With the Grammy spotlight focused on some of the biggest names in Hawaiian slack key, Chris Yeaton’s CD Ho'o Pa'a, The Stand did not get the attention that it deserves. A breathtaking collection of originals and timeless modern classics, this is a portrait of a great artist emerging.

Hawai'i-born singer/songwriter Yeaton’s musical journey began as a student of one of Hawai'i's most celebrated musicians, master slack-key guitarist Keola Beamer, followed by Big Island master John Keawe. In 2005, Yeaton completed his first national tour with Beamer and Keawe. He also draws from other renowned artists such as William Ackerman, Alex de Grassi, and Peppino D'Agostino. Yeaton's is a unique style of progressive slack key.

Along with traditional pieces, he incorporates a blend of contemporary fingerstyle. This style of playing allows the guitarist to perform several musical elements simultaneously.

Physically, "fingerstyle" refers to using each of the right hand fingers independently in order to play the multiple parts of a musical arrangement that would normally be played by several band members. Bass, harmonic, accompaniment, melody, and percussion can all be played simultaneously. Slack key is a fingerstyle technique unique to the islands and most commonly played in G-major, also known as "taro-patch."

Yeaton presents a collection of beauties that embody a musical voyage of destinations both familiar and far-flung. His vocals are tender and sincere, adding the perfect compliment to "Makee 'Ailana" and "Aloha 'O Kona." "Puka Pants," and original written by Keola Beamer, is a slack-key classic as good as they come. "Dunigans' Road" has an Irish flair. "Beautiful in Blue" is reflective of shades of melancholy. Title cut, "The Stand", is provocative and fresh.

The packaging is not overdone: tuning details and informative liner notes make this a well-thought-out and comprehensive presentation.

With this CD, Yeaton can take a stand among the masters of slack key. Look for the upcoming performances and follow this rising star at chrisyeaton.com or woodsongacoustics.com/yeaton.php