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\\nInstrumentation in the past century of recorded music has been dominated by guitars, drums, horns, and, more recently, keyboards and synthesizers. But some instruments have left their unique mark on the recording industry, distinguishing songs from the rest of the pack and in some cases, establishing inextricable connections between the ear and the mind.
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\\nFor example, what does this song remind you of? Palm trees swaying in the breeze? Pristine waters, hula dancers, etc? That\\u2019s all thanks to the Hawaiian steel guitar. You\\u2019re listening to the Waikiki Hawaiian Orchestra with My Hawaiian Evenin\\u2019 Star, an Edison Blue Amberol cylinder released in 1926.
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\\nThe easy, breezy sound translated into a big hit for Santo and Johnny Farina with their 1959 hit \\u201cSleep Walk\\u201d, probably one of the most popular instrumental pop songs of all time.
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\\nCuriosity piqued? Check out more on the Hawaiian steel.
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\\nPhoto credit: http://www.flickr.com/people/junnn/
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