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As music becomes more synthesized, reggae-filled, rap-filled and homogenized, with more and more mainland pop and country
cover tunes being worked over by local bands and singers, there fortunately are those artists who provide relief from this
progression by digging deeper into their roots, to bring us the fruits of composition, and styles which we would otherwise
never be fortunate enough to savor.
Island Classics is the follow up CD to the Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning
Hymns of Hawaii, a collection of Hawaii’s most famous hymns sung in Hawaiian, from
noted islander George Kahumoku Jr. and transplanted islander
Daniel Ho. This time around, the dynamic duo brings forth traditional
island treasures in ways only they could present them with George singing and playing 12-string while Daniel accompanies on
‘ukulele.
I’ll Remember You was written by Kui Lee at the
height of his career. The song is an expression of his feelings for his large family that he was going to leave behind.
The Hukilau Song comes from Lai‘e, where the
Mormon church members would hold huge fishing gatherings as a show for the tourists in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Akaka Falls
is another classic treasure. George lived near Akaka Falls in Hilo for 10 years and the song brings forth many memories from
yesteryears. |
