SAN DIEGO, Calif. / Honolulu, Haw. (December 26, 2025): For the first time, Slack Key ‘Ohana’s single “Slack Key Blues,” has been released in its original instrumental form across all digital platforms. Previously available only as a B-side on the physical vinyl and CD editions of the single, the instrumental version was originally composed by Brian Witkin highlighting the musical conversation between blues guitar and slack key guitar, at the heart of “Slack Key Blues.” Produced by Steel Player Rand Anderson (who also penned the lyrics to first release of the song), Chris Hobson, and Slack Key ‘Ohana’s Brian Witkin and Joe Witkin, the track strips the song down to its core — a relaxed yet expressive blend of Hawaiian slack key traditions and American blues, driven by guitar interplay, lap steel textures, and Ukulele by Carol Witkin, bringing an island groove.
“Slack Key Blues” offers a deeper glimpse into Slack Key ‘Ohana’s forthcoming album, Mai Tais in Paradise. The instrumental arrangement leans into the hammock-sway feel of the composition, allowing Anderson’s lap steel work and Brian Witkin’s slack key guitar to take center stage.
“While I’ve loved Hawaiian music my entire life, I grew up playing blues guitar,” said Brian Witkin. “I came to slack key later in my career, and this song lives right at the intersection of those two worlds. Releasing the instrumental version felt important — it lets the guitars tell the story on their own.”
Brian is still an avid blues guitar player. Just last week, Brian jammed with ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons on stage in front of a sold out crowd at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, celebrating Gibbon’s birthday alongside other blues guitar notables Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and Orianthi. Gibbon’s is also featured on Slack Key ‘Ohana’s studio album “Hawaiian Cowboy” which was nominated for “Best Island Music Album” at the 2025 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (the Hawaiian Grammy® equivalent).
The colorfully illustrated artwork for “Slack Key Blues,” created by Disney Imagineer and tiki graphic designer Tom “Thor” Thordarson, continues to accompany the digital release.
Slack Key ‘Ohana are coming off a string of standout performances, including shows earlier this month opening for Jake Shimabukuro and Justin Kawika Young, and a recent appearance at the Belly Up alongside Daniel Ho, Tia Carrere, and George Kahumoku Jr. The band also recently performed Alohana festival in Palm Springs and will appear at Tiki Oasis Arizona in April.
Tonight, the band will celebrate the digital release with a special holiday performance at The Catamaran in San Diego from 5:00–7:00 PM.
Currently, Slack Key ‘Ohana are in the early stages of working on their next studio album, slated for release in 2026, continuing to expand their modern take on slack key music while honoring its roots.
For upcoming shows and additional information, visit slackkeyohana.com/shows.