Jim “Kimo” West on slack key guitar

In this interview, Grammy Award winner Jim Kimo West discusses his musical journey and the rich history of Hawaiian slack key guitar. He elaborates on how slack key guitar strings are tuned differently than standard guitars, a practice that originated in the 19th century when Spanish cowboys introduced guitars to Hawaii. West recalls his first encounter with Hawaiian music in the remote town of Hana, Maui, which influenced his style and led him to create music that resonates deeply with the Hawaiian landscape.   West also shares a poignant personal story about how he found solace in slack key guitar playing after the sudden death of a close friend. His compositions, initially a personal tribute, gradually gained widespread recognition, culminating in his participation in the Hawaii Slack Key Festival and the release of multiple albums. Despite not having won a Na Hoku Hanohano Award, often dubbed the Hawaiian Grammy, West's music continues to touch hearts and be an influential force in Hawaiian music, a testament to the power of music as a form of expression and healing. The conversation shifts to West's collaboration with Ken Emerson and their upcoming San Francisco and Santa Rosa shows. West highlights their spontaneous performance style, which often includes improvisation and reimagined covers of classic songs. He also mentions their shared Grammy win and the virtual experience of the award ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the interview concludes, West provides information on where to find his music online, ensuring listeners can easily explore his extensive catalog of work.