Aloha mai!Sorry this is out late this time! Life and work got in the way, and probably will until the end of the Hawaii Legislative session. For those of you who are curious as to what I do IRL, and who are interested in issues surrounding the Kanaka Maoli, I just finished a report for the Hawaiia legislature on Hawaiian demographics. It is entitled, "Hawaiian Demographic Data: 'Ehia Kanaka Maoli?" and can be found online at http://www.hawaii.gov/lrb/study.html
Of course, the big concert on O'ahu this month is Keali'i Reichel's Kukahi '99! It's still not too late to get tickets, as it's playing byte 892three nights (well, two nights and an afternoon). I hear that Robi Kahakalau will be a featured guest, which will be welcome news fo Robi's many fans.
The Hawaiian music community was saddended at the recent death of Kalapana member Mackey Feary. I hope he has found the peace and rest that he has sought for so long.
Recordings Keali'i Blaisdell, Ka Ulu Mae'ole (Hula Records CDHS 595). This is an ambitious recording of twelve original compositions, eight in Hawaiian. Keali'i B is somewhat reminiscent of Keali'i R; that's good and bad. KB has a good voice, nice presentations, and many of his melodies are easy on the ears. KB is no clone; his songs are genuine and warm, it's just that comparions seem inevitable. "Eia Neis" is his "Toad Song," and others hark back to the more mellow, catchy songs of KR. He lacks the depth of KR, but that's not the world's fairest comparison, given that this is KB's debut CD.
While the Hawaiian songs are enjoyable, the English songs are wordy and a tad repetitious, and some instrument choices seems awkward -- the synthetic strings on an otherwise enjoyable "My Baby Sleeps," but not byte 2050even steel drums can improve the formulaic "Still Be There." However, I enjoyed his Hawaiian tumes, particularly the title track, "Kipuka Ki," and "Ku'u Manu Hiwa." Other songs include "Ho'oheno Kalama'ula," "Makalei Nani,", and "Mama, I Miss You." I recommend you take a listen to this one. It's definitely a cut above the herd.
Alapaki, Ha Paradise (ARCD 101) This is a well-done, stylish CD for thoise who like the older, hapa-haole tunes. Alapaki has a carressingly sweet, smooth voice, and presents his material well. I particularly like the jazzy piano that appears on some numbers, and the way he interprets the songs, making them his own (his rapid fire "Sophisticated Lady") is one such example. If you like this type of music, I think you'll really get into this CD. Songs include "Beyond the Reef," "Soft Green Seas," "Maile Swing, "Tutu E/Royal Hawaiian Hotel," and "Ke Lehua I Milia."
See you later in March- a hui hou!
--Susan
susanj@lava.net
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