This album is dedicated to all who perpetuate the art of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar. E Ola Mau Ke Kī Hōʻalu!

I have had the good fortune to work with Shawn Livingston Moseley for the past six years. In the summer of 2007, Shawn approached me to be the first artist on the brand new ʻAumakua Records. With this beautiful symbol of guidance and protection for the artist and the art itself at the core, I was truly honored and humbled to be at the helm of the maiden voyage.
Including that first release, Mahina O Waiaʻale- AAR001, I have been blessed with five ʻAumakua albums.

I was again lucky enough to set sail with the first recording at Soulsound Studio in 2010, Slackinʻ on Dylan. Since then, some amazing musical journeys and award winning records were captured on the second floor of this unassuming Kāneʻohe Warehouse. All who have worked at soulsound can attest to the mana felt between these walls.

With this sixth release, Soulsound Slack, my first all instrumental solo Slack Key album, I bid a fond farewell to the first physical incarnation of Soulsound. All though we will soon be moving to a new space, we know the spirit will follow us to the next Soulsound.

Lock Lynch, the new chief engineer at Soulsound shines with a set of skills that belie his youthful 25 years on the planet. I was blown away by his focus, grace and professionalism and wicked sense of humor on this first record we did together. Mahalo Lock.

The prodigiously talented singer/songwriter/ guitarist/engineer/photographer and old friend Kelli Heath-Cruz brings her magic to the table for this project: For this I am eternally grateful.

With his many talents and hard work, Brandon Apeles has done amazing things for the local music scene and the ʻAumakua/Soulsound team in a few short years. Iʻm honored to now be working with Brandon as my manager.

Much mahalo also goes out to the incredible Zack Manzano for lending his awesome talents to this album.

My deepest gratitude and mahalo to Shawn, Lock, Kelli, Brandon and Zach for their vision, generosity and unwavering commitment to the music. IMUA!

Mahalo Piha!

Ozzie Kotani for passing down the Kī Hōʻalu of Sonny Chillingworth. Sonnyʻs ʻohana, Auntie Jackie and Uncle Ray for your warm Molokaʻi aloha, Makana for your generous kōkua and vinyl.  Dennis Kamakahi, The Lau ʻOhana and all my slack key brothers onboard our traveling circus. Karen Fischer at Pasifika Artists. Patrick Landeza for keeping the bay area my home away from home. Marlowe Holt for the incredible work on my  website and photos.Ty Shiroma at Guitar Works for keeping my babies in good health. My whole ʻohana for their never ending love and support. My amazing instrument sponsors, Lowden Guitars, Kanileʻa ʻUkulele, Curt Mangan Strings, L.R. Baggs and G7th Capos: You help take the music to another level.

CLICK HERE TO BUY PHYSICAL CD