Aloha mai!I have a short page for you this time around as I have a new iMac (hooray!) but I am in the middle of transferring all my necessary files from my old computer to me new one. Some of the files that I don't have ready access to include my concert schedule and updates, so this time around I'll forward you to Auntie Maria's calendar at http://www.mele.com.
And speaking of mele.com, they have finally accepted shipment (and have ready for their customers) the new Hapa CD previewed in a prior page, Namahana. Seems that the first pressing didn't include liner notes, and Auntie was waiting to receive a shipment that had them. The store is now open. [g]
Special concert note for Hawaiian language fans: Punana Leo o Kawaiaha'o, one of the Hawaiian language immersion schools on O'ahu, is hosting "E Malama i Ke Kai," a fundraiser at the Ihilani Resort this Saturday, July 24. from 10 - 6 p.m. Featured entertainers include Kekuhi Kanahele, Sudden Rush, Melveen Leed, and Loyal Garner, and there will be food and craft booths. No admission fee! Go and help our our keiki. It's a great school.
Recordings
Kanilau, Ke Ano Wena (Nani Lawai Records 0444). Another well-crafted album by Alapa'i, Artis, Kimo, and Noelani, the group known as Kanilau. While individual vocal beauty is not a strength, their harmonies are supple, the secure joining of voices well-accustomed to weaving around each other. One of Kanilau's main strengths is it its deft accompaniments, running the gamut from simple percussion behind a chant to the complex sliding of a steel guitar for a sophisticated hapa-haole effect. The CD features two originals, including the stunning "Lu'ulu'u i na Ua Nui o Hanalei," a song that brings together all the best in Kanilau -- beautiful, moving accompaniment, voices twining and building, and a mesmerizing melody. An outstanding song. The CD also features standards by favorite old-time composers Johnny K. Almeida and Helen Parker. While there are a few contemporary numbers done competently ("Cool Change" and "I'll Still be Loving You"), Kanilau really hits its stride with its beautiful renditions of songs like "Beautiful Kahana." Other songs include "Waiomina," "Long Lost Freind" [sic], "Halona i ka Ehukai," and "Oma'oma'o Poni Moi." There's just one instrumental, but it is a delight: a medley of "Nani Lawai/Kauai."
The CD does show some evidence of sloppy preparation, however; in addition to the typo referred to above, the CD also states that it is distributed by "Olanda Roads," and seems to have one more track on it than is actually listed. Still, these flaws do not detract from a genuinely enjoyable CD.
Del Beazley, True Blue Kua'aina (Hale-Bubba Records HBR 0711) Del is one of Hawai'i's most accomplished musicians, with 5 Na Hoku nominations to his credit. He more than just a good song writer and a great singer, though: he knows how to move and sell a song. He puts his individual stamp on a song, and does it with attention to detail of note, instrument, rhythm, and accompaniment. His songs are characterized by catchy beats and intensely personal lyrics. He makes the blues work for him ("Aqua Dream:), he makes reggae work for him ("The Big Bad Bruddah" - a kicky reggae song about -- of all people -- Kamehameha I) in a context that makes it Hawaiian. Highly recommended, although I could have done without the fake echo efect on the chorus of "Maunaloa." Songs include: "No Ke Ano Ahiahi," "Maunaloa," "Aloha Kaho'olawe," "Mahalo Bruddah Iz," "Aqua Dream", and "The Big Bad Bruddah."
Mike Kaawa, Hwn Boy (Mountain Apple MACD 2058). Mike is a long-time local musician, known perhaps most notably for his participation in the Hawaiian All-Star Band pulled together by Milton Lau at the end of each of the Bankoh Ki Ho'alu concerts. This is a well-produced, tuneful CD stronger on the instrumentals than on the vocals. A nice first effort. Songs include: "E Ka Pua Liko Lehua," Kulai'ila'i, "Sandys," "E Hele Kaua," "Hula o Makee," and "Waikiki Hula".
See you in early August!
--Susan
susanj@lava.net
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