Kiho'alu (slack key) guitar is a durable and easy-to-listen-to music, with a lilting phrasing that is curiously offset by an edge created by the unusual tunings. Cyril Pahinui comes from the acknowledged dynasty of Hawaiian slack-key guitarists. His playing is flawless, his style modern yet still folksy. Bob Brozman is one of America's leading slide and resonator guitar proponents, and one who has had a love of Hawaiian music for a long, long time. Brozman has also been a major student of Hawaiian slack-key guitar, working with many of the great island musicians over the last decade, bringing the music to new audiences around the world. Together Pahinui and Brozman have lovingly re-created some classics, emphasizing the melodies of songs that would have normally been heard in ensembles where the guitar might be more lost in the overall sound. Here the melodies and harmonies of the tunes jump right out, whether it's a sweet love song like "Hula O Makee" or a jumping novelty tune like "Hawaiian Cowboy." Two master guitarists take us on a tour of the islands, big and small, with great musicianship and friendly charm. --Louis Gibson