Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 11, 1 Nowemapa 2005 — HawaiʻiʻsCanaryʻ sings again [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HawaiʻiʻsCanaryʻ sings again

(JiJcJu-/CJL U £ By Manu Buyd Public lnfū rmatiūn Director

The ineomparable voice of Linda Dela Cruz is back, digitally remastered and

restored, and available now on compact disc. With 23 tracks generously offered up, you're in for a good hour of hey-day hits, all-time classics and rarely heard gems. Produced by Harry B. Soria Ir., the "alhino hlalah" host of Territorial Airwaves, the longstanding Sunday afternoon radio show on KINE 105.1, Hawai'i's Canary reflects moods, emotions and sounds of a bygone era, when Waikīkl was loaded with authentic Hawaiian entertainment. This CD is an excellent tool reminding post-territory generations of who we are and where we eome from. It is Hawaiian in every way.

Born Lilian Leialoha Keawe'ehu, "Linda" showed talent at a tender age and was strongly influenced by early recordings of Lena Machado, the legendary composer/singer who created such hits as "U'ilani," "Mai Lohilohi Mai 'Oe" and "None Hula." Linda's unique style developed over time, covering broad vocal techniques from guttural chant inlluenee, to clear soprano, to the ha'iha'i style of female falsetto. Her arrangements are filled with personality, and eaeh perfonnance is dynamic. Aside from solo vocal performances, this eolleehon presents The Halekūlani Girls, Dela Cruz's legendary trio that also included Aliee Fredlund and Sybil Andrews. hnpeeeahle vocals, clear 'ōlelo Hawai'i and energetic yet nahenahe sounds are what that ensemble is remembered for. Just a few of the hot spots where Dela Cruz and friends' music could be enjoyed include The House Without a Key at the Halekūlani, the Kāhala Hihon and the Outrigger Blue Dolphin Room.

The CD's liner notes offer a detailed, colorful glimpse into Hawaiian music history. Jam-packed with information, the CD insert is invaluable for a better understanding of not only Hawaiian music, but tidbits of Hawaiian history through family connections, lifestyles, music venues, composers, performers and mueh more. Photos in the insert feature The Halekūlani Girls, Pauline Kekahuna, Leinā'ala Ignacio (Simerson) and 'Ihilani Silva (Miller). Miller's lilting "Kūhiō Beach" and "Pakalana" are among selections on the CD and remain popular today. "Ke 'Ala o ka Rose," by Ni'ihau cowboy Danny Ka'ōpio, is synonymous with Dela Cruz. So, too, is "Come My House" - the spoof on loeal ethnic stereotypes that today might not be "PC." It's a fun-poking tune, nevertheless, that many of us grew up with. "Ka 'Ano 'i" by Johnny Ahneida's stepfather, Kameaaloha, was Tropical Records' biggest hit, and pulsates with percussive accompaniment (guitar "pa'i") by Ahneida himself - the blind musician hailed as the

"dean of Hawaiian Music." "Baby 'Ōpu'ulani" has a difficult, catchy melody that Dela Cruz perfonns with ease. Momi Jones' "Kui Tree" is for the Kāne'ohe reservoir where kukui trees were onee abundant. The dam diverted water to Wahiawā to support the growing military population at Llhu'e (Schofield) after World War I. More recently recorded by the Mākaha Sons - the song recalls the windward spot where

lovers would seclude themselves amidst the "kui" (kukui) trees erroneously identified by a visiting engineer. Having eome from Honolulu to Papakōlea to Waikīkī,

Dela Cruz currently . resides in Pana'ewa in Hilo. Although her musical life has given way to coimnunity leadership, politics and activism, Dela Cruz eontinues to eontribute to the well-beins

of Hawai'i. Retired from musical entertainment, Dela Cruz will on occasion grab her 'ukulele and treat you to just a bit of her onee larger-than-life career. S Editor's note: Known as "Hawai'i's canary" during her 40-year career as an entertainer, Linda Keawe'ehu Dela Cruz, is now the Hawai'i island trusteefor the Offtce of Hawaiian Ajfairs.

— MELE 'AILANA • ISLAND MUSIC SCENE