"Coconut Hat", by Jim West, is a collection of new, original "slack-key" guitar instrumentals, that takes the listener on a musical voyage to Maui's Hana Coast, a part of Hawaii that is rich in cultural heritage and s... more »eemingly endless physical beauty. It is a must-have for any guitar music afficionado and especially for fans of slack-key guitar. In Hawaiian, this music would be described as "nahenahe", meaning sweet and relaxing in sound or character. "Coconut Hat" is unusual in the fact that its appeal is not limited to an island audience only, as is much of this genre's offerings. This music will speak to any listener, with the same gentle voice. "Slack-key" guitar is a traditional Hawaiian style of guitar fingerpicking in which the player "slacks" or loosens the strings to form different, and often personal, tunings. These tunings allow the player to carry melodies on the upper strings while keeping a steady bass pattern on the lower strings.« less
"Coconut Hat", by Jim West, is a collection of new, original "slack-key" guitar instrumentals, that takes the listener on a musical voyage to Maui's Hana Coast, a part of Hawaii that is rich in cultural heritage and seemingly endless physical beauty. It is a must-have for any guitar music afficionado and especially for fans of slack-key guitar. In Hawaiian, this music would be described as "nahenahe", meaning sweet and relaxing in sound or character. "Coconut Hat" is unusual in the fact that its appeal is not limited to an island audience only, as is much of this genre's offerings. This music will speak to any listener, with the same gentle voice. "Slack-key" guitar is a traditional Hawaiian style of guitar fingerpicking in which the player "slacks" or loosens the strings to form different, and often personal, tunings. These tunings allow the player to carry melodies on the upper strings while keeping a steady bass pattern on the lower strings.
"I have been a Weird Al Yankovic maniac for about four years. I got "Coconut Hat" for Christmas, and I thought it would be some cheesy music thing. But, to my surprise, Jim West is a greatly talented musician. I have never been to Hawaii, but when I listen to this CD, I can picture the beaches with sparkling blue water. I highly recommend this album to anyone on your Christmas list!"
Energetic, Soothing and Revitalizing
BetsyM | PA United States | 11/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After all the madness of being the guitarist for "Weird Al's Traveling Circus and Freak Show", one might wonder what this taciturn guitarist might do to stay sane. Wonder no longer. Jim's lacey and beautiful guitar playing is the elixir required to tame the savage beast after anyone's hectic work day. Relieves tension! Revitalizes the heart and mind! Energizes your aching limbs!Let Dr. West weave his magic spell and bring you to the islands of Hawaii. And all this can be yours for this amazingly low price! Hurry, hurry, hurry! Now Relax and Enjoy!"
Ship Yourself To The Islands
Charles R. Nauert | Malibu, California USA | 07/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Think of Leo Kotke, Ry Cooder and John Fahey all rolled up into one guy. Ship him off to Hawaii for a gentle bake in the sun and surf... feed him tropical fruit drinks, invite him to luaus, let him enjoy the beauty of God's islands. You do this, and "Coconut Hat" is what you'll get back. I loved this recording... was immediately transported from the mainland back to the islands with their relaxed sense of time and nature, friendly people and a comfortable, casual lifestyle that suits me just fine."
Hawaii in a disc
Jill | Lansdale, PA | 05/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I told Jim I'd been looking for his album in stores and couldn't find it. He told me, to my dismay, that it was only on sale online and in Hawaii. Unfortunately, I don't buy online. You can imagine how happy I was when he gave me an autographed copy and how listening to it made me even happier. The only thing that can challenge Jim on sweetness is the music that comes from his album. I visited Hawaii once when I was a child and now when I listen to Coconut Hat and close my eyes, the memories of Hawaii come rushing back. The talent and feeling Jim puts into his music makes the slow, relaxing sounds of Cereus just as exciting to listen to as the bright, intricate sounds of Na Manu Iki. All I can say to Jim West is, mahalo nui loa!"