Led at the Lake - Pu`uanahulu Slack Key

This lovely song features a melody so compelling that even Chet Atkins arranged a cover version. Both Gabby and Martin Pahinui have done gorgeous vocal versions.
Led often plays the song when we're jamming, so I asked him to do it for a lakeside video. Our stay in the Enchanted Lake neighborhood of Kailua has been a visual feast with the magnificent cloud formations overhead, canoe clubs drilling on the water, startling color changes at sunrise and sunset. To my dismay the sky wouldn't cooperate and the canoe clubs came after we finished recording, but Led's "Pu`uanahulu" is reason enough to post a video.
We played this song in taropatch open G (D G D G B D from low pitch to high). Led is using his Martin 000-16 and I'm using a Martin OM-18V. His pickup is a Baggs Element, mine is a Baggs Lyric.
As usual I shot this with two Lumix GH4s and recorded the audio on a Zoom H6. I used the XY mic array and also fed the pickup of each guitar into its own track. I edited the video and mixed the audio in Edius 7.

[@vincebasile7532]

I always look forward to seeing Fran grinning at the wonderful improvisations by Led.

[@franguidry]

Oh yeah, I've been playing alongside Led a little over 10 years now and he still comes up with a stream of surprises. I've always considered myself to be a lucky guy but sitting next to Led when he plays is peak luck and max fun. Fran

[@walterholmes4609]

In a listening mood today If I were to meet someone who'd never heard slack key I would pull up this video and say no more. This song, to my ears, is perfect. Mozart would weep with joy and envy.

[@franguidry]

That's a mighty generous comment, but I certainly agree that this is a lovely song and that Ledward finds the most enchanting ways to play it. I'm so lucky to be able to play alongside Led and capture some of his magic to share. Fran

[@janebethshimon]

Ooh, this perked up my ears. In need of some sweetness right now, and, man, this is sweet!! Sweet, sweet, sweet.

[@franguidry]

Thanks, Jane, we've enjoyed our visits to Ka Elepulu so much and hated missing it this year. I'm really glad we caught this little bit of the feeling in this video. Fran

[@jennifersheldon2423]

Love slack key.

[@franguidry]

Thanks for visiting and commenting. I'm glad we are able to connect with slack key lovers on KZbin. Fran

[@cliffordham8214]

Enjoy their artistry and their Spirit. Gather your community,; build your own, with gratitude. And Appreciation to Fran and Led -

[@franguidry]

Thank you Clifford, my appreciation to you and every one who visits and especially those who take time to leave such kind comments. Fran

[@pbziegler]

It doesn't get much better than this. I could watch and listen to this one all day long.

[@franguidry]

Thanks Phil, that's a mighty pretty melody all right, and Led really finds all the sweet spots in it. Fran

[@SergeUnplugged]

Greetings from California 🙌

[@kailio11]

Slack Key is the most beautiful mele on earth, perfectly melded with the beautiful Hawaiian aina a me kai.

[@frankodom9537]

Greeting from South Carolina! Loving it!

[@franguidry]

Mahalo to you, Frank. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting. Fran

[@BigIslandElvis]

Beautiful. It makes me long for my Hawaii 😥

[@franguidry]

Yes indeed, it makes me want to be there too. Fran

[@karinbusack4314]

Ihr seid wundervolle Männer, alle beide! Diese Harmonie ist super!

[@franguidry]

Thank you Karin. It is an honor for me to play alongside Led Kaapana and to be able to share his music with people around the world. Fran

[@coparpanzeruser]

Hats off to you two gentleman for building an excellent treasury of slack key instrumentals for future generations to remember and enjoy. First it was Led and Boz, now it's Fran and Led. Could kick myself for not knowing about slack key when I was at Pearl. Many happy days fellas and thanks again for putting this out here for us.

[@homebrewedmusic]

Welcome to the self-kicking zone, I've accumulated similar regrets for years. The human condition being what it is, I expect to rack up plenty more before I quit, too. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Fran

[@franguidry]

Oops, forgot to change from my audio geek self to my slack key self. Fran

[@melkitagawa3520]

coparpanzeruser a

[@lindawoody8501]

Fabulous!

[@SgtBilko-uk5hh]

Perfect

[@franguidry]

It's such an honor to be able to catch Led's magnificent playing on these videos. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Fran

[@boesposito]

Mahalo uncles. so ono the kind. it is always good to see and hear both of you. Mahalo for stretching this one out cuz I wen get my ukulele and jammed. Jes like being there. Mahalos...

[@RayForton]

A most excellent way to start my Saturday morning! Thank you very much gentlemen!

[@franguidry]

Glad you enjoyed, Ray. Fran

[@kendolan3643]

As usual, a beautiful tune Fran. I look forward to the new posts of You and Led, I spend endless hours listening to the soft relaxing slack key music. You and Led are without a doubt the best, hope it never ends.

[@franguidry]

Ken, not to be excessively modest, but there are some amazing slack key guitarists around. I do enjoy accompanying Led, I think anyone would, and I really appreciate your taking the time to visit and comment. Fran

[@andyshaw953]

Oh, man, that is beautiful. The endless inventiveness that Led displays is amazing. And you're holding your own with him, Fran!!

[@franguidry]

Endless inventiveness - that's exactly how I feel about Led and his playing. I've spent many many hours listening to him play and playing alongside him and he comes up with wonderful new stuff every single time. If I weren't having so much fun I might be frustrated (grin). Fran

[@dorisbesineau4860]

I do enjoying your instrumental romantic and relaxing 😌 Music thanks 🙏 have a nice and happy Sunday to everyone from TAHITI

[@franguidry]

Thank you for visiting and commenting. I'm very fortunate to be able to play with Ledward Kaapana and to be able to capture his talent on video. It's a joy to share. Fran

[@johanweakley2658]

I just do not get how anybody can give this a thumbs down. It beggars belief.

[@franguidry]

I would really like to be able to discuss that choice with people to see what they find objectionable, but the thumbs are anonymous. I've only had one or two snarky comments in all the years I've been posting, which is probably some sort of record on KZbin (grin). Fran

[@johanweakley2658]

@@franguidry. Yes Fran, there is no accounting for taste! My guess is they must be unhappy individuals 😁. Keep up the good work, it is much appreciated!

[@deborahmerritt4094]

Sooo relaxing and soothing!

[@franguidry]

That's exactly what slack key is all about. I'm so glad to hear that it's working for you. I think it goes really well with the charms of Ka `Ele Pulu (or Enchanted Lake as they call it these days). Fran

[@sushiltheodore3438]

you two blend beautiful. So soothing.

[@JoelBiger]

Beautiful and deep sound of the OM 18V. Superb song !

[@franguidry]

Thanks, Joel. I'm very happy to have found one of these guitars, they were not produced in very large numbers. Fran

[@JoelBiger]

Hi from France. No ! There is few of it. The OM 18V have a lot of character. I searched for a long time without finding. I have an OM 28V (2010) and an OM 28 (2016). They are perfect. I like your music. I enclose a personal composition. kzbin.info/www/bejne/foKnnH6Qj790Zrc

[@franguidry]

Thanks for sharing that, Joel. Glad to see someone else inspired by the charm of slack key style. Fran

[@jerryfranklin9493]

Just Beautiful playing....sweet and perfect!

[@franguidry]

Thanks, Jerry. Ledward is quite an inspiration. Fran

[@JPHappo]

Great to hear Led to play this tune, one of my favorites!

[@franguidry]

That's a sweet tune, all right. Where did you hear the version that inspired you, JP? Fran

[@JPHappo]

Fran Guidry It was in KZbin but I think I found a tab first. That inspiriation is nice word as I really didn't like Chet's version.... But thanks to that I listened many other nice versions

[@franguidry]

Garrison Keillor, US radio personality, said that Gabby Pahinui's version of the song kept him warm in the Minnesota winters. Sounds like something you might use (grin). Fran

[@JPHappo]

Fran Guidry Well that's well said I will use that. For me THE song for that is actually Waikiki as you know the birth story of the song about Mr Cummings and Michigan winter...;)

[@PhilTaylorGuitar]

Lovely, lovely music Fran.

[@franguidry]

Thanks, Phil, it's a pretty tune, isn't it? Martin Pahinui (son of Gabby) made it his signature, I'd say: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJOmiHqaoNOoiLs Fran

[@igorivanov1160]

I love this music :)

[@franguidry]

Thanks for visiting and commenting. It's a great honor and pleasure to play music with Ledward Kaapana, he's a national treasure. Fran

[@nickgrbic9017]

Amazing harmony and so relaxing. Fran i would love to hear you both live. We'll be in Maui in 10 days and love to hear your music....my best to you both

[@franguidry]

Thank you, Nick. Have a great time on Maui, I hope your time their gives you a chance to catch Led at George Kahumoku's slack key show. Fran

[@victorpatelski7550]

Wondefull music (musicians )

[@sensorysyrynx]

Magnificent! Mahalo, Fran!

[@franguidry]

My pleasure, believe me. Thanks for stopping by. Fran

[@komachimama]

I'm always looking forward to posting your new video. 　 Pu'uanahulu(so much emotional music!!) is one of my favorite Hawaiian songs. 　I'm always impressed that you and Led Kaapana's gentle, calm, mellow personality reflects your soft and heartful slack key harmony♪

[@franguidry]

Thank you for your kind comments. It is truly a beautiful song - ka mele nani maoli no. Fran

[@paulweissich2482]

You guys blow my mind - thank you!

[@janetmabe851]

so relaxing love it

[@deborahmerritt4094]

Way more than “All right”!

[@franguidry]

Mahalo Deborah, so glad you enjoyed the clip. Let me share this version which includes Ledward's vocal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYXFqX5rp9-ofrM Fran

[@eliseoreyes7946]

Bonita música hawaiana me gustaría saber tocar la guitarra para tocar esa música

[@franguidry]

Slack key guitar is actually an easier way to play the instrument. Visit Harry Koizumi to find some lessons on slack key: kzbin.info Thanks for visiting and commenting. Fran

[@maulena111]

I love to hear you 2 play together. I could listen to that all day. My own slack-key repertoir, I think I can pick like 4 songs. They have LAKES in Hawaii?

[@franguidry]

The Hawaiians in pre-contact days did a lot of aquaculture. They took advantage of existing water features, then constructed gates so they could manage stocking, growing, and harvesting fish. Post contact agriculture diverted the fresh water sources, leading to the loss of many of these water features, then in the 50s and 60s developers resculpted these damaged areas into lakes and such. The lake in this picture connects to the Pacific at Kailua Beach Park. Fran

[@poponnajmudin26]

terima kasih!

[@makanagomes7087]

Hey I would love to take lessons from uncle Ledward, but I don't know how to contact him can you help me please.

[@franguidry]

He's very active on Facebook, or visit him at one of his shows. He plays regularly at Honey's at the Ko`olau Golf Course in Kane`ohe. Fran

[@makanagomes7087]

Mahalo Uncle

[@marylawrence6562]

V