The other night we had one of those magical moments, one that makes you feel you're exposed to something very special, and perhaps transient. It was a Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar concert, held in a big white tent in Napili, just north of where we were staying. They hold a concert every Wednesday; the audience was a mixture of tourists and regulars.
Host Gerorge Kahumoku Jr. is a master player who graced us with his pleasant fun-poking and his beautiful playing. I would describe his voice as a tree growing, something that comes right up out of the earth.
Led Kaapana had a more lilting style, but his flawless playing and caramel voice with its flowering falsettos captured me. This was about as close as you could come to being sung lullabies as an adult. Seizing an opportunity that I sensed would be rare, I bought his Grammy-nominated CD (which includes collaborations with Bob Brozman and others!), and had the artist sign it. Oooh, such things just can't be replicated!
Traditional Hawaiian music is endangered, though there are valiant efforts to keep parts of it alive. In encouraging contrast to the laid-back mastery of the older players, we also heard two "next generation" players. They clearly showed promise of great musicianship.
As an extra-cool bonus, we were treated by two hula performances - one being an impromptu guest appearance by a middle-aged local guy who rose from the audience, took off his shoes, and did one of the most graceful dances I've seen, in his jeans and white button shirt.
The strong, Maui winter winds and pummeled and rippled the big white tent so violently that at times it almost drowned out the melodic strumming. But the players continued, steady and unflappable. I hope this is an indication of the enduring power of this unique art.
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