7. Waikīkī Hula (Isaac Keola)—instrumental on 12-string guitar, in C Major “Atta’s C” Tuning (C-G-E-G-C-E).
Isaac Keola wrote this hula in the 1920s. It tells the story of a boy waiting for his girlfriend, a Kamehameha Schools student. She told him to meet her at nine o’clock. As he waits long past the appointed time, he wonders if she will come. At least he puts the time to good use, coming up with a good song that still delights audiences eight decades later!
There is a great Latin feel here, expressive of Cyril’s love for the music of Sonny Chillingworth, who was very inspired by Latin music, as were Gabby and slack-key guitarist Leonard Kwan. Some of this piece features Cyril’s great soulful muting technique, played with the heel of the right hand while picking at the same time. His great thumb playing on the bass strings also recalls the powerful rhythmic feeling of the Gabby Band.