Track Listing

1. Punahoo Special [Instrumental]
2. Koke'e [Instrumental]
3. Ninipo Ho'onipo [Instrumental]
4. Mokupuni Nui
5. Aloha la No O Maui [Instrumental]
6. Nui Papa [Instrumental]
7. Tue Hey [Instrumental]
8. Kanaka Waiwai/O Maria [Instrumental]
9. Waiakanaio [Instrumental]
10. Highway to Hana [Instrumental]
11. Salomila/New 'Opihi Moemoe [Instrumental] - Ledward Kaapana, Leonard Kwan
12. Akaka Falls [Instrumental]
13. Black Sand [Instrumental]

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10167 in Music
• Released on: 2000-06-06
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording

Amazon.com
Led Kaapana, a visible mainstay in the Hawaiian Islands scene of slack-key guitarists, presents his first solo studio release here. It's an unadorned gem, needing none of the embellishment characteristic of his 1999 release, Waltz of the Wind, a collection of collaborative music featuring country and Cajun musicians. Though Waltz was intriguing for its wide-ranging samples of fingerpicking, Black Sand will better satisfy purists of the slack-key tradition. The distinct tunings of Hawaiian slack key already give the guitar a crisp yet deeply melodic tone, and in Led's hands, the genre's hues deepen even more brilliantly. His touch is tender, his tone emotive, and his tunes pastoral and melodic. There's nothing astounding here, but such is the case with recent releases from fellow slack-key masters Keola Beamer and Dennis Kamakahi, but like those albums, Black Sand is quietly eloquent and dignified, exquisite for its simple essence alone. --Karen K. Hugg

Customer Reviews

Slack Band
I am extremely impressed with the music on this CD. Led Kaapana is an accomplished master, a gem of Hawaiian music. This irenic Slack Key Guitar music removes much of the stress I have received from a day. It is like a small tropical vacation. I am impressed with all of the tracks. My favourites are PUNAHOA SPECIAL and WAIAKANAIO because they are exceptional showpieces of Led's agile, nimble fingers. For those unfamiliar with Slack Key, it is similar to Blue Grass. If you are interested in listening to a virtuoso play intricate guitar works, this CD will be interesting to you.

Wonder-full Old Style Slack Key Instrumentals
Aloha! Here's the review I wrote for my free ki ho'alu (slack key guitar) ezine:

This release is a must have for any Hawaiian slack key music lover. It includes 13 cuts with one vocal and one performed on the autoharp. Led demonstrates his talent and skill with recordings in 6 different tunings.

Although it was hard to pick, my favorite cut is his nahenahe version of Dennis Kamakahi's Koke'e. Soft, sweet, and soothing, it speaks louder to the soul than any vocal piece ever could. And I feel this is why slack key music is so often moving emotionally to people... without words, the music touches the heart and soul.

Punahoa Special honors his Uncle Fred Punahoa who recorded this in 1974 as Slack Key Instrumental #1 on The Waimea Music Festival. You may recognize Aloha Ia No O Maui which was part of the medley titled Maui Serenade recorded in the late 1940's (available on the History of Slack Key Guitar - Hana Ola Records). This song was written by Maui singer Alice Johnson. Led has also included two Tahitian songs.

And surprise! A duet with Leonard Kwan. Wow! You'll love it. George Winston accompanies on piano in 'Akaka Falls.

Hopefully, Ledward will get to come back and spend some time being inspired here in Hawaii and writing more original music. Until then, all you folks on the mainland can enjoy his extensive touring.

slacker fan
Led Kaapana was just awarded this year's Hoku Award for "Instrumental Album of the Year" from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts for this Black Sand recording.

He truely is one of the world's top guitar pickers. You gotta hear this guy.....