving music, all kinds, history, and family stories, this excellent documentary captures all of it. Besides my own enjoyment I have given it as a gift to musicians who understand the passion of preserving what is unique and rare in style. It makes me happy, feeling the love that was put into it.

This is more of a family outing/picnic than a music display. Lots of talk and little music.

Charming old documentary about Hawaiian Slack Key music, focusing on Mr. Ray Kane and other musicians from Oahu in the 1970s and early 80s.

It's great to see and listen to the folks from yesterday and captured by those who want to share the history of Ki Ho'alu art.

Traditional Slack was highlighted along with a number of more contemporary players. Raymond, Leonard, and Sonny were awesome. Susan Friedman captured a little slice of Hawaiian life.

Great to hear all these great slack key players. It's got some footage I'd never seen before which was nice.

Good introduction into Hawaii's unique style of tuning and playing the guitar. Passed down from father to son since the 1800's, slack key guitar is now known worldwide. Played in their homes and on the beaches of Hawaii this DVD will make you want to catch the next plane to Hawaii.