Aloha mai!The Hawaiian music scene is starting to wake up -- this month features the Ho'omau on O'ahu ... a benefit concert for the amazing Aunty Irmgard Aluli ... more Mainland ki ho'alu madness [g] ... and lots more!
But first ... on to our recordings:
Recordings
Various artists, Na Leo Hawai`i Kahiko: The Master Chanters of Hawai`i/Songs of Old Hawai`i (Mountain Apple Company MACD 2043). This eye-popping rarirty comes from the collection of Bishop Museum, and features 48 chants recorded as early as 1923. Many of the chanters were born between 1830 and 1870, and most spoke only Hawaiian. If you can get past the scratchy wax cylinder quality of the recordings, these are real gems, capturing the soul of old Hawai`i. In a number of chants you can eve hear bird calls entwined, speaking more eloquently than liner notes about how common chant was back then so that it didn't even disturb the birds. Chants styles include kepakepa, kawele, olioli, ho'aeae, ho'ouweuwe, and 'ai ha'a, and the excellent liner notes desribe each style and provide full Hawaiian and English text of the chants. Truly an amazing production.
Ohta-San, The Wonderful World of the Ukulele(Victor Entertainment (Tokyo) VICG 60021) Ohta-san brings his inimitable smooth 'uku style to life on this polished recording, which also features his son on 'uke. Arrangements include vibraphone, bass, guitar, and steel guitar. You won't hear fingers flyin' like Troy Fernandes, but this is a well-crafted piece of work with a lot of soul. Songs include a charmingly light-hearted version of Pupu A'o Ewa (also known as Pearly Shells), a jaunty Puamana, a deliberate Kaulana Na Pua, and other old favorites.
Kekapa Lee, Aloha Kekahi i Kekahi(KKR 4112). Kahu Lee sings religious songs in an unexpectedly beautiful trained baritone. From the opening number, a stunning medly of an 'oli aloha and the Gregorian chant version of Pule O Ka Haku (The Lord's Prayer) to Na Mea 'Ekolu, this is a beautifully sung CD, all in Hawaiian, of religious songs. Others include Nani! Nani! Ho'onani!, Lokomaika'i (Amazing Grace), Hoe A Mau, and The Queen's Prayer. Nicely done.
--Susan
susanj@lava.netLike Hawaiian music? Find out the latest concerts and releases on Susan's Hawaiian Music Page, now at:
http://www.nahenahe.net/susanmusic/current.html or
http://www.interpac.net/~nahenahe/susanmusic/current.html
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