I have a story about Sonny. Back in the early 70s, my introduction to to slack key was this song and I was hooked. I bought every record I could find. A woman at the Ala Wai music store mentioned that Sonny was a regular at the Blue Dolphin Room at the Ilikai. So my girl friend and I went in one night only to find that Sonny was not the headliner. He played guitar in a combo backing a female singer (don't remember her name) and performed easy listening pop. At the break we went up to Sonny, who assumed we wanted to meet the girl. We told him no, we were there to meet him. He's was so tickled he introduced us to people as "my fans who came to see me" Now, my friend, a pretty young woman, quickly brought out Sonny's immensely charming personality. Quite the ladies man. Anyway, seeing Sonny was an excuse to get out of Haleiwa once or twice a week. Sonny was always appreciative, even inviting us to a luau at a house party in Waimanalo, where we met Atta Isaac. From a circle of rotating players the music never stopped, on into the evening until da bugs stay too much. You rendition here is so polished, so smooth...ah wei.....I could just close my eyes. So long Sonny, you are still missed half way around the world.
Your story of winding up at a kanikapila certainly matches my experience with the generosity and warmth of the Hawaiian artists I've met. I'm really grateful that I found this music but I do regret that I discovered it after some of the leading lights were extinguished. I never got to see Sonny or Gabby or Leonard Kwan in person. Fran
@@franguidry I look back now realizing what a time I lived in. As you know, on new year there is a sunrise celebration at the Honolulu Bowl (I forget the actual name). Away from the main stage was a small area for slack key performers, which would go on all day long. I would see Gabby's sons, all the up and coming guys, and ladies. This was when the double cover album Gabby came out and the Renaissance of slack key began. Saw Gabby many times at the Waikiki Shell, often with Cyril. First time I saw Leonard he was playing at a bar near Trader Vic's in the HIC. Saw Atta all the time because he worked for the Water Department on the North Shore and was frequently at Haleiwa Beach to fix problems at the bath house, or he'd be up the road at the fire station talkin' stories. He and Gabby were Iike I imagine you and Led are. Happy Easter.
Great rendition of a true classic! As always I learn watching/listening to you. I've played this for quite a while but always look to improve on my interpretation. Big Mahalo!
@@franguidry Unfortunately being in the UK I haven’t seen many, if any, suppliers of slack key CDs, a couple have been purchased from Amazon UK, so have to rely on iTunes or Bandcamp downloads, but then burn to disc. To get physical CDs from US would deplete my pension somewhat☹️we sit and listen to one or two an evening while reading, (would rather be practicing).
@@grahamreader9141 I was really lucky to find a used record and CD store in Kailua, O`ahu. They really helped me expand my collection with a reasonable outlay. Fran
Thank you Fran. Made my morning coffee extra delightful. If by chance you take requests, I would love to hear your version of Ku’u Lei Awapuhi. 🙏🏻 Blessings
Absolutely beautiful. This is the sort of stuff that drives me to distraction, lol! OK, now, how do we convince you to provide a lesson for this on youtube? I have only recently decided to dedicate my playing time to Slack Key and have been looking at Harry Koizumi's wonderful lessons. I'm hooked! Thank you for putting this music out there for us to hear. Mahalo, Mike
Mark Hanson has a great tablature for this and several other wonderful songs in his "Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar." I'm glad you found Harry Koizumi, I often recommend his tutorials. Fran
Fran ! Sounds so good. Love the Clave Bass. Mahalo for posting so many new videos too. We all love them.
Thanks Ron, I'm trying to keep the new clips coming.
Fran
What a happy, soulful tune! A really feel good melody. May today find you joyous and well. 😊
Mahalo, glad you enjoyed it.
Fran
Aloha. I love this tune, Fran. thanks so much for recording it and sharing!
Aloha, Mark. Yes, that is one classic piece. Just one more reason to honor Uncle Sonny.
Fran
Absolutely delightful.
Thank you, Jack. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the clip.
Fran
Thanks for sharing this piece, or should I say, the peace. Really enjoy your music Fran! Keep it going!
@@mikewichmann6959 Thanks, Mike, I'm working on a few more tunes, hope they're up soon.
Fran
One of my favorites beautifully rendered. Wonderful.
Aloha, nice to hear from you again. It really is a lovely composition, isn't it?
Fran
Make me miss Hawai'i so much. Beautiful sounds for make me smile🤙🏼
Sorry you're missing Hawai`i but glad that the music makes you smile. Mahalo for visiting and commenting.
Fran
I have a story about Sonny. Back in the early 70s, my introduction to to slack key was this song and I was hooked. I bought every record I could find. A woman at the Ala Wai music store mentioned that Sonny was a regular at the Blue Dolphin Room at the Ilikai. So my girl friend and I went in one night only to find that Sonny was not the headliner. He played guitar in a combo backing a female singer (don't remember her name) and performed easy listening pop. At the break we went up to Sonny, who assumed we wanted to meet the girl. We told him no, we were there to meet him. He's was so tickled he introduced us to people as "my fans who came to see me"
Now, my friend, a pretty young woman, quickly brought out Sonny's immensely charming personality. Quite the ladies man. Anyway, seeing Sonny was an excuse to get out of Haleiwa once or twice a week. Sonny was always appreciative, even inviting us to a luau at a house party in Waimanalo, where we met Atta Isaac. From a circle of rotating players the music never stopped, on into the evening until da bugs stay too much.
You rendition here is so polished, so smooth...ah wei.....I could just close my eyes.
So long Sonny, you are still missed half way around the world.
Your story of winding up at a kanikapila certainly matches my experience with the generosity and warmth of the Hawaiian artists I've met. I'm really grateful that I found this music but I do regret that I discovered it after some of the leading lights were extinguished. I never got to see Sonny or Gabby or Leonard Kwan in person.
Fran
@@franguidry I look back now realizing what a time I lived in. As you know, on new year there is a sunrise celebration at the Honolulu Bowl (I forget the actual name). Away from the main stage was a small area for slack key performers, which would go on all day long. I would see Gabby's sons, all the up and coming guys, and ladies. This was when the double cover album Gabby came out and the Renaissance of slack key began. Saw Gabby many times at the Waikiki Shell, often with Cyril. First time I saw Leonard he was playing at a bar near Trader Vic's in the HIC. Saw Atta all the time because he worked for the Water Department on the North Shore and was frequently at Haleiwa Beach to fix problems at the bath house, or he'd be up the road at the fire station talkin' stories. He and Gabby were Iike I imagine you and Led are.
Happy Easter.
What a great way to start my Wednesday, a wonderful tune. a "Guidry grin" and the sunrise. Mahalo Fran. Always happy to see a new post !!
Yes indeed, Robert, a sunrise is a good thing. Thanks for your visits.
Fran
Another great video Fran. I love your playing and the melody is just so beautiful. Thanks for sharing and very best wishes 👍👍
Thanks Brian, this is one my sweetheart most wanted me to learn to play.
Fran
@@franguidry perfect choice Fran - it’s really beautiful 👍
Brilliant, thank you Fran, made my day!
So glad you enjoyed it.
Fran
Great rendition of a true classic! As always I learn watching/listening to you. I've played this for quite a while but always look to improve on my interpretation. Big Mahalo!
Terry, it's very satisfying to hear that I might be helping your slack key journey. Have plenty fun!!
Fran
Mahalo. Thank you again. Very nice.
Nice to hear from you Alan.
Fran
So beautiful. 🏝
Thank you, it's a lovely piece isn't it?
Fran
Always awesome 👌 👏 👍
Thank you, Ben. I appreciate your visits and comments.
Fran
Very nice. Thank you Fran!
My pleasure, believe me. Thanks for stopping by.
Fran
Another lovely piece. Thought I recognised it, as have some 30 CDs of Slack Key, then read your description. Thanks for playing and posting.
That's a pretty impressive collection, I doubt that I have that many that are strictly slack key.
Fran
@@franguidry Unfortunately being in the UK I haven’t seen many, if any, suppliers of slack key CDs, a couple have been purchased from Amazon UK, so have to rely on iTunes or Bandcamp downloads, but then burn to disc. To get physical CDs from US would deplete my pension somewhat☹️we sit and listen to one or two an evening while reading, (would rather be practicing).
@@grahamreader9141 I was really lucky to find a used record and CD store in Kailua, O`ahu. They really helped me expand my collection with a reasonable outlay.
Fran
Sweet nahe nahe music. Love it !!❤❤
Thank you, William. Uncle Sonny Chillingworth created one of the sweetest songs ever when he found that melody in his dream
Fran
@@franguidry Awesome!!
beautiful thanks
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for visiting and commenting.
Fran
Thank you Fran. Made my morning coffee extra delightful.
If by chance you take requests, I would love to hear your version of
Ku’u Lei Awapuhi. 🙏🏻
Blessings
I've never tried to capture a Hapa tune in slack key, I'll have to put it on the list of things to try.
Fran
Great job, Fran!
Thanks Kory.
Fran
Absolutely beautiful. This is the sort of stuff that drives me to distraction, lol! OK, now, how do we convince you to provide a lesson for this on youtube? I have only recently decided to dedicate my playing time to Slack Key and have been looking at Harry Koizumi's wonderful lessons. I'm hooked! Thank you for putting this music out there for us to hear. Mahalo, Mike
Mark Hanson has a great tablature for this and several other wonderful songs in his "Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar."
I'm glad you found Harry Koizumi, I often recommend his tutorials.
Fran
@@franguidry Thank you, I will definitely seek out this tabulature.