Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 2, 1 February 1986 — Record Review [ARTICLE]

Record Review

Na Mele Hali'a Aloha Hokulani and Her Na Leo Ola o Punahele Kahuna Records When Panini Records first released "Gabby" some years ago, many people thought the album wouldn't make a go in sales. The brown colored album "Gabby" is now considered to be a "classic" and probably the best Gabby Pahinui recording. In a way it signaled a revival of old songs and styles to a new generation of Hawaiian music fans. Na Mele Hali'a Aloha may just do the same for Aunty Hokulani (a.k.a. Sandy Hall to oldtimers). Her latest recording on Kahuna Records is a revival of songs from the Lena Machado era of Hawaiian music. At a time when traditional Hawaiian music no longer sounds like traditional Hawaiian music, Na Mele Hali'a Aloha is a refreshing sound just as "Gabby" was. Aunty Hokulani's vocal lead brings out the best in the ho'aeae kind of singing style whieh Lena Machado was best known for. However, Aunty Hokulani's style is her own and the harmonies and instrumental arrangements reflect this. They have a "backyard" sound but are a bit more refined to a more hula tempo. In fact this album may be well used by hula groups because of this tempo, just as were many Hula label records. Songs on the album are Nani Kauai, Ua nani o Nuuanu, Kuu Aina Hanau, Lai Mana, Ke Ala ka'u i honi, Mai Lohi lohi mai oe, E ku'u lei, Wai ulu, Kula Mana, Goodnight Leilani E, Kalalea (Anahola) and Kuu Lei Lilia. Probably the most ili okala (ehieken skin) song on this album is Mai Lohi lohi mai oe whieh sounds at first hearing as it was a re-release of Lena Machado's own recording. But the voice is Wendall Punahele's and his inflections and style are an uncanny resemblance to Hawai'i's song bird. If you haven't bought a Hawaiian album in a long time because they don't sound like they used to, then here is one to invest in. MNC