Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 14, Number 2, 1 February 1997 — "Hoʻokamahaʻo" a lei of Hawaiian musical expression [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

"Hoʻokamahaʻo" a lei of Hawaiian musical expression

by Deborah L. Ward

Editor's note: Ka Wai Ola o OHA is beginning regular music reviews of recordings released by Hawaiian entertainers. Starting next month, reviews will be done by Manu Boyd, a musician, kumu hula and chanter, composer and poet. With the recent release of its third recording, "Ho'okamaha'o," the musieal group Ho'okena builds upon its reputation for excellence in Hawaiian contemporary music. The vocal and musical talents of members William Aarona, Manu Boyd, Horace K. Dudoit III, and Glen Smith are beautifully expressed in this rich and varied eollection of twelve songs. Creative and evocative use of arrangements and sound effects add to the lei of musical enjoyment. Lyrics in Hawaiian with English translation expand the listener's appreciation of the songs' sentiments. The album begins with a mele about Waipi'o valley, "Ke Welina Mai Nei Ke Kini O Lalo", whieh is set beside a running stream with bird-

song. The sound of waves and 'ūlili give dynamic rhythm to "Kā i ka Hoe," by songwriters Irmgard Farden Aluli and Pilahi Pāki, whieh Ho'okena polishes with fine vocal harmony and guitarwork. Ho'okena demonstrates their mastery of the romantic ballad, with the soaring "Pāpahi Lei Ho'oheno, " and the tender "Nou, E Nani," a mele inoa for Nani Dudoit, wife of composer Horace Dudoit. "Ka Lei Aloha," eomposed by Manu Boyd, is a poetic mele aloha whieh stirs the affections with lyrics such as "'lke i ke ahi welo i nā pah, ho'owela mai nei i ka pu'uwai ... ku'u ipo ahi nō ia," ("I have witnessed the fire brands whieh tend to excite the heart ... such is my fiery sweetheart.") "'Ahulili," a traditional favorite "kolohe" song and hula, describes a woman who is a bit jealous, or "lih" because "no mist chooses to rest upon the mountain peak." Glen Smith is fea-

tured singer and his voice adds a nostalgic touch of Gabby Pahinui. Aloha nō, 'Ahulih. Closing the album is "Ka Nani Kamaha'o," a poem inspired by the "wondrous glory" of Akua. (It is a eompanion | song to "Ke Alaula," <j a moving and beauti- § ful song recorded by 5 the Mākaha Sons on m the album of the same name.) This composition by

Nāmahana Kalama Pānui, Louis "Moon" Kauakahi

and Boyd, exemplifies the artistry and inspiration of Hawaiian music. More, it illustrates the deeper meaning of Ho'okamaha'o," whieh is "to be or do something wonderful, to take on a new and more splendid form." Through its finely crafted, yet

homespun selections,

"Ho'okamaha'o" shows Ho'okena is continuing to develop as a group with sohd musical abilities, in touch with the treasured values of Hawaiian tradition.