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In Search of the Dream Guitar
Every slack key guitar player finds their own special instrument. Raymond Kane has his Lowden from Ireland. Keola Beamer has his custom Grimes guitar. At the time of this recording, Doug was still searching for the guitar to best express his slack key style.

On "Island of Peace", Doug used a Rainsong guitar, OM size, all graphite model. An interesting instrument to work with from the recording perspective. Generally we use 'reverb' to add ambience to the sound but this guitar seems to have a reverberation all its own. Its frequencies attract birds and inspire them to sing every time Doug plays it. One of the shama's thrush that lives in our yard, has even taken to imitating a golden plover to sing along with the version of Hawaii Aloha.

Singing in the Rain
One challenge we had to overcome with the "Island of Peace" recording was a problem with the graphite bridge pins creating a strange vibration. Since, we've replaced them with wood pins and the problem is gone. The Rainsong guitar is great for rainy days playing at the beach though. Can't be beat. Sounds good and unaffected by drops of rain and the humidity. Just don't play it in the direct sun. It will heat up just like a stovetop and according to Rainsong's customer service people, it will 'melt' and/or 'warp'.

Tuning the Universe... One String At a Time
From the bridge of the starship Hanalei, each evening we fulfill a kuleana (responsibility) for 'tuning' the universe by sending out vibrational frequencies of aloha... it's innertunement... rather than entertainment. For strings, we use Gore Elixir strings. Unbeatable for playing in Hawaii. They keep their tone well and hold up well in salt air. The coating makes them easy on the fingers and hands too which is important when playing 9+ jobs every week of the year.

On "Island of Peace", several tunings were used including Taro Patch, G Wahine (for Ray Kane's Punahele), F Wahine (Lumahai Lullaby, Island of Peace), and an Open C (Riding the Rolling Waves).

Jumpin' Flea... Flying Ukeke... Gift from Afar
For the ukulele part, Sandy played her Kamaka Liliu tenor 6 string. The Liliu is named for Hawaii's Queen Liliuokalani as this style ukulele was one of her favorite instruments. For recording, Sandy removes one of the doubled strings to minimize boominess. Sandy played in her trademark slack key rhythm tuning -- GBDG adjusted to match Doug's extra slack style.

Sounds of Hanalei Bay Surf
All songs are backed by the soothing sounds of Hanalei Bay surf recorded live with digital recording equipment and AKG3000 microphone. The gentle surf will bring you instantly back to Hawaii and the magical environment of mother nature.

Guest Artist: Kolea - The Golden Plover
The special bonus track, Hawaii Aloha, has a special vocal accompaniment provided by the beautiful Golden Plover. The plovers are shorebirds who migrate between Hawaii and Alaska and the Arctic each year. The plovers reside in Hawaii from August to May during which time they grow and prepare for their migration. On the tundra in Alaska and the Arctic, they mate and make nests from lichen moss to lay their eggs and raise their young. In August the adults head for Hawaii followed a month or so later by the young birds. They make their flight in 2-3 days straight. Plovers are called Kolea in Hawaiian.

Enjoy a Sunset Serenade - Any Day, Any Time
Special bonuses with the Island of Peace CD include a 'slice of life' Hanalei sunset 'ohana video, sunset photo gallery, and downloadable screensaver. These bonuses are available when you put the Island of Peace CD into your computer -- Macintosh and Windows works perfectly!

Give yourself an Island of Peace... Anytime...
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