Pacific Islands music reviews

he has been trying to shove this stuff down my throat for years, being the devoted hippie-grow-your-own-fresh-from-the-islands kind of dad. well, this cd kept getting great reviews and sounded kind of cool, so i chanced it. it grows on me (no pun intended) with each listening. i really love the sound, it really does evoke a wonderful feel of time and place (like old elvis movies, only less cheesy). what i particularly like is that this compilation relies less on glossy new songs like many rough guides do, but sticks with the more traditional. sorry dad, i still don't like the greatful dead, no, not even the bootlegs, but i might just learn to hula after all.

I got this CD as an intro to some of the classic Hawaiian sounds, and it was a fun listen. Would be a great CD for a beach party, or preparation for a trip to Hawaii. I second the other reviewer's suggestion to check out other titles in the Rough Guide series.

A longtime fan of classic Hawaiian music, I recently finally made it over to the islands for a bit of relaxation in what is affectionately known as "Hawaiian time." I brought along several CDs of classic Hawaiian music, including the super-mellow "slack key" guitar style (where the strings are tuned down to odd open tunings and played wither with a steel slide, or with complicated fingerpicking) as well as the older hot picking of the guitar and ukulele wizards of the 1920s and '30s, who brought Hawaiian music to vaudeville and made the style an international craze. This disc is an outstanding set of vintage Hawaiiania, ranging from languid slack key and trick guitar work to stellar examples of the distinctive "leo ki'eki'e" falsetto vocals (particularly a remarkable live performance by Genoa Keawe, who hits the heights of the style). This disc is thankfully slanted towards older material, and includes many giants of the island music scene: Gabby Pahinui, Ray Kane, Lena Machado, Sol Hoopii, Tau Moe and others. It's a great introduction to the music, and stacks up pretty well to other similar collections such as "TICKLING THE STRINGS" and "ON A COCONUT ISLAND" on other labels. Highly recommended... a perfect album for a drive by the beach or an afternoon at home.

These original tunes feel like Hawaii to me. Charged with energy and tradition, these songs will transport you not to a fake Tiki-filled hotel lounge, but to the mist-kissed mountains, and the rainy warmth of Hilo. I have listened to this CD many times in Hawaii, and am buying another to take me there on cold winter nights. Some of the songs combine Hawaiian and English, which I found a bit jarring. The words, thank goodness, are written in the CD liner in Hawaiian with the English translation, unlike most other Hawaiian CD's. This goes a long way to educating us haoles, and greatly enhanced my enjoyment.

Kekuhi is one of my favorites for several reasons: She takes risks in her music with refreshing and original results; she is wonderful at bringing together the ancient and the modern in her music; but more than anything, it's the sound of Kekuhi's voice that I love the most.

You can tell it's all about the music with Kekuhi...it feels as thought she's putting her heart into each song, breathing life into them. I don't know of anyone out there who sounds quite like her. Her voice and style are distinctively Hawaiian, to my ears. Kekuhi taps deep into the roots of classic Hawaiian musical styles and forms, infusing each song with what would be best described here as "Hawaiian soul." This album may reach back deeper than her others. I'm Hawaiian and I find that her music speaks directly to me and I never grow tired of listening to her.

Kekuhi Kanahele's first album, "Kekuhi," is Hawaiian music at its very best. If you ever get a chance to see this woman, and her husband/co-songwriter Kaipo Frias, perform, by all means do so. She is da' real kine! This album has incredible range of traditional songs, chants and more contemporary songs.

This is one of the best CD's available and I own nearly a thousand. Opetaia Foa'i who founded the group was born on Western Samoa from a Tokelauen father and Tuvaluen mother. He grew up in New Zealand speaking Tokelau the language he mostly records in. The band consists of Maori, Samoan, New Zealand and Cook Islanders and reflects the mix of cultural elements. You can hear contemporary instruments mixed in with traditional log drums and even chest beating, (at least I think I heard that).

As a high school teacher I have used this music for independent study time in lieu of other contemporary music which I also allow. Believe it or not I get repeated request to play this because it is so rhythmic and upbeat, this from 16 to 18 year olds in 2005 says something.

I highly recommend this and any other Te Vaka CD. Nice rhythms.

This cd isn't just a random collection of pretty tunes; it tells the story of the people of the island of Tokelau, and more generally, of all Pacific Islanders. Te Vaka means "the ship" and even if you aren't from the Pacific, you can imagine the importance of ships to people living on far-flung islands. In the first cut, "Tokelau" is not so much a song as setting a stage, as if you've landed on the island; first you hear the surf, then you hear the birdsong as you move inland, and finally you hear the sounds of an active village, with children laughing and people talking as they work. You're then treated to a joyful paean to "Te Namo," the lagoon, the focus of life on the island and the source of many happy childhood memories, sung by adults and children. "Papa E" is the story of the longing of a man who had to leave Tokelau to go make a living elsewhere. In "Tagi Sina" (goddess of the moon) you hear the love and utter heartbreak of a woman left behind when slavers came and took her family; in the 1900's these islands were decimated by slavers who were looking for people to work the mines of Peru. She is talking to the moon goddess, asking her to watch over her lost family and to bring them safely home. "Te Vaka" is a powerful rowing song; you feel like you're on an ocean-going canoe with the paddlers, and it's not a lazy little paddle on a lake, either; these guys are pros who are giving it their all on the deep blue sea. And for sheer happy silliness, "Ika Ika" is the song of a hungry man singing the praises of fish, knowing lunch is on the way.

This is a stunning cd, the like of which you will not see anywhere else. Full of heart and fire, grief and joy, this is the real deal, exquisitely performed and beautifully recorded, and very near my all-time favorite cd.

For anyone who loves Hawaiian music, Hawaii or the Hawaiian people, this is a must have. If you cannot take a vacation to Hawaii this is the best alternative. Save your money, don't go anywhere else - take a trip to the islands through her lovely hapa voice.

My wife and I are from Oah'u and had decided the cost of living too prohibitive - but Amy's voice makes us so homesick , we just might move back.

Mahalo Amy for your work.

I was in Kauai researching my newest novel and wanted to buy a Hawaiian album for mood setting while I write. The first notes I heard at Hilo Hatties nearly made me gasp. Amy's voice is unbelievably pure and mingles with the music in a way I've never heard. I bought it and listen to it constantly, even though I haven't started the new novel yet. I'm a new fan and want to buy all their music. Even if you don't normally listen to Hawaiian music, you'll love this album and the amazing blend of voice and music.

When Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom recorded this with then-boyfriend Willie K., it was her third album, her second as a Hawaiian artist. Her voice is so pure and beautiful, one might believe they died and went to heaven. This album is a mix of contemporary tunes and classic hulas, like the "KHBC" song. There's even a jazz-flavored track (going back to her jazz roots) with a nice piano solo from none other than Hawaiian music legend Robert Cazimero. If you're new to Hawaiian music, this is the perfect introduction. If you have Gilliom's other albums but not this, what are you waiting for?

When you're tired and weary after a long day, Raymond Kane will sooth your spirit with Hawaii's remedy for dry and busied hearts. In one way the songs are repetetive and often similar yet they bring a sense of timeless beauty directly to your spirit that longs for such things. That's because slack key operates at a far deeper and more satisfying level than a good deal of music. It has been inspired by hearts that were rooted in and moved by the timeless beauty and rhythms of the Hawaiian land and spirit. It is strange that such sublime things can be captured on a plastic disc. But there you go. This CD really will be the kind of music you can listen to all your life and never grow tired of it. As a student of one of Ray's students, I find it the most authentic, simple and profound style of slack key playing.

I talked to the slack-key guitarist Rev. Dennis Kamakahi after a concert once, and asked his advice on developing technique. His advice was to listen and learn from this album. And it's a great album to listen and learn from. Some (not me) may criticize it as old-fashioned or too folkish, and it certainly isn't like IZ-style pop. However, the guitar playing is unbelievably beautiful, gentle, and virtuosic, the deep-voiced singing compliments the music well without sounding too sweet, and the song selection is great. This was the first Hawaiian CD I ever bought, and I think it can be appreciated by somebody who isn't a fan or just doesn't know much about Hawaiian music.

Ray Kane's quitar music is what you hear when you enter heaven. This is some of the most peaceful and soulful music to come from the Islands. It is one of my favorite CDs ever. Enjoy.

Though Teresa Bright sings this entire album in Hawaiian, her style is closer to Hawaiian jazz and pop than to traditional Hawaiian music. Syncopation on many songs, combined with percussion--often conga, wood block, and drums--keep the style upbeat and the tempo moving, as Bright has fun with several finger-snapping, vampy songs, notably "Sadie" ("that little South Sea lady"), "Hawaiian Vamp," and "Kanaka Nui Hotel," which is reminiscent of "Sweet Georgia Brown."

Accompanied by a Who's Who of Hawaiian music, Bright has Mike Muldoon (part of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's band) on percussion, five-time Hoku Award-winner Del Beazley on acoustic guitar (and singing a wonderful duet with her on "Poliahu"), Gaylord Holomalia (with Makaha Sons, and also Iz) on synthesizer, and famed guitarist Cyril Pahinui on slack key guitar and 12-string guitar. Solos featuring Eddie Palama, Randy Bahr, and Kata Maduli abound throughout the album, including virtually every kind of guitar used in the islands. A surprising feature of this album is Mike Baker's flugelhorn solo on "E Mau" and Mike Lewis's "growly" valve trombone solo on "Sadie."

Bright's voice is mellow but remarkably clear, and her simple but highly polished accompaniments show it off to its best advantage. Easy to listen to and spirited enough that no listener will be in danger of nodding off, this CD is Hawaiian music at its most rhythmic best, old songs given new, exciting treatments for new audiences. Mary Whipple

Many polynesians are blessed with beautiful singing voices, as is my wife and mother in law, but few have enchanting voices like Teresa. Her voice can breathe new life into old songs and make them alive again. She has a unique ability to command one's attention, reminiscent of Kui Lee's great "The Days of My Youth".

I first heard Teresa's voice as back up to a song by the late Israel and thought to myself "I have to hear more". If you are busy and stressed and need a vacation, but can't afford the time, take a moment to ho'omanuwanui with this album. It will sooth you.

You will not find a more relaxing, female, contemporary, Hawaiian music singer around. If you like Hawaiian music then you should have this CD in your collection! I can put this CD on, close my eyes and be transported back to Maui in my "mind's eye". You won't be sorry you purchased this CD, if you do.

On this, Telek's second full length cd, the provactive singer with the "magic" for writing songs has produced one of the most remarkable pairings of "world" music and state of the art production made this year. Telek's voice alone mezmerizes and seduces. What moods can be found on this record. Starting off with the mysterious Midal. Continuing with the joyous chanting in Waitpela Gras and ending with the somber yet beautiful "Rirwon", Serious Tam will warm the soul. This review wouldn't be complete without mentioning the work of David Bridie. David has tried through the years to make Telek's amazing music available to the world. Now through the help of Gabriel's real world, the dream has been realized and all of us can reap the rewards. If you enjoy the more textural elements on Serious Tam, Mr. Bridie's own brillant solo album "Act of Free Choice" will also be sure to please.

When I first heard a cut from SERIOUS TAM, I told my wife that this is what the Beatles would have sounded like today had they been allowed to live and to evolve from the 1970's to the 2000's.

Curiously, the liner notes reveal that George Telek loves the music of the Beatles, and his initial stop when visiting England for the first time was at that famous Abbey Road crosshatch, where he had his photo snapped.

Each of the sixteen songs here has a hook, just as most of the Beatles' hits, and each builds a distinctive soundscape from its unique collection of instruments (including the impressive bass drumming of a pounded split log which reverbs like God's foot-taps into your living room!) and melodics, many of which involve the New Guinean snake-like weaving of a third voice among two fixed harmonies. The result is danceable, joyous, and the most compelling World Music I've heard this year.

The diversity of lyric experimentation on SERIOUS TAM makes it a CD which one can listen to again and again without getting bored, always finding a new layer while enjoying the already noticed ones.

Telek supposedly chewed betel nuts as a child, and the ensuing mystical experiences helped make him a mystical songsmith. Betel nuts or not, Telek is a superbly talented musician whose songs will bring you energy and joy. Highly recommended!

"Serious Tam" is yet another excellent offering from the Real World label. If you're looking for strictly "indigenous sound," search elsewhere. However, if you're keen on instruments and songs of the South Pacific augmented by washes of guitar and treated with studio effects, this is the album for you. George Telek effectively marries the traditional music of his native Papua New Guinea with Western pop influences. The result is surprisingly warm and earthy, and the rock trappings don't detract from the beautiful harmonies and interesting acoustic percussion that make Telek unique. This album is smartly-orchestrated global pop, in the proud tradition of albums like Geoffrey Oryema's "Beat the Border."

If you like military tunes and marches, this 2-CD is a good choice. The orchestration is good, it is well played and the quality of recording is good. If you like this kind of music, it is a good choice to buy.

I have the CD at home and the songs sound fabulous. I've heard the Houston Symphony's version of the Star Spangled Banner many times on TV as this anthem has been used at sign-off (when this was happening). It's as powerful a version you'll hear. Probably the finest patriotic music CD you can find out there.

Loved the CD! I am buying it to use with a Musical Freestyle Ride for a Quadrille. A horse oriented endeaver. The music will be perfect to bring positive patriotism to fairs and fund raisers for NYC.

Incomplete. What else can I say? This is a good mix, and a good cd, but the title is Islands. So, why not throw something a little more exotic into the mix? Cuba and Hawaii are predictable, but what about music from the Azores? What about the Madeira Islands? A little Luis Bettencourt, some Jose Medeiros, or Katia Guerreiro and this cd would have been a whole lot better!!!

"Danca ma mi Criola" is a bouncy love song."Me ki sa oule" is a lilting song of longing."Bomba traigo yo" is joyfully infectious.The BEST songs are "Falso Testemunho" from Cape Verde&"Veinte anos" from Cuba.Both these songs are about unrequited love&betrayal.For popular songs,they are moving."Sonegaly" is an enchanting song from Madagascar.Tarika hasn't been as good since."E I Taurua"&"Olinda Road" are magical songs from Tahiti&Hawaii.

D'Gary&Jihe from Madagascar as well as Quito Rymer from Tortola aren't quite so good.Interesting sidenote-Rymer's "Mix up world" is one of the themes for Putumayo's World Music Hour.Oh well.

This is still a good album."South Pacific Islands" is EVEN BETTER."Islands" has held up for a good 9 yrs since its release.No wonder it's still in print.How many pop albums last that long???

My whole family loves this CD. My 2 year old daughter dances up a storm and my 4 year old son puts on his jolly roger do-rag and swashbuckles about. A little mellower and less adventurous, musically, than similar compilations, but the quality is higher throughout.

The popularity of Amy Gilliom is an ongoing mystery to me. Apparently, she was classically trained and started off as a Country singer. She should have stayed that way.

She does have a strong voice with a fairly pretty tone. However, she hasn't a clue how to use her voice. She sings all over the place with little attention to expression and coherence.

Ms. Gilliom needs to learn that singing is not about flash and technique; it is about communicating from one heart to another--at least in this type of music:.

If all of the above seems harsh, I would suggest this: Compare Amy with

Willie K who sings on some of her albums. Note the difference in expressiveness between the two.

Raiatea Helm (a younger singer) who is a far superior singer to Amy.

Genoa Keawe (the legend) who is also way better than Amy.

Nalani Olds (an older singer) who sadly does not get a fraction of the recognition that she deserves.

When you compare you will hear the difference and, I think, agree that Amy just doesn't have it. At least not yet.

We have a fair-sized collection of Hawaiian music, and this is one album I come back to again and again. Concert recordings aren't usually favorites of mine, but the dialog and interaction on this one never fail to make me laugh. Plus, a lot of the songs are just very upbeat, with a great energy to them.

Having been at the SF part of this concert tour, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the recording. It captures all the spirit and talent of both Amy and Willie K plus the guest performers traveling with them. The musicians are on fire and just listening to the CD, you can hear the energy among all of them. The banter is real and refreshing. Amy's rendition of Autumn Leaves is breathtaking. I love her Hawaiian stuff, but I hope she'll do a CD of standards like this!