JIM "KIMO" WEST: Slack Key West

Jim "Kimo" West

Slack Key West

© 2005 Westernmost Music (673553000225)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

SPECIAL: 10% discount if you buy more than one copy of it today!

(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

Gentle and relaxing Hawaiian "Slack Key" guitar instrumentals from ki ho 'alu artist and composer, Jim "Kimo" West. Kimo's unique style virtousic technique put him in a category of his own.

notes

Jim "Kimo" West

Listener comments....

"It is so refreshing to hear some original compositions that are unique, well crafted and sincere and from the heart... Varied and rich! I love all the tunes and have a hard time picking favorites."
Kapono Beamer, Hawaiian music legend


"Jim West’s new recording continues his Slack Key explorations in his unique and beautiful style, and in various tunings, including two of his own invention, further accentuating his own sound"
-- George Winston. pianist/ guitarist

Biographical Info.....

Best known as being long-time guitarist for the world's most famous musical satirist,"Weird Al" Yankovic, Jim "Kimo" West is a talented and uniquely gifted slack key guitarist and also wears the hat of composer for film and television and producer for independant artists.

In 1985,after a long summer on the road, he visited the remote area of Hana, Maui where he first heard the lilting sound of ki ho 'alu,or "slack key" guitar. As records by Gabby Pahinui, The Sons of Hawai'i and Peter Moon played on the turntable, he jammed along for fun and relaxation. Already a devotee of altered tunings, he soon started composing his own ki ho 'alu songs, bringing a unique musical perspective to one of the world's greatest acoustic guitar traditions.

His CD's "Slack Key West","Coconut Hat" and "Nurturing the Garden",a commission for the National Tropical Botanical garden on Kauai, feature new, original compositions, setting them apart in a genre that relies heavily on existing repetoire. He performs regularly at the legendary Slack Key Festivals in Hawai'i and is a recent winner of the "LA Treasures" award for his contributions to LA's world music landscape.

He still tours and records with "Weird Al" Yankovic and maintains a personal studio in Los Angeles for his music productions.

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • author: Ioana Aboumitri

    Beautiful...simply beautiful...

  • Superb!
    author: JM Lang

    I received this CD as a Christmas gift, and I have played it every day. Jim's slack key guitar music is so beautiful and soothing. It is great for relaxing at the end of the day, or playing softly during homework or reading time. I look forward to getting all of his CDs.

  • go west
    author: patricialeneghan@optusnet.com.au

    The music that is played leaves a lasting memory, beautiful guitar playing that tugs at your heart strings. More please!

  • Beautiful!
    author: Nancy

    I could listen to this cd all day. Beautiful, moving music by one amazing musician.

  • Soothing Sounds
    author: MC Jay

    Don't be mistaken, this is much more than a "hawaiian album". As far as slack key guitar goes, Jim "Kimo" West is amongst the best in the business. And "Slack Key West" is his best work to date. Slack key and Weird Al Fans alike, this CD is a must own.

  • Great for a Drive to the Beach
    author: PaulSquall

    This is the perfect album to get you into the vacation mood. If you're on the plane or in the car, heading to a destination of paradise, or even if you just want to pretend that you are, turn this album on.

  • Stress-free CD
    author: Juliej

    I will say up front that I am a fan of Weird Al and his band. So when I saw that Jim West (and Steve Jay) had his own CD's I had to listen. He can mimic any guitar style that Al throws at him and when it comes to Jim's own heart felt musical creations he is incredible. This CD is wonderful and what I reach for to reduce stress and relax.

  • Excellent!
    author: Red Dog

    Hey Kimo - great work. I especially love Espaniolo! Am working on learning that one right now - so thanks!

  • Beautiful
    author: Tom

    Beutiful Music. I'm completely blown away by the fact Jim can play Hawaiian music. An absolute must for relaxing after the end of the day. Great Work Jim.

  • simply put...wow
    author: Ryan Walker

    First off please understand that I am a metal head to the extreme. I was surfing the web when I stumbled on Jim's home page I was reading and found out who he was and decided to listen to an MP3 or two. I had figured that I was about to listen to some goofy songs (being the guitar player for Weird Al I think this assumption is justifyable) and as I clicked the link for the first song I was totally blown away at the skill of his playing not to mention how origional this sound was to me. I had never heard anything like it before. Great CD...what more can be said?

  • Perfect for me
    author: Emily C.

    This CD was a great fit for what I needed it for. I use it at my office while I'm working as a massage therapist. It's completely soothing and some people even think it has a bluegrass feel. Enjoy! Good work, Jim!

  • Another winner! Love the laid back, melodic guitar of Jim "Kimo" West
    author: Dan Lea

    I'm a big fan of acoustic/fingerstyle guitar, and this CD really stands out. There's nothing else in my collection quite the laid back style of "Slack Key West." Guests always ask about it when I put it on at home. Have a frustrating day? Pop in "Slack Key West" on your way home. You'll almost feel warm sand between your toes!

email

Please log in to email this artist.