Of all the different genres of guitar playing, it’s ironic that one of the oldest, slack key, is the least well known. Developed during the late 1800s in Hawaii, the sound of this particular type of fingerpicking has become synonymous with the islands. Over the past decade there has been a resurgence of interest in this indigenous guitar style among younger Hawaiian musicians, with a correlating rise in awareness from the general public.
On Saturday, June 23, one of the hottest of the new generation of slack key guitarists, Makana, will perform at the La Jolla Brew House. Though he occasionally plays with a band, this will be a solo performance.
“Slack key allows for a huge sound to be drawn from the instrument,” Makana said. “Most people think I have some kind of backup music playing when I’m on my own.”
He originally started out playing ukulele at the age of 9. However, just a year and a half later, Makana caught a performance on TV by slack key virtuoso Bobby Moderow, and his path was set. He sought out Moderow, eventually becoming his student.
While Makana was initially drawn by the music that could be made from his guitar, he also admits to a bit of local pride being involved in his decision to pursue this style of playing.
“It was the sound ” it’s so Hawaiian,” he said. “It’s beautiful, peaceful and yet so energizing.”
By the time Makana was 12 he had appeared on the local TV show “Superkids,” at the same time continuing his guitar studies.
Today, he applies the mechanics of slack key to a range of other styles, including traditional rock, Celtic, blues and bluegrass.
“For the past 10 years, I’ve been more concerned with perpetuating tradition,” he said. “I still play a lot of Hawaiian, but my music and focus is expanding. I am a huge fan of diversity, and I feel like people are realizing they can enjoy a wide spectrum of creativity versus one genre or another.”
While a typical Makana concert primarily features material from his three albums to date, he does perform a few surprises, including rearranged works by Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.
Makana has played locally in the past, with one show in 2002 ” opening for Jason Mraz at Copley Symphony Hall ” particularly memorable. Before the concert, Makana had the misfortune of falling asleep in the tour bus lounge. Touring parties are renowned for playing pranks on each other as the boredom of the road sets in. That was a fact made all too clear to Makana that night. His laughter confirms that he considers it a badge of honor to have been pranked by Mraz.
“Jason is the coolest cat ever,” he stated. “I had a little too much fun and I forgot that anyone who falls asleep there and not in their bunk gets permanent marker drawings on their forehead. Mine said ‘poi.’ “
Makana is amused by the results of his ill-timed nap.
“I had to play Symphony Copley Hall with that scribbled across my face,” he said.
Currently working on his fourth album, following this tour, he is considering a relocation to the West Coast for at least a brief stay. It’s a bid to increase his profile on the mainland.
“Leaving Hawaii is always emotional for me,” he said. “Hawaii inspires a kind of music ” regardless of genre ” that encourages the opening of the heart. Now, I try to see it not as though I’m leaving but rather that I’m expanding my definition of ‘home’.”
Makana performs at the La Jolla Brewhouse, 7536 Fay Ave., Saturday, June 23, 8 p.m.
For more information, visit www.lajollabrewhouse.com.