Stephen Inglis

Stephen Inglis was born and raised in the beautiful valley of Palolo, on the island of O’ahu. He found music in his life initially through the piano, when at the age of 5 he performed on stage with the founder of the Suzuki method. In his teens, the piano was quickly replaced by guitar. During which time Stephen played with local favorites Red Session, Palolo Jones and The Grateful Dead’s Bill Kreutzmann. In 2003 Stephen left Hawai’i and moved to the Bay area for some mainland experience, an experience that ultimately grew his love for Ki Ho’alu or Slack Key Guitar and re-appreciation for his island home. His first album release “Fringes on the Wayside” shares his singer/songwriter side that eventually evolves, showing his island roots in his second release “Driftwood”, utilizing more slack key tunings on guitar. After release of Driftwood, it was clearly time for Stephen to return home to Hawai’i. Upon return, Stephen is introduced to Slack Key Master Ozzie Kotani, who becomes Stephen’s Kumu or teacher. Under Ozzie’s guidance, Stephen quickly gains recognition in Hawai’i as a strong talent in the traditional style performing locally and nationally as a solo artist, while also performing with Ozzie Kotani, Makana and sharing the stage with many other talented artists of Hawai’i.Now deeply rooted back in Hawai’i and the slack key tradition, Stephen’s latest release on ‘Aumakua Records entitled “Mahina O Wai’alae”, “…evokes memories of Keola Beamer and establishes his credentials as an artist who can sing in the old island style as well.” (John Berger, Honolulu Star Bulletin) Mahina O Wai’alae was recorded to honor Stephen’s island home of O’ahu with all the mele or songs being about places, love stories and experiences all on O’ahu. Mahina O Wai’alae is due to be released Oct 25th 2007 with an all island tour to follow.. In April 2008 Stephen joined Honolulu Rock icons the Piranha Brothers Band on electric guitar and vocals. 2008 also saw Stephen teaming up with pianist Shawn Livingston Moseley on the slack key/piano duet album S&S, Na Po Makole. The year ended with a grammy nomination for the album Hawaiian Slack key Kings volume 2, which features one of SI’s songs “Redwood Slack key” Stephen also played acoustic and electric guitar on the latest album “The White Bathtub” by 12 time Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Kenneth Makuakane. Kenneth will be producing and playing on Stephen’s upcoming fourth album in early 2009.
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