Photo by Lisa Flores Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Master George Kahumoku Teams Up with Harmonica Virtuoso Norton Buffalo The unique tunings, techniques and sweet melodies of Kī hō'alu (Hawaiian slack
key guitar) were created by the Hawaiian cowboys of the 1800s to carry on the oral traditions of sharing stories of
passion and the history of their homeland. A long lineage of family history and being the fourth generation to continue
sharing his heritage through music, George Kahumoku uses his melodic style and compositions to reflect his love and respect
for nature and the people around us. With over 30 CDs in circulation, George Kahumoku, Jr. is one of the most recognizable
names in Hawaiian music and connects with world-wide audiences touring the country and hosting his weekly Hawaiian Music
Showcase at the exclusive Napili Kai Resort on Maui. He has been honored to perform for Queen Elizabeth at Carnegie Hall,
Wolftrap, and has traveled the world sharing his stories with many. A masterful storyteller, captivating entertainer,
and accomplished composer, instructor, and three time GRAMMY award winner, George has rightfully come to be known as
"The Ambassador of Aloha". For more information, visit George Kahumoku's website.
Norton connected with George in Hawaii back in the early 90s during a benefit performance on the Big Island with Jesse
Colin Young. George and Norton struck a great friendship and soon after did some recording together for one of George's
Dancing Cat CDs.
In 2007 these two friends decided to do some shows together. Inspired by the magic they created together, they went in
the studio and recorded a pile of songs. Combining George's original writings, some of his favorite Hawaiian classics and
Norton's originals, these sessions have turned into an amazing collection of Hawaiian Aloha music. Since then they have
begun doing more performances together and the fans love the blend of George's Slack Key Guitar and Norton's Harmonica as
well as the blending of their voices in sweet harmony. There is a special magic that comes forth when these two play
together that is rare and very special. Norton has found a way to slip his harmonica beautifully into the Hawaiian sound
and it is wonderful to hear and feel the aloha glowing when they are performing together.
In 2008, Norton taught harmonica as well as a songwriting and improvisation class at George's Slack Key and Ukelele
workshop in Maui.
In the Fall of 2008, the CD "The Spirit Of Slack Key Guitar" opened up with a live duet performance of Norton and George
on the classic "Hawaiian War Chant". This CD was later nominated for a Grammy. Although this CD did not win the Grammy
this year, Their lively performance on this collection gave fans a taste of the musical joy these two create together.
Buffalo returned to Hawaii in early 2009, where he and George recorded a few more tracks for this project. Norton is
now in the studio trying to wrap it all up, hoping for a release later this year. Keep your eyes and ears open for upcoming
performances by this wonderful duet as well as their upcoming CD release.
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