Each year I have the great privilege of attending the Aloha Music Camp hosted by one of Hawaii's most celebrated musical family's. Keola and Moanalani Beamer along with other members of their family host a week long music camp that immerses campers into the Hawaiian culture. My own musical Journey as a guitarist began back in 1997 when my father introduced me to Keola Beamer's music. Years later, my father would then show me a newspaper clipping announcing the first Aloha Camp to be held on Hawaii Island. The rest, as they say, is history. At this camp Slack Key guitar, Ukulele, Music, story telling, language, are just some of what I look so forward to every year. This piece was inspired by and written for those first moments of coming back to camp, walking across the grounds once again and seeing all of the familiar faces and smiles.

This piece was inspired by a moment of deep contemplation I happened to be present for and catch out of the corner of my eye. Our aunt Susan was holding Noah, who was a new born at the time, and she had such a pleasant and far away look of bewilderment and awe on her face and in her eyes as she held him. The mystery of everything that comes with a newborns arrival, what it all means, how it all comes to pass and turn into this little life.....all that was expressed in her gaze. I watched this very tender moment while my guitar was in hand . . . and that moment was recreated, repainted with musical notes to hold that gaze forever more.

Using progressive techniques for the solo guitar, Chris Yeaton weaves a rich tapestry of story telling into his music. Combining both traditional Hawaiian music with original pieces, the listener is transcended into a world of Slack Key and American Fingerstyle guitar.

" . . . the music is innovative, refreshing and I am still enjoying listening to it" ~ Keola Beamer

"The album Ho'o Pa'a (The Stand) was recorded by Richard Harrison at Grass Shack Records which is located in the beautiful surroundings of Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii. "Thank you Richard!"

"An acoustic delight, Chris Yeaton has composed a cluster of originals that project a musical landscape of ports here and abroad. “Puka Pants,” a Keola Beamer original, launches his journey, which includes a joyous “Duignan’s Road” that has an Irish lilt, a decidedly local ditty in Garrins Ball Berins,” a splendid version of “Makee ‘Alana” (a vocal) and a joyous “Kau” and “Aloha ‘O Kona.” Attractive packaging, tuning details, and informative liner notes are other reasons to seek this out. Add Yeaton to the roster of slack-key masters. With the growing interest in ki ho’alu among international audiences, Yeaton is ready for his close-up, too."

"A Good album does more than introduce a talented artist who has something to say. It also conveys a sense of who the artist is and what inspires him or her. This perfect album by acoustic guitarist Chris Yeaton does just that. Most importantly, of course, the music is beautiful. Yeaton plays solo for the most part, with just a hint of electronic embellishment on “Kikaha Malie” the title track. Slack-key fans will enjoy his work but find a twist or two, since he also incorporates other guitar playing techniques. In his liners, Yeaton reveals such eclectic sources of inspirations as, for example, his first crush, the mountains of Yosemite and an injured bird he rescued. Several slack-key standards are included in acknowledgment of the artists who have inspired him as a guitarist. Adding a straight remake of “Ku’u Home O Kahalu’u” would normally be a bad idea, but Yeaton reveals good reason for doing so. ~ John Berger, Honolulu Star Bulletin

"Chris Yeaton is an O'ahu-born, Big Island-raised musician who studied with some of the best in ki ho'alu, including Keola Beamer and John Keawe. He draws from other influences (Alex de Grassi, Peppino D'Agostino, Antonio Calogero) in this freshman CD, which offers Yeaton originals such as the title song, "Sliding Doors," "Leo Mele Hoa Pili," and "Skyward Granite," plus some familiar guitar classics such as Jerry Santos' "Ku'u Home 'O Kahalu'u," Sonny Chillingworth's "Moe Uhane," Leonard Kwan's "'Opihi Moemoe" and John Keawe's "Mana 'Olana." There's assurance and invention in his strumming; he's learned well and carries the tradition with dignity . Yeatons got a Hawaiian soul and is one to watch. He is one of those bubbling-under artists, awaiting public endorsement; in time, he should be right up there with his mentors."~Wayne Harada Honolulu Advertiser"

Albums for Sale

Chris' second CD, "The Stand", is now available. You helped Chris select the ending to "The Stand" and ending "B" received the most votes. Shipping is included ($16.50 total).

“Kikaha Malie”

You can purchase “Kikaha Malie” for $16.50 (shipping included) by clicking the link below. All orders will be shipped within 72 hours of receipt.

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