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Friday, January 27, 2012
Aloha kākou!
Here’s this week’s question:
Dennis Kamakahi recently collaborated with another artist on a stunningly beautiful album called WAIMAKA HELELEI. What is the name of the other artist?
A. Stephen Inglis
B. Raiatea Helm
C. John Keawe
D. Robin Kneubuhl
• Please submit your answer by posting a reply to this entry on the blog.
• All correct answers will be eligible to win a special email message from me.
• One winner will be randomly chosen at 11:59pm HST.
Will YOU be this week’s lucky winner?
Good Luck!
Aloha Poʻalima! Happy Aloha Friday!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
 Looking up at some beautiful palm trees in Waikīkī (Oʻahu, HI 1.15.12) Aloha, gang!
Just over a week ago, I got back from an amazingly wonderful (and equally terrifying!) trip to Hawaiʻi.
It was the kind of experience I’ve heard folks refer to as a “game-changer.” I mean, it really turned my life upside down and made me take a long look at WHAT I’m doing and WHY I’m doing it.
I’ve been asked to share stories from the trip.
And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat down at my desk and started writing about some of the experiences—only to find myself at a complete and total loss for words.
Clearly, I’m still chewing on the memories and only beginning to digest them.
(And waaaaaay too much happened to just condense it into a single blog post! I don’t want to just throw a few quick details/anecdotes together. This trip was heavy and oh-so-good!)
So…
I’ve decided to write a series of posts to really honor the experience and take you there with me—trying to capture how it really happened.
Those stories will be posted here on the blog in the coming weeks! Stay tuned…
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In the meantime, I’m excited to share some links to the videos that have been posted from appearances I made while I was there.
A giant MAHALO to everyone who posted the videos! It’s so great to see those moments, again! (Note: I do not own any of these videos. They have been posted by the individuals/organizations.)
**Please click HERE to see an interview (with embedded VIDEO! Look toward the middle of the article) that I did for the Hawaii Vacation Blog (Hawaii-Aloha.com).
**Please click HERE to view just the video portion of that article.
**Please click HERE to a view spot that I did on KITV to promote the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi’s New Year’s ʻOhana Festival.
**Here are the links the performance that Andy Wang and I did on Pakele Live!
Part 1: HERE
Part 2: HERE
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Aloha kākou!
I always have my iPod with me. It’s my personal jukebox.
Living in New York City, I spend a lot of time traveling underground via subway–and those rides can be long and boring! But having a collection of great music with me at all times keeps me from losing my mind. I can escape to a tropical isle with the push of a button. Portable paradise!
Here are the TOP 5 SONGS from my iPod this week:
1. Pōhai Ke Aloha (Kawai Cockett’s recording on the album Beautiful Kauaʻi)
Ok. I’ve had this song (and Uncle Kawai’s recording of it!) on my TOP 5 before.
Wanna know why?
Because I love it! I mean I think Uncle Kawai’s version of this song (which is one of my all-time favorites) is outta this world!
Most often, I think this song is associated with a female singer. At least that’s been my experience. And the lyrics mention tears wetting the singer’s cheeks–and all too often, tears are associated with women instead of men. (*Crooner Note: Men cry, too!)
But when Uncle Kawai sings this song–wow… So tender and yet so masculine. So AWESOME.
*Sadly, Uncle Kawai passed away in 2006. Please click HERE to read more about this amazing man.
2. ʻAkaka Falls (Elodia Kāne’s recording on the album Tribute to Lena Machado)
This beloved Hawaiian classic, attributed to Helen Lindsay Parker, is a favorite. And Aunty Elodia’s recording is also a favorite.
Her voice has the clarity of a bell–the kind of voice I can imagine carrying through the air and being heard from a great distance. Never shrill. Always tender.
And I love that she includes an English language verse, too! It helps a listener who may be totally unfamiliar with the Hawaiian language by giving them an anchor–something they are familiar with.
Lovely from start to finish.
3. Kuʻu Kumu (Kaukahi’s recording on the album Life In These Islands)
Perhaps it’s because I’ve just gotten back from Molokai and spent some time with Pops, my kumu. When I listened to this song this week, it really struck a chord.
The song uses the word KUMU in two ways, both as a teacher and as the trunk of tree. The metaphor holds true–we learn from our teachers and we, as students, are branches of them and their knowledge.
Totally brought tears to my eyes… in the best way! (**Crooner note: Please see above–men cry, too!)
(*Crooner Note: I had the chance to see Kaukahi perform while I was on Oʻahu. They are just as good–and maybe even better–in person. Go see ‘em! Wow…)
*Please click HERE to visit Kaukahi’s website.
4. Pua Tuberose (Raiatea’s recording on the album Hawaiian Blossom)
An unforgettable ballad about an unforgettable flower.
The classic song, attributed to Kimo Kamana, speaks of the tuberose flower and its delicate fragrance. It’s not hard to infer that perhaps the kaona in this song is describing a beloved–an unforgettable love.
Raitea’s voice and the simple, almost understated accompaniment are a perfect combination for this lovely song. I can see a hula being danced to it when I close my eyes and listen…
*Please click HERE to visit Raiatea’s website.
5. Lei Nani (George Kahumoku, Jr. and Daniel Ho’s recording on the album Classic Hawaiian Hulas Vol. 3)
Oh! So good, this version!
A favorite hula to play and sing, I love how Uncle George Kahumoku sings this, with Daniel’s sparkling ʻukulele in the background, dancing around Uncle George’s masterful ki hoalu (slack key) stylings!
The song, attributed to Charles Nāmāhoe, is a lovely song of affection. And it’s a favorite of so many hula dancers. Musicians, this is good one to know!
*Please click HERE to visit the Uncle George’s website.
*Please click HERE to visit Daniel’s website.
What are YOU listening to? Drop me a line and let me know!
And, as always, a giant MAHALO to Puna and the gang at www.mele.com for being an awesome Hawaiian music resource. You all make the world a better place! I’m DEFINITELY thankful for that!
**Wanna be the first to know when Crooner News/Updates are posted? You can subscribe by clicking HERE!**
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
A lot of folks find it hard to believe that I carry my ‘ukulele with me all the time. But you never know when you might feel like strumming! And as Pops is always quick to advise: E ho’omākaukau. Be prepared. Ah… the life of an urban strummer! (Do you like the ʻukulele in the photo? Check out www.kamakahawaii.com for some … Click here to read more…
Monday, January 23, 2012
Aloha, gang! It’s time for some book club news! Over the holidays, I talked with some folks about book clubs that are successful. I looked at how we had structured it–reading one book per month. And I think it’s time to revamp the structure. We’ll read 4 books a year. One book per quarter. That … Click here to read more…
Friday, January 20, 2012
Aloha kākou! Here’s this week’s question: In 1982, a new (and legendary!) member joined the Hawaiian musical group, Olomana. She is a true Hawaiian renaissance woman and a multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning musician. What is her name? A. Amy Hānaialii Gilliom B. Genoa Keawe C. Raiatea Helm D. Haunani Apoliona • Please submit … Click here to read more…
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