A guitar style featuring open tunings and the frequent use of harmonics, hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and dampings, Hawaiian slack key adapts very nicely to traditional holiday favorites like “Jingle Bells," “Silver Bells,” and “Winter Wonderland,” as this bright, comfortable collection shows. Mostly instrumental, and spotlighting some of the best contemporary slack key players like
Ozzie Kotani,
Led Kaapana,
George Kuo,
Cyril Pahinui, and
Cindy Combs, among others,
Hawaiian Slack Key Christmas also features three vocal selections by
Dennis Kamakahi,
Leonard Kwan, and
Joanie &
Ruth Komatsu, respectively. It’s a nice mix, with a wonderful and refreshing flow.