Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/889690
DREAMSCAPES FALL/ WINTER 2017 34 A stute listeners can detect the trade winds, the surf, the swaying palm trees and graceful waterfalls—all combining to create an effect usually described as nahenahe (soft and gentle). In doing so, it reflects the music's deep roots, "incorporating the hula rhythms, ancient chants and drum rhythms from Hawaii's past," according to Chelle Pahinui, master hula teacher. The timeless appeal of Hawaii is reflected in many of the key ingredients that make up its truly unique atmosphere. There are the ocean, the food and beaches which, mixed with the aloha spirit of welcoming visitors, create the truly unique Hawaiian experi- ence. A mosaic of many cultures has been added to this winter paradise and acoustic guitar playing is a prime example. BIG ISLAND SPIRIT The Hawaiian tradition of slack key guitar playing began in 1832 in an unlikely way. Mexican and Spanish cowboys (paniolos) came to the Island of Hawaii to teach the locals how to ranch. Following their depar- ture, it was noted that they had left three guitars, but no instructions on how to tune them. So began the unique Hawaiian tradi- tion of tuning the guitars to each individual guitarist's voice. A perfect way to enjoy the true Hawaiian unplugged spirit would be to stay at an old BY BRUCE SACH YOU ARE SEATED ON THE OUTDOOR TERRACE AT YOUR UNPLUGGED VACATION SPOT IN HAWAII. A SLACK KEY GUITAR PLAYER, WHOSE ART OWES EVERYTHING TO HIS HAWAIIAN UPBRINGING AND HAWAII'S PAST, SEEMS TO EFFORTLESSLY PICK HIS ACOUSTIC GUITAR WITH TUNES THAT ECHO THE GENTLE FEATURES OF THE HAWAIIAN LANDSCAPE. Unplugged in HAWAII