Hawaiian Style Sounds
Hawaiian music has not received much recognition as a well-defined category in music circles anywhere but in Hawai'i. Yet, people everywhere know the slow and softly strummed sound of steel guitar and ukelele. Today, there is so much variation in Hawaiian music that it may seem to belong to larger categories like pop, country, rock or even no category at all. True enough.
Those of us who enjoy the music have learned to recognize the timeless rhythms of the musical palm trees swaying in the tradewinds or the bone pounding surf of Waimea. We hear melodies and harmonies created from the twinkling eyes and smiles of the people. Contemporary Hawaiian music is about to take its rightful place in the mainstream of world music.
The following short list contains some of the best contemporary Hawaiian music. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but it will certainly provide you a foot tappin' feel for the essentially joyful island sound. All recordings are "CD". Please, give a listen.
Beamer Brothers: the best of
The brothers have been part of the contemporary, popular island music scene for about 25 years and have contributed much to its development.
Keola Beamer: Wooden Boat
A mature artist sings and plays in a very gentle way, lots of "slack key" sounds.
Cazimero Brothers: the best of
Another brother duo whose harmonious voices and musicianship have delighted island residents for many years. They fuse many styles into their music and are known worldwide for their sound.
Cecilio and Kapono: Goodtimes Together
This is another dynamic duo, arguably the most popular longtime pop/rock band in the islands. Their upbeat sound continues to influence the new musicians.
Country Comfort: the best of
This group is no longer together, but the music is a classic and loved by many. The music reflects a longing for a better simpler life and political justice for the Hawaiian people in particular.
Hapa: Hapa
These two master musicians won 95's Na Hoku Hanohano Award for CD of the year (our local awards) with this their first release. Their sophisticated guitars and singing reflect a well traveled style and love of Hawai'i. If you are not sure what to buy, get this one.
Hawai'i Calls: Greatest Hits
The music consists of many famous songs sung long before Hawai'i became the 50th state. The songs are simple, innocent and pure.
Hawaiian Style Band: Let's Talk Story
The music features the voice of Roby Kahakalau, the best known new female vocalist in the islands. This relatively new group captured the imagination of local people with their very popular contemporary Hawaiian sound.
Ka'au Crater Boys: Tropical Hawaiian Day
You have never heard solo ukelele melody played with power and grace until you hear Troy Fernandez. These folks are probably the most listened to pop group in Hawaii. They effectively combine some American rock/pop classics into their own unique style.
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole: Facing Future
The Hawaiian voice at its sweetest combines with virtuoso ukelele. Israel has become the most appreciated island musician of the last few years.
Raymond Kane: Punahele
This gentleman has been a "slack key" guitarist for most of the 20th century. Slack Key is a particular tuning and style unique to Hawai'i, influenced by the spanish who introduced guitar to the islands. You will immediately recognize THE sound. No one plays slack key any better than this master guitarist. If you must choose one CD and have high regard for a pure unencumbered style, get this.
Olomana: Through the years
One of the finest groups around. They combine voices and music in a variety of contemporary sounds, very cool.
Vintage Hawaiian Music: Steel Guitar Masters 1928-1934
Are you experienced enough to appreciate the old music? The slow paced timeless sounds of these musicians will remind you of the good old days, which may have existed fleetingly and only in the minds of the elite.
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