Night Moon - Pō Mahina / Night Moon - Po Mahina

One of the "younger" generation slack key guitar masters, Cyril Pahinui is the son of the great Philip "Gabby" Pahinui, quite possibly the best-known Hawaiian slack key master. Cyril learned from his father, as well as his father's friends and co-masters Sonny Chillingworth and Atta Isaacs. Every bit of their virtuosity seems to have been passed along by the time of this album. Cyril is able to play both the six- and 12-string guitars, combining them in five of the works with stunningly gentle vocal work that could lull even the heaviest of metal listeners to sleep. His attitude toward the music is almost stereotypically Hawaiian in its simplicity, but the beauty of the works, by some of the great composers in the history of Hawaiian music (Gabby Pahinui, Queen Liliuokalani, Leonard Kwan) is astounding. Everything on the album is its own highlight in the beauty aspect, and the technical aspects aren't left wanting either. Those that are already familiar with slack key probably already know of Cyril, and should pick up the album. Those that aren't familiar should consider giving this album a listen to start their journey.