Kaapana is one of slack key"s most rooted artists, but he has an adventurous streak as wide as the Big Island itself. Here, he"s on his own--no accompanists, only four songs with vocals. The warmth and geniality he brings to the repartee of his live show is apparent also in his playing, beginning with the album-opening "Salomilla," which he plays sweetly and seductively. He also provides exceptionally strong bass work on songs like "Na Ka Pueo," improvises effortlessly on "Mauna Loa Slack Key," and turns in a fine ukulele track in "Glass Ball Slack Key." --John Morthland