Aloha mai! The biggest news of the month is, of course, the long-awaited release of Keali'i Reichel's third CD, E O Mai. Details, graphics, and even a sound clip below! But that's not all -- got plenny concert info and previews of other CDs as well, including a new group from California, Mo'opuna, that I personally have been following with great interest for a couple of years now.So dive in, enjoy -- get your Hawaiian music fix for the rest of the month [g]. Thanks to all how dropped me a line this past month.
And speaking of dropping a line, I received a request from Scott's Video, which runs an online Hawaiian music site, to mention his as well. The reason I don't list everyone/anyone who hangs out a shingle selling Hawaiian music on the 'net is because I don't have amy personal experience with them. I feel comfortable mentioning Auntie Maria's Hawaiian Music Island, because I have met Auntie and ordered through her myself, and I can vouch that her prices are reasonable and service is excellent. (And no, I get no commission, gratuity, fee, or whatevah for referring people to her -- I do it for free just because I get so many requests from people wanting an on-line source for Hawaiian music. Just like I do this list for free. No form W-4s were harmed in the course of completing this page!) Anyway, with the understanding that I know nothing about this site other than its URL, here it is: http://www.scottsvideo.com Good news for local music fans! Shipley's in Manoa Marketplace, which has been closed for a few months due to fire, will re-open on October 26. Dinner seating starts at 5 p.m. and the music -- featuring Na 'Oiwi -- will start at 7. The Rev. Dennis Kamakahi will give the blessing.
Usual disclaimer -- I only list the rest of October's concerts and go a little way into November. For a more complete list of concerts, check my early September page.
Recordings
Keali'i Reichel, E O Mai (Punahele Productions PPCD005). Another personal and special CD from Keali'i. The cover art -- a gorgeous, somber three-quarters portrait of Keali'i against a deep black background -- is a harbinger of a softer, introspective, but still lush and memorable album. One of the most beautiful numbers is the title track, an original by Keali'i, which speaks of water as a metaphor for human relations. Click here for an audio clip of E O Mai. On the other hand, he handles Sweet Honey in the Rock's "Patchwork Quilt" with equal tender authority (Sweet Honey in the Rock is the source of "Wanting Memories" and "Stay," hits from his earlier CDs). Chants fans will appreciate the opening and closing oli, "'Auhea Wale Ana 'Oe" and "Ka 'Opihi O Kanapou" and the high energy duet with the fabulous Kekuhi Kanahele, "Nematoda." Also noteworthy are the meditatively beautiful "Malie's Song," written for the mother of co-executive producer Fred Krauss, and the quietly catchy "Ka 'Ano'i Pua." Keali'i also takes a bold step in the rhythmic, dramatic "Ballad of the Broken Word." There had been a bit of concern that Keali'i's contract with Atlantic Records might take him away from his Hawaiian roots. Nothing could be farther from the truth. This carefully and lovingly crafted CD will please the legions of Keali'i's fans and win him more.
Mo'opuna, Mo'opuna (demo CD: available via email) I have been following this California-based group since I heard them at Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko a few years ago. All three musicians -- Kris Kanoho, Keoki Dascoscos, and Jose Dangtayan -- have ties to Hawai'i, and the music they make together is beautiful. Keoki's outstanding vocals are complimented by Kris and Jose's tight harmonies and sensitive accompaniment. They have just released a five song demo CD, but I would still recommend it highly. The group covers "Maui Waltz," "He Pua Wehiwa," and "Pua Hone," and include two of their originals, the driving "'Aumakua" and "Silence." Click here for an audio sample of Maui Waltz. You can email Kris Kanoho about ordering the demo and about Mo'opuna's concert schedule at Kristoffer_Kanoho@gap.com
Marjie Perez and Carol Dabney, My Heart is Your Home (BWCD 1003). This CD of ten original songs is Hawaiian lite, pleasant but not particularly memorable. Songs are in English but the themes are Hawai'i-based, including "Hana Buttah Days," "Hawaiian Time," "Brudda, Get it Straight," and "Hawaiian Boogie Woogie Times."
--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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