Hawaiian String Virtuoso: Steel Guitar Recordings of the 1920's

by King Bennie Nawahi

Overview

King Bennie Nawahi is, without a doubt, the finest Hawaiian slide player that ever lived. As the excellent liner notes to this superb collection explain, the slide guitar sound became very popular in the early part of the 20th Century. And while it was a novelty style for many, Nawahi's unequaled chops and fine melodic sense raised it to a true art form. There's bouncing swing ("Signin' in the Bathtub") that is charming in itself. But there is also heartbreaking and haunting treatments of traditional tunes here as well. Indeed, "Mauna Kea" belongs with Blind Willie Johnson's "Dark Was the Night..." as one of the finest slide performances ever captured. For fans of classic jazz, world music, and great guitar, this disc is beyond essential. ~ Tim Sheridan

Product Details

Release Date:	06/13/2000
Label:	Yazoo
UPC:	0016351205520
Rank:	86678

Tracks

1. Hawaiian Capers
2. Singin' in the Bathtub
3. Ukelele Benny
4. May Day Is Lei Day in Hawaii
5. Dinah
6. Mauna Kea
7. Honolulu Bound
8. My Little A-1 Brownie
9. Big Feet Rag
10. My Girl from the South Sea Isles
11. Ticklin' the Strings
12. Black Bly Blues
13. California Blues
14. I've Seen My Baby
15. Waikiki Blues
16. I Went to Hilo
17. Guitar Rhythm
18. Hawaiian Melody
19. Aloha Means I Love You
20. Wiggle Yo Toes
21. Otto Wood the Bandit
22. Maui No la Ka Oi
23. I'm a Dreamer, Aren't We All?

Album Credits

Performance Credits

King Bennie Nawahi   Primary Artist
Q.R.S. Boys   Primary Artist
Slim Smith   Primary Artist
Charles B. Smith   Primary Artist
Hawaiian Beach Combers   Primary Artist
Georgia Jumpers   Primary Artist
Four Hawaiian Guitars   Primary Artist
Red Devils   Primary Artist
King Nawahi Hawaiians   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Robert Armstrong   Cover Design,Liner Notes,Producer
Joan Pelosi   Design
Four Hawaiian Guitars   Performer
Georgia Jumpers   Performer
King Benny Nawahi's Red Devils   Composer
Sherwin Dunner   Producer
Hawaiian Beach Combers   Performer
Richard Nevins   Remastering
Charles B. Smith   Composer
Harry Akst   Composer
Joe Young   Composer
Sam M. Lewis   Composer
Red Devils   Performer