 |
|
|
Artist:
Various Artists
Japanese Hawaiin Guitar Compilation Featuring Bonus Tracks.
List Price: $11.98 |
Our Price: $6.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
Artist:
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Better known among his fans as "Iz," Israel Kamakawiwo'ole was a phenomenon in the Hawai'ian Islands totally below Mainland radar. So important was Iz's singing to Native Hawa'ians and Hawai'i residents alike that Governor Ben Cayetano declared a statewide day of mourning when Iz passed away in 1997--this despite his controversial Hawai'i-sovereignty politics. Ka Ano'i was the 1991 winner of the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Award for best contemporary Hawai'ian album, and Iz himself won for best male vocalist that year. This album is appealing mainly for its honesty and simplicity: simplicity of tone consistent with the casual ukulele and slack-key sound, and honesty of voice through Hawai'i-enhanced allegorical tracks like "Coney Island Washer Woman" and "I'll Be There." A later version of Iz's "Over the Rainbow" was featured in the 1998 film Meet Joe Black, as well. Despite his imposing stature, Iz was an embodiment of the simplicity and gentleness in the music itself, more noticeable in this early album than in his later work. --Erik Macki
List Price: $16.98 |
Our Price: $11.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
Artist:
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole with his iconic recording of "Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World" was a much revered, huge Hawaiian recording star - both physically and musically. His solo recordings have sold huge numbers since their release starting in 1990, one going platinum. During his lifetime he recorded four solo albums, and his record company has released three more posthumously, including one in 2007 on the 10th anniversary his death.
List Price: $16.98 |
Our Price: $10.67 |
|
|
|
|
|
Artist:
Israel Iz Kamakawiwo'ole
Even a decade after his death at age 38 in 1997, Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole remains Hawaii's best-known and most beloved singer. His career began when he and his older brother, Skippy, formed a group in their hometown near Honolulu. The two performed together until the latter died in 1982. The band continued on for some years but it was Iz's haunting voice, with its searing yet limpid falsetto, that captured the popular imagination. Indeed, his 'ukulele-laced version of "Over the Rainbow" is widely thought to be the only interpretation that could possibly stand up to Judy Garland's original. Now that the definitive retrospective, Alone in IZ World (2001), has been released, it is perhaps inevitable that new arrangements should be slipped in under Iz's inimitable, indelible vocal tracks. The good news is, however, that these particular lush orchestrations, while totally superfluous, are nonetheless respectful and in good taste, never overwhelming the singing (as if anything could!). There are no revelations, but, fortunately, no unpleasant shocks, either. Perhaps, had he lived, Iz might have decided to go this route anyway. As with Louis Armstrong's (the title of this album r...
List Price: $16.99 |
Our Price: $10.49 |
|
|
|
|
|
new songs * enhanced arrangements * unplugged performances * on a cd-rom featuring photo gallery, bio, national and local press coverage, IZ sightings, screen saver and catalog
List Price: $16.99 |
Our Price: $10.19 |
|
|
|
|
|
Artist:
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
,
IZ
List Price: $16.99 |
Our Price: $7.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
Artist:
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Released in 1996, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, better known as IZ is much a part of Hawaii as the beautiful blue oceans. Every cut on this album you can hear the power and majesty that is IZ, which gets into the listeners' heart and soul. "In Dis Life" serves-up a mix of Hawaiian language standards, two hit tunes from local artists, several fresh new songs and a Jawaiian remake of "Starting All Over Again". A must have if you are a fan of IZ's other material.
List Price: $16.99 |
Our Price: $10.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
Artist:
Jake Shimabukuro
You'll forget all the Tiny Tim, Don Ho, and Hawaiian-music jokes about the ukulele when you hear Gently Weeps, which leaves behind the Roaring Twenties strum and plinky-dink sound of most such music. Jake Shimabukuro sets the tone with the lead-off track from which he takes the album's title, George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," unfolding the vulnerable undertow of Harrison's epic lament. A string of covers follows, as Shimabukuro touches the serene with Schubert's "Ave Maria," evokes a Japanese koto on a Zen-like version of "Sakura," and turns "The Star-Spangled Banner" into a lament. But Shimabukuro's original tunes are just as full of plucked nuance, especially "Heartbeat Dragon," where he uses a slight delay to create a quietly joyful Celtic air. However, don't think it's all wistful melancholy. Shimabukuro whips it out on original tracks like "Let's Dance," alternating hard rhythmic chops with flamenco-like strums. His take on Erroll Garner's "Misty" is a little jive, though I'm sure the hot jazz middle-section pumps the crowds up. Chick Corea's "Spain" fares much better and still scores high on the flash quotient. You just can't keep a fret-burner down, ...
List Price: $16.98 |
Our Price: $9.99 |
|
|
|
|
|
There's a smart balance of traditional Hawaiiana and contemporary tunes on this CD. There's heart-tugging warmth along with unexpected chuckles. The end result is a candid, honest reinforcement of his vocal breadth.
List Price: $16.99 |
Our Price: $10.96 |
|
|
|
|
|
Artist:
Various Artists
Hawaiian Slack Key Christmas is genre melding of the best sort: incredible guitar playing in the Hawaiian tradition dominates the disc, but the material is mostly familiar holiday carols. The result is a truly original and refreshingly low-key take on Christmas music. Keola Beamer's version of "Away in a Manger" is filled with jazzy bass touches; Led Kaapana and Bob Brozman's "Jingle Bells" is a hard-driving and virtuosic showpiece, with Brozman seemingly working the entire fretboard; and Bla Pahanui's arrangement of "O Come All Ye Faithful" is gorgeous and creative. Ozzie Kotani's "First Noel" is understated but a touch too sentimental and the three vocal tracks--by Dennis Kamakahi, Leonard Kwan, and Joanie & Ruth Komatsu--seem out of place amid all these lush guitar textures. That said, this is still a great album and a wonderful alternative for guitar lovers who've worn out their copies of John Fahey's legendary Christmas album. --Jason Verlinde
List Price: $9.98 |
Our Price: $3.62 |
|
|
|
|
|
