HONOLULU, HAWAI`I - Ozzie Kotani and Steve Sano have creatively enhanced favorite traditional and local holiday songs by combining their exceptional kï hö’alu (Hawaiian slack key guitar) styles to compose A Taro Patch Christmas. This 14-song album marks the debut for this foremost duo.

“Steve and I were introduced years ago and we quickly developed a mutual respect for each other and our own unique artform,” Kotani elaborates. “I’m glad we finally had an opportunity to collaborate on this fulfilling project.”

Daniel Ho, multi-instrumentalist/composer, also contributed his talent to this much-anticipated project. He played the `ukulele on “Deck the Halls” and “Kai Po`i Kau Anu.” Ho, whom co-wrote a book with Sano entitled “Secrets of Contemporary Slack Key Guitar,” also released this album on his record label, Daniel Ho Creations.

“Music is fascinating to me because it is dynamic and its interpretation can vary from one person to the next,” explains Sano. “As a result, Ozzie and I hope this album instills a fresh, new perspective on these timeless holiday classics so they can continue to be enjoyed by many generations to come.”

Ozzie Kotani is a respected teacher, arranger, composer, author and accompanist as well as a solo performer. He has played kï hö’alu (Hawaiian slack key guitar) for over 20 years, representing it on the Mainland, in Spain and Japan, and throughout Hawai`i.

Steve Sano is a Conductor, Director of Choral Studies and Associate Professor of Music at Stanford University and discovered his connection to the music of Hawai`i years ago when he was drawn to the innovative kï hö’alu style of Ozzie Kotani. Sano began studying with Kotani and the slack key master’s deep respect and love for the art form touched his own reverence for musical traditions.