"Unique Lei of Hawaiian Fragrances"
Kenneth S. Fujii | Fresno, CA | 10/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After more than 20 years, "Makalapua `Oe" remains a unique lei of Hawaiian fragrances. I first listened to the demo LP at Honolulu's Ala Moana Center in 1984, with a Hawaiian vocabulary (dis not pidgin, brah!) equal to any tourist going to his (or her) first luau - as the recording painted frescoes of celestial choruses of cherubim in Aloha shirts strumming ukuleles. My initial impression has returned to earth, but with an ongoing respect and appreciation of Hawaiian traditions.
All tracks of the CD are winners, with accompanying liner notes translating Hawaiian to English. Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett receives glorious choral support from Haunani Apoliona (who, as vocalist, director and arranger, is a superstar deserving of equal billing) and members of the hula school, Kuhai Halau O Kawaikapuokalani Pa `Olapa Kahiko, accompanied by very able instrumentalists. Musical arrangements of simple beauty -- embracing traditional Hawaiian styles, including choral response -- separate this work from others.
Kawaikapuokalani's songs cover a range of native Hawaiian subject matter; but my favorites are the sprightly, festive "Ku'u Lei Pua Kukui" and "Hawai'i Moku O Keawe" (tracks 4 and 7, about the islands of Molokai and Hawaii, respectively). And I continue to enjoy "Wai Hinano" (track 6) for its musical arrangement - not necessarily its erotic passages, maybe more appropriate for mature adults. My understanding -- not the liner notes -- of the Hawaiian verse describes the meeting of two lovers.
I sit here eager for your return, my love --
My heart is not patient,
As strong desire stirs emotions deep within me.
I hear your voice calling - it is difficult to wait.
You move closer, until we two become as one,
Rejoicing in ecstasy -
Warmed and wetted by Hinano rains,
To sustain our union forever.
Makalapua `Oe won a Na Hoku Award (Hawaiian Grammy) in 1984 for Best Traditional Hawaiian Album; and although I have not purchased CDs by Kawaikapuokalani since then, his work continues to be recognized and favored with awards.
"
Enchanting
Michael Holau | Sacramento, CA United States | 06/09/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Frank Hewett has been able to express his enthusiasm for his heritage and captures the enchantment of Hawaii in "Malakapua 'Oe." It is a wonderful collection of Hawaiian songs with an added contemporary style of his own. Frank Hewett has a wonderful command of the Hawaiian language. Any collector of music from the Islands would indeed wish to add this CD to their collection!"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1