When Johnny Pineapple & his Native Islanders zapped onto the scene in 1940 they brought a whole new sound and swing to the Hawaiian music scene. Magical improvised duets between Johnny’s guitar and Jack de Toro’s steel guitar, and a subtle usage of key changes plus a magnificent vocal trio of Johnny, Abe Lang and Glenwood Leslie (ex- early Sol Ho’opi’i Trio).

You’ll hear what we mean in this soundclip from “Na Ali’i” (A tribute to the Kings of Old Hawaii).