| Sad news for all lovers of Hawaiian music: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole passed away due to respiratory failure on June 26, 1997. He was 38. The world is the poorer for the loss of this generous, warm, kolohe, big-hearted, and immensely talented, but Israel himself is free of his earthly bonds at last. Aloha 'ia 'oe, e Israel. Poina 'ole 'ia 'oe.
 |
Aloha mai! Some sad news this time around: for those of you who haven't heard, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole passed away in Honolulu on June 26, of respiratory failure. Israel will forever be remembered in the Hawaiian music community for his beautiful voice, his great-hearted personality, his heart, and his soul. Our condolences to his family. As of the date this page was prepared, there have been no announcements of the funeral arrangements.Summer is the time for concerts, and I have so many to announce this time around. Concerts range in location from Honolulu to Maui, California, New York, and Canada, and feature a wide range of musicians, including Keali'i Reichel, Na Leo Pilimehana, John Keawe, and -- here's a blast from the past! -- Melveen Leed. NOTE: The C&K Reunion concert has been recheduled to August 29, and the venue changed to the Waikiki Shell. Details below.
Hawaiian music fans who are also baseball aficinados will note that on August 8, Na Leo Pilimehana will perform the Star Spangled Banner and Take Me Out to the Ballgame at Anaheim Stadium for the Angels.
Don't forget that KGMB will be re-airing those vintage Island Music, Island Hearts shows from the 80s, featuring Olomana, Henry Kapono, and others. Details below!
Lots of CD releases below, but first -- for newcomers, this is how my page works: every two weeks I list the latest Hawaiian music CD releases, and the Hawaiian music concerts for the ensuing two week period around the world. I also list new concerts that I hear of, no matter when they are, to give those of you out there a "head's up" to get those front row seats. [g] If you're looking for other concerts, or for gigs, you can use the Dakine Online link at the bottom of my page.
Recordings
Hapa, In the Name of Love (Coconut Grove 8197-2) This is the long-awaited third Hapa CD, and while it is better than the Christmas CD that sank without a trace, it doesn't approach the quality and perfect balance of the first Hapa CD. Hapa seems to be exploring different dimensions in this CD: while there are a few of the sweet melodies that won them their fans, the CD also dips into a Carlos Santana instrumental and "Sleepwalk," a steel guitar solo (lead steel guitar by Casey Olsen). And yes, that _is_ a sitar you hear on "Lelehuna," and that _is_ Don Ho singing with Keli'i on the "Waikiki Beachboy Song." Keli'i Kaneali'i is still in fine voice, but most of the songs don't do his beautiful vocal qualities justice the way that "Lei Pikake" and "Ku'ulei Awapuhi" did. The best number on the CD is a gorgeous duet, "Kahea U'ilani," which should be the number the local radio stations are premiering instead of the droopy, achingly slow-paced "Manoa in the Rain." "E Hele Ana E" and the instrumental "Pahinui Aloha" will also please fans.
Gary Haleamau, Ho'opomaika'i (Liko Records LRCD - 1006) Gary Haleamu has one of the sweetest falsettos currently singing Hawaiian music. He's back with another CD showcase for his sweet, clear singing. Songs include Makee 'Ailana, Tutu, 'Upena Kiloi (with Ken Emerson), Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua (instrumental), Magic Isle Medley (including Ku'ulei 'Awapuhi), and an original, Ho'okahi Wale No. A keeper.
Lena Machado, Hawaiian Song Bird (Cord International : Hana Ola Records HOCD 29000). This is a perfect introductory CD to the beautiful voice of Lena Machado. What makes it also of interest to her already devoted fans is that several of the songs are included in two different version: an 1930s version and a 1960s version. The comparison of style and technique is extremely interesting. The sonorous purity of Lena's voice transcends the scratchy quality of the older recordings. Songs include Kauoha Mai (the Keyhole Hula) (2 versions), Na Lei O Hawai'i (peerless!), Ho'onanea (2 versions), and Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi. A must-have.
Keli'i Taua, Pule Mua (Mountain Apple MACD 2032). This is an extremely interesting CD featuring chants and short stories done in a real-time context. Many of the 39 numbers appear to be actual chants done by the crew of the Hawaiian voyaging canoe Makali'i as the crew goes through their daily routines (you can hear the creak of the ropes and the slap of the waves during E Ala , for example). thers, such as the opening number, are done in a drakly dramatic style, with nose flute and 'ipu. A fascinating look at the everyday (although certainly not ordinary!) use of chant.
Ernie Cruz Sr, A Time and a Season (Round Cenco Music EC 1939-1). Ernie Cruz Sr (father of Ernie Jr. of the Ka'au Crater Boys and of John Cruz) is known as the Waimea Cowboy. I wouldn't call this Hawaiian music, but I did enjoy the CD, which is done in a "country grass" style. Songs include the title track, Moloka'i Cowboys, and Don't Cuss the Fiddle.
Music Pages read since 9/20/96.Music Report Homepage & Archives | NahenaheNet Homepage
Interpacific Networks