New CD Release

HULA! HULA! HULA! - A New Release by Kawai Cockett
Teacher, Chanter & Hoku Award-Winning Singer/Musician

Honolulu, Hawaii, December, 2000... You love REAL Hawaiian music? Then you know the happy voice of Kawai Cockett - or you should. You can recognize it from the first note, and he'll make you smile and keep you smiling. It is an irresistible invitation to get up and hula, hula, hula!

Kawai grew up believing Hawaiian music is for fun. And even after decades of performing professionally, he still thinks so. So will you.  Most on the songs on this recording are hula favorites, or forgotten favorites - with a few that will be new favorites in the old tradition. You'll want to get up and hula with Kawai Cockett!

Na Limahana · The Firemen's Huka · Na Moku Kaulana
Nani Wale Ku`u Ike · Ku`u Lei Onaona · Hili Hamale
The Cowboy Hula · Koa`e · Maka · `Alohilohi Lae Lae · No Tutu
Kaulana Kaua`i

RealAudio Sample: Kaulana Kaua`i

Compact Disc - CDHS-614
$15.95 each

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Distributed Exclusively by Kona-Kai Distributing Company

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New Release Commemorates
Historic Moana Hotel's 100th Anniversary

Memories of Hawaii Calls, Volume II

Honolulu, Hawaii, December, 2000... Hawaii Calls presents... Memories of Hawaii Calls, Volume II, the seventh offering from our Hawaii Calls Collection that features the world famous Hawaii Calls orchestra & chorus. The radio show, which broadcast around the world, was born in 1935 and made its home under the spreading branches of the Moana Hotel's famous banyan tree on the beach at Waikiki. The show was hosted by radio pioneer Webley Edwards and over its 30-year run was heard by millions - many of whom journeyed to the islands they'd heard so much about and whose music they'd come to love.  Enjoy this nostalgic recreation of a live radio show which features the actual cast members.*  Liner notes by Honolulu Advertiser columnist Bob Krauss.

• Introduction (Webley Edwards)
• My Little Grass Shack (James Kaopuiki)
• Blue Hawai`i (Haunani Kahalewai)
• Sands of Waikiki (Kalani Kinimaka)
• One Paddle, Two Paddle (Pua Almeida)
• Ports of Paradise (Hawaii Calls Chorus)
• Tiny Bubbles (Pua Almeida)
• Medley: Hawai`i Calls Aloha & Sweet Leilani (Nina Kealiiwahamana; Alvin Kalanikau on steel guitar)
• The Hawaiian War Chant (Sol Kamahele)
• Keep Your Eyes On The Hands (Kalani Kinimaka)
• Vana Vana (John Kamana)
• South Sea Island Magic (Kailani Kinimaka)
• My Wahine And Me (Kaipo Miller)
• Farewell (Haunani Kahalewai)
• Aloha ‘Oe (the Hawaii Calls Chorus)

RealAudio Sample: Sands of Waikiki

Compact Disc - CDHCS-930
$15.95 each

Qty:

Distributed Exclusively by Kona-Kai Distributing Company

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New CD Release

"Paddle To The Rising Sun"
Marks Third Release By Hoku Award-Winning Duo!

Honolulu, Hawai`i, December, 2000 . . . "Damien Farden and Tau Greig celebrate, in song, the gifts of Hawaiian living: early morning paddles, bountiful Hawaiian feasts, cherished people and places, and intimate moments of fond memory.  Their melodies weave a pleasurable mood that embraces countless emotions, embellished upon by their talented friends: Frances Ho`okano, Bryan Tolentino, Greg Sardinha, John Porlas, "Baba" Alimoot, Dwight Kanae, and Tony Ho.  The elegant simplicity of `Elua Kane awaits all who carry Hawai`i in their hearts."

Tau and Damien have been serenading audiences from here to Europe, Asia, and the mainland for almost 13 years.  The two are well-known for their large repertoire of hapa haole songs dating back to the 30's and 40's, but they also enjoy performing contemporary Hawaiian compositions like the Rev. Dennis Kamakahi's popular "E Hihiwai" and Jay Larrin's classic "The Snows of Mauna Kea."  They are also becoming known as songwriters in their own right.  Damien's first attempt at writing won the duo a Single of the Year award for their recording of "Ukulele Boy."  On this CD they debut three songs by Tau Greig.

Paddle to the Rising Sun ~ On a Coconut Island ~ Ho`i Mai Huli Ho`i Mai ~ Medley: Panini Puakea & Green Rose ~ The Morning Sunrise ~ Maybe ~ The Snows of Mauna Kea ~ Halekulani ~ Pipi Kaula ~ E Hihiwai ~ Down By the Shack By the Sea ~ Aloha `Oe A Hui Hou

RealAudio Sample: On A Coconut Island

Compact Disc - CDHS-612
$15.95 each

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Distributed Exclusively by Kona-Kai Distributing Company

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New CD Release!
New Age Music From the Hawaiian Islands

Maui Morning ~ Riley Lee & Jeff Peterson

Honolulu, Hawai`i, December, 2000 . . . Hula Records International is pleased to announce the release of "MAUI MORNING" a unique instrumental recording featuring world-renowned shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) master, Riley Lee (of Hawai`i and Australia) and Maui born Jeff Peterson, who, as a youth, learned to play slack key guitar from the paniolo at Haleakala Ranch.  Lee is a seasoned recording artist with some 40 albums under his belt, while Peterson, who has studied with some of the world's best classical and jazz guitarists, and is himself a music teacher, is a newcomer to the recording world.

Never before has there been such a recording!  The shakuhachi has not been used in either traditional or contemporary Hawaiian music ensembles.  No "standard" repertoire of duets exists for the shakuhachi and guitar.  Together Lee and Peterson assembled a collection of favorite Island melodies and set about making beautiful music together.  Here are 7 Hawaiian classics that span the generations, an original title track composed by Jeff Peterson, and a version of the ever-popular "Hawaiian Wedding Song," that is appropriate for use in wedding ceremonies.

Maui Morning ~ Ku`u Home O Kahalu`u ~ Pua Lililehua ~ Honolulu City Lights
Lei Pikake ~ Mauna Loa ~ Pupu Hinuhinu ~ Kawika ~ Lei Nani ~ Morning Dew
Pua Tubarose ~ Hawaiian Wedding Song

RealAudio Sample: Honolulu City Lights

Compact Disc - HRI-1013
$15.95 each

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Distributed Exclusively by Kona-Kai Distributing Company

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Hawaii Calls Presents Music from The Land Of Aloha
with the orchestra and chorus of the world famous Hawaii Calls show

Available for the first time on compact disc!

Hawaii Calls is proud to present music from The Land Of Aloha, the latest release from our music series - the Hawaii Calls Collection.  Originally released on vinyl in 1981, the recording was created especially for those who have been visitors to our shores, and for those who hope someday to do so.  Here is a collection of songs that have been requested time and time again by visitors from all over the world.  These mainly hapa haole songs are performed by the stars of the long-running Hawaii Calls radio show, backed by the world famous Hawaii Calls orchestra and chorus.

Beyond the Rainbow (Palani Vaughan) ~ The Wonderful World of Aloha (Nina Kealiiwahamana) ~ Harbour Lights (Jules Ah See) ~ Ports of Paradise (Boyce Rodrigues & Nina Kealiiwahamana) ~ South Sea Island Magic (Alex McAngus) ~ The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Nina Kealiiwahamana & Boyce Rodrigues) ~ Moonlight in Kalua (Alfred Apaka) ~ My Isle of Golden Dreams (Nina Kealiiwahamana) ~ Drifting and Dreaming (Jules Ah See) ~ The Moon of Manakoora (Kalani Kinimaka) ~ Moonlight and Shadows (Palani Vaughan & Nina Kealiiwahamana) ~ Beyond the Reef (Kalani Kinimaka) ~ Blue Hawai`i (Haunani Kahalewai)

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NEW CD RELEASE!

Aloha Festivals Hawaiian Falsetto Contest Winners

Hawaiians place a very high value on falsetto singing (leo ki`e ki`e). Predominantly sung by men, magnificent musical notes are reached in the highest registers of their voices. Each singer has his own distinctive style. Slack key (ki ho `alu) and steel guitar are notable musical extensions of falsetto singing, instrumentally imitating the falsetto voice. All three are unique Hawaiian, celebrated and enjoyed by both locals and visitors.

The Aloha Festivals Clyde “Kindy” Sproat Storytelling and Falsetto Singing Contest and the Frank B. Shaner Hawaiian Falsetto Contest are annual musical highlights in our state. The winners receive a prized recording contract from Hula Records. Yet each gifted performer who makes it to the stage is already a winner in their mastery of the falsetto style.

As our makana aloha (gift of love) to you in honor of this year's Aloha Festivals, we present this compilation by some of the contests’ finest participants. This CD brings you classic renditions of beloved songs, which are part of the fabric of Hawaii's celebrations.

Sit back and relax. Imagine the gifts of Hawaii: sweet fragrance of He Makana o Na Lei Nani (the gift of beautiful leis), the beauty of a Hawaiian sunset, the gentle softness of the hula, and enjoy this offering of Hawaiian Falsetto treasures.

Playlist:
1. I Ali`i No `Oe - Performed by Chauncy Bermodez
2. Honaunau Paka - Performed by Kamakele "Bula" Ka`iliwai
3. Nani Kaua`i - Performed by Stan Priddy
4. Nani Hanalei - Performed by Saichi Kawahara
5. He Punahele - Performed by William "Billy" Gilman
6. Hula O Makee - Performed by Kamakele "Bula" Ka`iliwai
7. Kamalani O Keaukaha - Performed by Kichizo Matsutani
8. My Lovely Flower - Performed by Stan Priddy
9. Kui Tree - Performed by Kichizo Matsutani
10. Pauoa Likop Ka Lehua -  Performed by Chauncy Bermodez
11. Hoe Hoe Na Wa`a - Performed by Saichi Kawahara, Vern Fernandez, Vince Fernandez
12. Hawaiian Wedding Song  Performed by - William "Billy" Gilman, William "Baba" Alimoot

RealAudio Sample: Nani Hanalei

Compact Disc - CDHS-613
$15.95 each

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NEW CD RELEASE!

As on their previous two albums, Hawaii Music Award winners Greg and Junko MacDonald work their magic on Caribbean steel drums, nicknamed pans. They are joined by special guests Cecilio Rodriguez (Mexico) on acoustic guitar; Patrick Boe on tres and acoustic guitar; and Pablo Mundo (Brazil) on flute and trumpet. Award-winning recording engineer Pierre Grill (France) doubles as a band member, playing piano and accordion. The blend of international instrumentation they create is part of their signature sound -- Island Music that could just as easily be called World Music.

The fourteen songs on the album fall into 3 categories: 1). SLOW AND ROMANTIC -- “Spanish Eyes,” “La Paloma,” “Vaya Con Dios”, 2). LIVELY - “Quando,” “Brazil” “Mack The Knife,” “Mambo”, 3). PLAYFUL - ‘Never On Sunday,” “Tijuana Taxi” / “Peanut Vendor".  Each is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

In the last couple of years the MacDonald’s have opened for Harry Belafonte and Julio Iglesias, and appeared on the Home Shopping Network where they set a new sales record! Their out of state performances have taken them to Scottsdale and Sedona, Arizona, Los Angeles (to perform at the Universal Hilton Hotel), and recently to Tokyo and Yokohama. In 1999, the MacDonalds won the Hawaii Music Award for Best World Music Album/Artists for their second CD, Banana Boat Rider.

OTHER SONGS ON PAN-A-CABANA:

"Guantanamera" ~ "Girl From Ipanema" ~ "Save The Last Dance For Me" ~ "Shaka Senora” ~ "Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White” ~ "St. Thomas"

Distributed Exclusively by Kona-Kai Distributing Co.

RealAudio Sample: Mack The Knife

Compact Disc - GMM2000
$15.95 each

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NEW RELEASE!

The New Voyage ~ Island Riddim Band

The Island Riddim Band gets its inspiration from having grown up in the Hawaiian Islands.  From traditional slack-key styling to contemporary Hawaiian music, to Reggae and Jawaiian -- Island Riddim had developed their own unique sound.  For nearly fourteen years, these keiki o ka `aina have been spreading Hawaiian music around California's Bay Area, performing with the Makaha Sons, Ka`au Crater Boys, Robi Kahakalau, Kalapana, Hapa, Willie K. and more.

In The New Voyage, their debut release, you'll hear the familiar sounds of island musicians like George Kuo, Bailey Matsuda, Kit Ebersbach, Bobby Ingano, Steve Jones and Bryan Kessler.  But more importantly, you'll hear fresh, heartfelt delivery and lush vocal treatments from a versatile group of "mainland transplants" who truly value their Island Roots, and who, in their own way, are helping to perpetuate Island riddims and Island ways...

RealAudio Sample: Island Woman

Compact Disc - IRB-001
$15.95 each

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RE-RELEASE!

Without Tears/Waimaka`ole ~ Joanie Komatsu

With "Without Tears/Waimaka`ole,"Joanie Komatsu establishes herself as a diligent, prolific proponent of Island music.

This disc matches -- no, surpasses -- the high standards she set for herself with 1989's "Moon over Manoa."  ...She's worthy of a Hoku for this one.

Joanie's peers voted "Without Tears/Waimaka`ole" a 1995 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards finalist in two categories -- "Best Female Vocalist" and "Best Liner Notes."  True to its title, her disc features a variety of uplifting island-themed songs: 4 Hawaiian, 2 ballads, 1 reggae, 2 instrumentals, and 3 with fold-based rhythms.  All 12 songs honor our island culture, legends, places, love and beauty.  Nine of the songs are Joanie's original compositions.  Some are arranged fully and performed with contemporary island flair by Ken Makuakane, Daniel Ho and Kit Ebersbach; other songs are rendered acoustically by Joanie herself.

Guest artists performing with Joanie also include Hawaiian slack-key guitar masters Sonny Chillingworth, Ozzie Kotani, Keola Beamer, Del Beazley, and a guitar performance by pianist and ki ho`alu patron George Winston.  Cover art is by photographer Kim Taylor Reese, and a 16-page booklet with song lyrics, translations, composer's notes and photos accompanies the CD.

RealAudio Sample: Sail the Hokule`a

Compact Disc - LPPCD-1004
$15.95 each

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NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT!

The sounds you'll hear, like the pictures included in the CD booklet, evoke a story more engrossing than any fictionalized tale could ever be.  The words and the pictures are part of our American heritage, a segment of our country's history that should be known and remembered by citizens of all ages.

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NEW RELEASE!

SHAKAPELLA

Hapa's Barry Flanagan praises their "rich, vibrant vocal sounds and arrangements;" Carol Kai says she highly recommends them; Glen Medeiros calls them "a great vocal band with local flavor!" 

Who are they?  They're SHAKAPELLA -- an a cappella group consisting of lead tenor (Eddie Lactaoen), high tenor (George Nihei, Jr.), tenor (Scott Turnbull), baritone (Bruce Wee), bass (Roger Kurt) and human beat box (Andrew "chill" Bulatao).  "Chill's" phat beats and cool sound effects make them a shaka, a cappella group like you've never heard before!  As the cover of their self-titled debut CD points out:  "All sounds heard on this compact disc were created by the voices and body parts of SHAKAPELLA.  No musical instruments were used or harmed during the recording of this project."  Singing in close five-part harmony, a parody of "California Girls," (made famous by the Beach Boys) and tunes made popular by Michael Jackson, N-Sync, John Fogerty, and local boy Darrell Labrato.  And they do it with pizazz!  Hear for yourself why there's a buzz in town about Hawaii's premier a cappella group, SHAKAPELLA.