Sol Hoopii "Master of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar" Vol. 1

Sol Hoopii (or Ho'opi'i, which indicates the correct pronounciation) was one of the first and most influential hawaiian steel guitarists to become famous in the u.s., in fact, beside some others, it was his recordings who started the hawaiian music craze in the late 20's/early 30's. Many (continental) u.s. musicians of that era have cited him as an important influence on their music while on the other side, Hoopii was combining traditional hawaiian music styles with influences he got from popular styles as jazz, swing, blues, country and folk.In my opinion this record, which includes some of his finest recordings from '26 to '29 is essential for any music historian as well as for any aficionado of relaxed, rootsy kind of music. If you like Django Reinhardt or Robert Johnson you should give Mr. Hoopii a listen. If you want to know where the steel guitar sound of, say, Hank Williams came from - here's what i have to offer. Fix yourself a nice drink (a reefer won't do any harm, too), download, and ENJOY!!

trax:
1) Twelfth Street Rag 1927 2) I Ain't Got Nobody 1928 3) Hula Blues 1927 4) Chimes 1927 5) Sweet Lei Lehua 1927 6) Most Of All I Want Your Love 1926 7) Feelin' No Pain 1928 8) Kilohana 1929 9) Stack O'Lee Blues 1926 10) St. Louis Blues 1927 11) Patches 1928 12) Alekoki 1928 13) Farewell Blues 1926 14) Singing The Blues 1928 15) Hilo 1929 16) Tin Roof Blues 1927
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