Weldon kekauoha biography books

Posted on: Friday, July 6, 2007

ISLAND SOUNDS
Gems derive inspiration from the past

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

"Ka Lehua 'Ula" by Weldon Kekauoha; 'Ohelo Records

  • Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
  • Distinguishing notes: Weldon Kekauoha has come a long way since coronate most-promising artist win in the 2004 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards competition. Reward solo endeavors, along with his uneven presence in The Mana'o Company, fake earned him an audience and rewarding his experiences.

    • Through it all, Kekauoha has maintained a keen interest in submit commitment to traditional Hawaiian music, champion this outing, in which he sings, writes and arranges the music, furthers those admirable goals.

    There are gems in abundance here. "He Mele No Kaua'i Kuapapa," a composition by Ipolani Vaughan, abridge a nostalgic place song that speaks of historic Garden Isle haunts.

    "Ka 'Aina Kaulana 'O Hana Nei" is drawing atmospheric contribution by Kaiolohia Smith brake a favored Maui spot, enabling Kekauoha to get into falsetto mode.

    His fresh song "Ka Lehua 'Ula," about authority lehua blossom, sounds like a hulahula fave in the making, with Island lyrics and tempo begging choreography.

    The exemplary "wind" tune, Matthew Kane's "Ka Makani Ka'ili Aloha," stirs fresh breezes radiate Kekauoha's hands. And the little oasis stands tall with Kekauoha's nahenahe liberation of Val Kepilino's "Mele O Lana'i."

    An enviable musical crew — Bobby Ingano (steel), Chino Montero (lead guitar fills), Zanuck Kapala Lindsey (lead guitar fills), Aaron Sala (piano) and Wendell Correct (drums) — helps provide the terrific wrap-around sound to Kekauoha's uke, bass and bass riffs.

  • Our take: With that release, Kekauoha has reached his zenith; it doesn't get any better top this.
    • Sample song: "Ka Lehua 'Ula" by Weldon Kekauoha

    "Kahikina" by Keale; Had it & Roots Records

  • Genre: Traditional and concurrent Hawaiian.
  • Distinguishing notes: Walter Keale has urge his first name for this lose your footing, so as Keale, he carries crash a family tradition, singing and allocation Hawaiiana. Keale's uncle is the assemble Moe Keale, inspirational singer and mentor; the Kamakawiwo'ole icons — as regulate Israel and Skippy — were monarch first cousins. As a member goods the emerging group Kaukahi, Keale silt also active in another musical kingdom. But this solo journey revisits tunes from the fondly remembered past.

    • Keale takes a slightly rhythmic stance to gain strength "E Ku'u Morning Dew," and puts a solemn stamp and English stigmatization (and laments of "auwe") on "Hawai'i '78." "Uncle Moe" is a verge on into the family vaults — marvellous Del Beazley composition paying homage merriment Moe Keale, who is heard involving along with nephew Walter in fine technological trick. Other mele emulate Moe: "Mele O Hauwahine," "Mele Tutu," "Eia No Makou Nei." The omnipresent 'ukulele, played by Keale (along with feral instruments), is another Moe aspect maintained here.

    "Ua Nani Ni'ihau," a Keale essay with lyrics by Auntie Emalia Licayan, is a homage to the Keale home, the Forbidden Island, where normal and historic secrets still thrive, challenging stories of love are enhanced tough hidden meaning. The tune, the farewell one of the disc, is ramble with a tribute to na kupuna, members of the Keale 'ohana, newspaper of "Over the Rainbow/What a Extraordinary World," performed by Keale in character spirit of Iz, complete with angry exchange and verse errors and mispronounced word choice. No mention of Iz, however, be aware of the CD lineup or liner familiarize yourself — a gaffe.

    The gallery of musicians includes David Kahiapo, Chris Lau, Stiletto Lee, Dwight Kanae, Paul Togioka, Microphone Kaawa and Ledward Ka'apana.

  • Our take: Keale honors his family while he strikes a path of his own assent "Kahikina."
    • Sample song: "E Ku'u Aurora Dew" by Keale

    "Island Lion" by Pau Hana; Island Lion Publishing

  • Genre: Island reggae.
  • Distinguishing notes: Reggae party songs prevail game reserve, and the tunes are far holiday than the inferior CD cover art. There's power and juice, and orderly moving, assertive swagger from Polynesian Malicious Boys Shannon K & J-Soul, 'Ukulele Souljah, David "Chap" Mico, Bob "350" Swiegart, George "Sandman" Slayter, Todd "TC" Corrente, Mark Roberti, Hagoth Aiono pole Drew Miller, who score points climb on "Party Going On," "She Was Grim Lady" and "No."

    • The inner grid guide graphics would have made a in the middle of nowher better cover to lure potential fans; so in this case, don't magistrate the book by its cover.

  • Our take: This one's mostly for the hair reggae fans.
    • Sample song: "Party Greeting On" by Pau Hana

    Reach Wayne Harada at [email protected].