Song Notes: On this album, it is our great pleasure to present music by many of Hawaii's finest slack key artists. As a bonus, there are performances by up and coming young players, plus leo ki'eki'e (Hawaiian falsetto) by our islands' most renowned practitioner of the art, Uncle Richard Ho'opi'i. Another included treat is a song featuring Hawaiian steel guitar by one of the true masters of the craft, Bobby Ingano.

1. No Ke Ano Ahiahi describes how a sailing ship is prepared while embarking on a voyage from the harbor to the open sea. In this mele (song), the ship leaves on the evening tide from Hawai'i to America. This song honors King Lunalilo, who traveled to America. Dennis Kamakahi opens in traditional chant style with the shout, "O Ye Sailors, pull up the anchor, let us prepare to sail!"

2. Ho'okupu is composed and performed by George Kahumoku, Jr. It refers to the famous Hawaiian lore of pig god Kamapua'a doing battle with fire goddess, Pele, complete with George's special vocal sound effects.

3. Pau Hana Rag (Work is Done Rag). Artist Sonny Lim says, "This song started out as a blues tune. One day, while playing it in different styles, it just fit so well in ragtime and 'Pau Hana Rag' was born! It's a feel good, pau (finish) work on Friday, ready for a beer kind of song! 'Pau Hana Rag' is one of my favorite compositions." It is played in Open Bb (Bb-F-D-F-Bb-D).

4. ‘Aina Momona (Abundant Land) was composed by Kawika Kahiapo and Anuenue Punua in celebration of He'eia on Oahu, where a traditional Hawaiian fishpond is being restored by a dedicated group of volunteers. The song speaks of the wondrous foods this sacred place provides, as we guard the work of our ancestors.

5. Makee 'Ailana (Makee Island) was composed by James I'i. We celebrate Makee 'Ailana, once located in Waikiki where the Honolulu Zoo now stands, long before the dredging of the man-made Ala Wai Canal. Famed for its waterways and springs fed by the valley streams of Palolo and Manoa, Waikiki was once filled with fishponds, taro patches, and Hawaiians. A favorite location for romantic rendezvous, we paddle across the water together to Makee 'Ailana! Owana Salazar performs this traditional melody.

6. Ho'olohe Na Kupuna (Hear the Elders) was composed and is played by Jeff Peterson. This melody came to him while playing a new guitar. It reminded him of what it was like to listen to the kupuna, or elders, play music when he was growing up on Maui. As a child he longed to have his own guitar some day. How sweet it is when dreams come true! The song is performed in G Taro Patch tuning.

7. Sleepwalk was recorded and released in 1959. The song was composed by brothers Santo and Johnny Farina. While not a Hawaiian song, it inspired many aspiring Hawaiian steel guitar players, including Bobby Ingano, who says, "Sleepwalk is the first steel guitar recording I ever heard. It's still my favorite steel number. To me, it will always be magical. This song is why I wanted to play steel!"

8. Kealia was written by George Kahumoku, Jr. It references the town of Kealia on the Big Island of Hawaii, ancestral home of Keoki Kahumoku, who performs it in both English and Hawaiian.

9. Koali is a place song, named for a district near Hana on Maui. Big Islands' Sonny Lim explains that this performance was a makana (gift) to the people of Maui for the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Show. In the old days you came from your island and brought a makana with you, either a song or a dance. Koali was done in Open C (C-G-E-G-C-E). Sonny Lim, George Kahumoku, Jr., Sterling Seaton, and Peter deAquino perform this song in a kanikapila or jam session.

10. Kupa Landing (Cooper Landing) was composed by Lot Kauwe. Cooper Landing is located at Ho'okena on the Big Island, and was a site where Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys) loaded cattle for shipment to Oahu. Hawaii's one and only Uncle Richard Ho'opi'i performs this playful tune in his trademark falsetto style.

11. Mele Ho'oku'u (Closing Song) wraps up our album. It is a kanikapila (jam session) closer with lyrics by Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman and music by Daniel Ho. "A closing song for the end of the evening. Conclude the playing, put down the instruments. Let the sweet voices echo. Let us relax, reflect, praise. Be thankful."