Aloha mai!This page marks the end of my second year of publishing my Hawaiian music reports. [whew!] Thanks to all of you who find them of use and email me such kind thoughts. As always, mahalo me ke aloha to Keola Donaghy, who hosts this website on NahenaheNet. Keola is also responsible to putting on all the graphics, and for helping get the sound clips up and running. Mahalo a nui! Thanks also to the folks who email me with concert info -- Auntie Maria, Fred, Andy, Darrell, and everyone else. Keep 'em coming!
Every year I pick a CD of the year, but you'll have to wait for the early December page for that! I'm trying to arrange permission for extra sound clips.
Received some info from HARA -- the folks who put on the Na Hoku Hanohano awards -- that I thought I'd pass on to you. First, as of early November, there were a record number of CDs released this year -- 120! Not all of them are Hawaiian music, of course, but as I look at the list, many, many good CDs strike my eye -- it's gonna be tough at Na Hoku time. My back pages list most of them -- check it out for holiday gifting. [g] Second, HARA reviews the definitions of two confusing categories. "Hawaiian Album of the Year" covers CDs in which 75% of the material (or more) is in the Hawaiian language. "Island Contemporary Album of the Year" must have 30% of the material of or about Hawaii. It does not have to be in Hawaiian. Hope this clarifies things for you -- it did for me!
HARA also announced that in the Haku Mele category, while it will still be judged by a select panel, all finalist will be listed, instead of just having the winner announced. Last, HARA is thinking of changing "Single of the Year" to "Recording of the Year." This will not have to be a newly-written song, as is Song of the Year. Good luck to HARA as it strives to make the Na Hoku awards an even better event (and no forget Kekuhi this time, ok?).
One last request -- I do enjoy receiving the notes that I get from you, but PLEASE be sure to put in the correct email address. Don't drop the "j"! The person at my ISP who is just plain "susan" gets some of my mail sometimes -- and doesn't pass it on to me.
Recordings
Makaha Sons, Christmas Day in Hawaii Nei(Poki Records SPCD 9060). Fans of the Makaha Sons will want this, their first Christmas recording. The tight, trademark Makaha Soins harmonies are here, showcased in numbers such as "Silent Night," "What Child is This?," "Silver Bells," and "Drummer Boy." Moon adds three originals, with the title track, "Come Now, It's Christmas," and a rockin' new song, "Sing Praises to Him." Two standouts are original tunes by the prolific and talented Frank Kawaikapu Hewett, "Me Ke Aloha Nona,", and "E Ke Keiki, E Iesu."
Roland Cazimero, Pele: A Myth From Hawaii (Mountain Apple MACD 1003) This CD is Roland's tribute to Pele. It's contemporary music, not what I would consider Hawaiian, but the story is one of the most Hawaiian and most compelling, and so I thouight I'd bring it to you attention. Roland tells the Pele myth in linked songs, such as "I've Got To Find Me a Hone," "Hi'iaka's Pledge," "Rebirth of Lohi'ao," "Kilu," "Jealousy," and "Destiny." If you aren't familiar with thr whole Pele myth, you'll find this CD compelling. If you are, and if this kind of music is your cup of tea, you'll be mesmerized.
Hapa, Surf Madness (Coconut Grove) Wait. Stop right there. If you got breathless reading the word "Hapa," slow down, take a deep breath. This is not the familiar Hapa of "Lei Pikake" and "Ku'u Lei 'Awapuhi." In fact, if it weren't for their traditional funny cover photo, you probably would never guess that this was Hapa at all. It's billed as a surf music CD, and that's what you get -- remakes of "Walk Don't Run," "Hawaii 5-0," and other slashing electric guitar numbers. [shrug] The only Hawaii number on the CD, tossed on like caviar on spam, is "He'eia," a nice version featuring what for me has always been the essence of Hapa, the fine voice of Keli'i Kaneali'i. This is basically Barry's album (featured on the cover as "Barneldo," in a black jacket with white fur cuffs and a wild blond wig). You may like it, or you may not, but don't call it Hawaiian, and don't mistake it for "Hapa."
--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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