Ka Mele Hawai'i (part two)

Hopefully my last post on this topic whet some appetites for a taste of some great Hawaiian contemporary music. In this post, we'll examine my top three 'must have' albums for those getting into Hawaiian music for the first time. I've chosen these CDs because I think they provide a solid, somewhat gentle introduction to modern island music. 

You may note that the release dates on these albums are a bit old, ranging from 1992 to 1999. This is not to say that terrific music isn't being made right now, rather I think of these artists as some of the godfathers of contemporary Hawaiian music. The styles represented provide the best introduction to the genre. These are just my opinions though, and the listener is encouraged to explore on their own.

Hapa

Hapa, 1992

Hapa means 'half' as in 'hapa haole' or 'half white'. This band consists of two members, one of whom is, you guessed it, not native Hawaiian.

I chose this album because it is an even mix of traditionally inspired Hawaiian song writing and instrumentals featuring excellent slack-key guitar. The vocals and playing on this album are magical, and will have you longing for a sunset stroll on a Hawaiian beach in no time. I particularly recommend the song Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai, which features inspired guitars and a healthy dose of harmonica, an instrument not usually associated with Hawaiian music. If this song doesn't get your toes tapping and put a smile on your face, you may as well stop now, Hawaiian music is not for you.

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Facing Future, 1993

Although he was taken from us far too soon, Braddah Iz, as he is affectionately known in the islands, left us with a catalog of some of the most inspired music of all time, of any genre. His uplifting, sometimes melancholy voice coupled with his virtuoso ukulele playing combine to bring both the happiness and the sadness that is the Hawaiian experience straight into your living room.

Anyone vacationing in Hawaii should be required to listen to the song Hawaii '78.  This is one of the few songs I've ever listened to that actually moved me to tears. The (english-language) lyrics helped start me down the road to truly educating myself about the history, language, and culture of the people of Hawai'i.

Keali'i Reichel

Melelana, 1999

Keali'i is one of the true super-stars of the Hawaiian music scene. He sings both traditional Hawaiian songs, as well as many original compositions. I am fond of his habit of sprinkling a couple covers of classic english-language pop tunes into each album, but it is the Hawaiian language songs which really shine. He is also an accomplished chanter, and this album will familiarize you with that style as well.

The upbeat, Hawaiian-language Ipo Lei Momi provides a whimsical, fast paced story about a special kind of fisherman, with an R-rated subtext. But don't worry about the kids, unless they're already fluent in Hawaiian. The hauntingly beautiful Mauna Leo is a moving tribute to the mountain of the same name, located in his native Maui. My daughter taught herself the hula to this song by watching a concert DVD over and over until she had memorized every move.

So there you have it, the first three albums for what I hope will be your ever growing collection of some of the world's best music. Now get shopping! Aloha!