Aloha mai!Christmas is a-comin', and what better gift to give a loved one than the gift of Hawaiian music? I have a couple of suggestions to recommend of my favorite 2000 releases. In no particular order, they are Led Kaapana's Black Sand, Hui Aloha's Hui Aloha, and ‘Ale‘a's Take Me Home. I also liked the Island Riddim Band's New Voyage CD. Any of these would be good choices for the Hawaiian music lover in your life!
Keola Beamer announces his 2001 tour dates for the Ke Ao Nani Tour 2001
- 1/27 Grass Valley, CA Northern California Center for the Arts (Tentative)
- 2/1 Tacoma, WA Broadway Center for the Arts (Guitar Workshop)
- 2/2 Tacoma, WA Broadway Center for the Arts (w/Kenny Endo 'Slack key Meets Taiko')
- 2/4 Corvallis, OR Majestic Theater
- 2/7 Berkeley, CA St. John's Church
- 2/9 Denver, CO Swallow Hill
- 3/3 Lihue, HI Kaua'i Performing Arts Center @ Kaua'i Community College
- 3/24 Kahului, HI McCoy Theater @ Mau'i Arts & Cultural Center Theater
- 8/11-16 Puna, HI ALOHA HAWAIIAN MUSIC & DANCE CAMP @ Kalani Honua Eco-Resort
Recordings
Ho‘okena, Home for the Holidays (HCD 1006). This delightful compilation by Ho‘okena cements their position as the kings of harmony. This is not a bland best-of Christmas type recording; great thought and creativity has been used in producing these numbers. Some are traditional Christmas songs, and others have adefinite Hawaiian flair -- from the new lyrics in "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays" to the wonderful percussion underneath the a capella presentation of "The Little Drummer Boy" in Hawaiian, this is a wonderful CD. The verve in "Rock and Roll Christmas" is balanced by the pure sweetness in the solo work in "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." This is a delightful CD, and I highly recommend it. (Ho‘okena will bein concert on December 17th to celebrate the season and this new release -- see concert schedule below.)
Robi Kahakalau, All I Want (Kanai'a Records KNRCD 1264). Well, the inimitable voice is back, but at the service of Jawaiian rather than the contemporary songs familiar to her fans from the Hawaiian Style band days, or ther more Hawaiian tunes from her solos Cds. How much you like this CD will depend on your tolerance for that style of music, which is not what I would call Hawaiian. The songs with Hawaiian titles, such as "No Ke Kula o Waihou" and "Ku'u Mau Lei Onaona" have that distinctive reggae beat, and only "Ke Ali'i o na Lani" is sung as a straightforward Hawaiian tune. The title track, "All I Want is You" leans heavily on the Hawaiian Style Band's "Happy Just 2 Be with U". Sometimes the reggae sparkles, as on "Tamari'i Hokule'a," but I prefer a more straightforward and traditional Hawaiian sound, which is not to be found on this CD. The songs include three covers: Linda Ronstadt's "Blue Bayou," Tracey Chapman's "Give Me One Reason," and the Eagles' "Take it to the Limit."
Ata Damasco, From the Valley to the Throne (Ululoa Productions). I was a big fan of the Valley Boys CD that came out a few years ago, featuring Maui musicians Ata Damasco and Kip Lukela. The two blended a beautiful Hawaiian traditional sound, including some great falsetto. Ata is back with a solo CD, From the Valley to the Throne, featuring gospel hymns of Hawaii. At first I appraoched this CD cautiously, uncertain whether it would fall into the category of Hawaiian music. Not to worry. Ata, in a star turn including accompanying himself on the ukulele, guitar, stand-up bass, piano, and organ (not, thankfully, all at one time), has produced a lovely, listenable CD that will please Hawaiian music lovers and Hawaiian gospel lovers. Hawaiian gospel is not the full-throated dynamic music typical of Mainland gospel music: instead, it is a blend of the best of peaceful falsetto and heavenly harmonies. The accompaniment is spare and gently embellishes but never overwhelms the thoughtful and beautifully sung vocals in both English and' olelo Hawai'i. I put this one and played it all the way through once, then immediately played it all the way through again. It's rare that I want to hear a new CD back to back.
This CD is not yet on sale, but should be shipping on December 4. Look for it and give it a listen. Songs include a wonderful medley, "Oh How I Love Jesus/ 'Ihi'ihi O Jehova" (my favorite), "Jesu No Ke Kauhipa," "Somebody Told Me," "He Akua Hemolele," "He Punawai I Weheia'e," and "Without a Mother, Without a Father."
Concerts
(all concerts in Honolulu unless otherwise stated)December:
December 2 (Maui): Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom and Willie K, 7:30 p.m., Castle Theater. Mix in one part classical singing, one part contemporary arrangements plus a dash of local humor to create one of Hawai‘i's most talented, entertaining duos. The combination of Amy's rich, sultry voice and Willie K's exceptional ability for contemporary musical arrangements and phenomenal mastery of the guitar has introduced audiences to a new side of Hawaiian music. Tickets; $24, $18, $10, 1/2 price for kids 12 & under.
December 2 and 3: John Keawe, slack key artist, at KHPR's Atherton theatre on Dec 2nd at 7:30p and Sun Dec. 3rd at 4pm. Call KHPR for info.
December 16 (Las Vegas): Willie K and Amy at the Roxy Theatre, Fiesta Hotel.
December 17: Ho‘okena in "Home for the Holidays" at the Hawaii Theatre, 5:30. Tickets $25 and 20. Call: 528-0506
January
January 13 (Maui): The Art of the Chanter, 7:30 pm, Castle Theater. An outstanding exhibition/concert featuring Hawai‘i's best chanters, including Keali‘i Reichel, and showcasing the chant styles and vocal techniques of ancient and 20th century Hawai‘i. A uniquely Hawaiian experience. Tickets: $26, $10, 1/2 price for kids 12 & under.
January 26: Makaha Sons at the Hawaii Theatre.
February
February 16, 17, 18 (Maui): Keali‘i Reichel's"Kukahi 2001", 7:30 pm, Castle Theater. A celebrated singer, chanter, composer and kumu hula, this charismatic, Maui-born recording artist has captivated audiences around the world with a winning blend of contemporary pop and traditional Hawaiian music. From New York's Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Keali‘i's sold-out concerts remain fresh and exciting, showcasing his strong vocals and innovative stagings that at the same time remain true to his traditional Hawaiian roots. Tickets: $26, $10, 1/2 price for kids 12 & under.
March
March 2: The Brothers Cazimero at the Hawaii Theatre.
April
April 6: Na Leo at the Hawaii Theatre.
April 7 (Maui): Na Leo with Tau Dance Theater, 7:30 pm, Castle Theater. One of Hawai‘i's most loved groups, Na Leo has captured the hearts of islanders with their rich harmonies, vocal excellence, inspirational messages and imaginative arrangements. The talented trio has won 17 of the coveted Hoku awards andcontinue to shine bright in the Hawaiian musical sky. Tickets: $24, $18, $10, 1/2 price for kids 12 & under.
May
May 2 (Maui): Brothers Cazimero, 7:30 pm, Castle Theater. Celebrate Lei Day in this annual special May Day concert featuring the gorgeous vocals and soaring harmonies of Robert and Roland Cazimero and the hula artistry of Leina‘ala Heine and The Brothers Cazimero Dancers. Performing in the islands for almost three decades, The Brothers reign as the leading voices of contemporary Hawaiian music. Tickets: $26, $18, $10, 1/2 price for kids 12 & under.
May 11: Ho‘okena at the Hawaii Theatre.
See you in December!
--Susan
susanj@lava.net
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