Audio CD review:
Keola Beamer - Soliloquy: Ka Leo O Loko

Keola Beamer - Soliloquy: Ka Leo O Loko

Band: Keola Beamer Title: Soliloquy: Ka Leo O Loko Rating: Release Date: 08 January, 2002 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Pailolo 2: Kapaula Bay 3: Kaulana Na Pua 4: Kolowaka 5: Li'i's Song 6: Mino'aka 7: Moana's Laundry Basket 8: Nala Hala O Nuae 9: Wai Ulu 10: Pauahi O Kalani 11: Kawohikukapulani 12: The Myna Bird's Dobro 13: Papa's okolehau 14: Ka Makani 'Ula'ula 15: Pau Lili Lehua

Editoral Review There's nothing old about the music on Soliloquy. Of the slack-key guitarists that pianist George Winston has brought to light from Hawaii, the most eloquent and forward-looking is Keola Beamer, which is ironic given that Beamer's first album in 1973 was called Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar in the Real Old Style. Unlike most of his brethren, Beamer rarely sings, and that seems to free him from the sometimes clichéd phrasing and melodies identified with Hawaiian music. Even without those signposts, however, Beamer's music is distinctly Hawaiian, beginning with the slack-key guitar. It's a standard acoustic guitar, but the strings are tuned lower--literally, slacker--than normal. It gives the guitar a lazy, wistful sound just shy of yearning. Soliloquy mixes Beamer's original compositions with traditional songs in unique arrangements, including some for two acoustic guitars. A bit more low key than his previous albums, and featuring more nylon than steel string, Soliloquy is a quiet meditation born from the idyllic environment of Hawaii. --John Diliberto .. You can see a complete list of all Keola Beamer discography, or go back to the Keola Beamer tabs