This unique Warner Western release paints a musical picture of the paniolos, the fabled cowboys of Hawaii. Distinguished by slack-key guitars, ukeleles and other Hawaiian instruments, this music dates back to the early 1800's, when Spanish cowboys arrived on the islands. Na Mele O Paniolo (Songs of the Hawaiian Cowboy) features traditional and new paniolo songs performed by some of the performers who've kept this distinctive music alive. Michael Martin Murphey contributes vocals to one track.