Kiho`alu (slack key guitar) originated on the Big Island of Hawai`i when King Kamehamema brought Mexican and Spanish cowboys -- and their musical instrument the guitar -- to the Island in the 1830s. The guitar was quickly adapted and influenced by the Hawaiian culture, where the strings were loosened, or 'slacked' to give the instrument a variety of tunings and creating an altogether new and beautiful sound.

Born and raised on the Big Island into one of Hawai`i's most famous musical families, Sonny Lim was taught about the rich paniolo (cowboy) history of the Island as well as taught a variety of musical instruments by his parents. Sonny's inspiration for slack key came when he witnessed the playing of Gabby Pahinui at a lu`au. But his biggest influence would be Uncle Fred Punahoa, who lived with the Lim family and taught Sonny the artistry of the slack key guitar.

Since those days, Sonny has charted a path of stellar proportions in his career as one of Hawai`i's best slack key guitarists, winning multiple Hoku awards. Playing on many albums and in concerts as a studio musician, Sonny rose to worldwide attention last year when he accepted the first Hawaiian category Grammy for the CD "Slack Key Guitar Volume 2."

Long overdue, Sonny's first solo album, "Slack Key Guitar, The Artisty of Sonny Lim," Is now in release. Every song on the 11-track album is pure Sonny, who performs unaccompanied.

"Slack Key Guitar" is the type of album you play on continuous loop while you are working, reading, or just enjoying a day of relaxation by the pool. Each song is like a wave that sooths the soul from a harshness of everyday life.

The first track, Hoku`ula, sets a nice tone for the rest of album and could almost become the theme song for a lazy afternoon in a hammock. Another favorite track is Punahoa Special. This track shows-off Sonny's picking ability and is a quicker tempo then much of the rest of the album, but quick is a relative term and one must remember this is quick in "Hawai`i time."

Punahoa Special is followed by another great contemplative tune in Donna's Smile. Knowing the title of the track, one can almost imagine the characters in a story interacting as the song progresses. The tune is lovely and will become a favorite.

Anyone who enjoys slack key guitar will discover that "Slack Key Guitar, The Artistry of Sonny Lim" is a required element for you're his or her music library. Whoever wants to experience a form of traditional Hawaiian music at its best, will find this album provides one of the finest examples by one of the most talented slack key guitarists.