Search - Ozzie Kotani :: To Honor a Queen: Music of Lili'Uokalani

Ozzie Kotani
To Honor a Queen: Music of Lili'Uokalani
Genres: International Music, New Age, Pop

Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
1. He Ai No Kalani
2. Pauahi O Kalani
3. Moanalua
4. Ka 'Oiwa Nani
5. Penei No (Keolaolani)
6. Lilikoi
7. Medley: Pauoakalani/Ku'u Pua O Pauoakalani
8. Ahe Lau Makani
9. Ka Hanu O Evalina
10. Puna Paia 'A'ala
11. Ka Wai Apo Lani
12. Aloha 'Oe
13. Queen's Prayer

CD Details

All Artists: Ozzie Kotani
Title: To Honor a Queen: Music of Lili'Uokalani
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Windham Hill Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2001
Re-Release Date: 1/8/2002
Genres: International Music, New Age, Pop
Styles: Pacific Islands, Hawaii, Instrumental
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 080223801820

Synopsis

Amazon.com

Hawaii's Queen Lili'uokalani was also a prodigious composer, penning more than 150 songs that attempted to capture the essence of her kingdom during her lifetime. So it's only apt that master player Ozzie Kotani should interpret some of her work instrumentally through the national slack-key guitar style. Even without words, the pieces turn out to be rich and full, whether the bell-like tones of "Moanalua" or the beauty of "Aloha 'Oe," a song forever associated with Hawaii and here given an interesting treatment by Kotani, who slows the pace to that of a languid Pacific sunset. Lili'uokalani obviously loved melody, and in Kotani, she has a sympathetic champion who plays her work with thought and adoration. George Winston's crystalline production adds wonderful depth, and the entire album is a refreshing, even spiritual experience. --Chris Nickson

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CD Reviews

Great concept for an album...

Into | everywhereandnowhere | 03/25/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"...I wish I liked it more. Yes, these pieces are lovingly portrayed by Ozzie Kotani--perhaps even a little too lovingly, as there is very little variation in tempo from one piece to another. Don't get me wrong, I love the dreamy quality of slack key guitar, but this set was a little too sleepy for me. Ozzie Kotani's tempo scheme is even more puzzling considering that he starts with a sprightly rendition on the track one, then after that, the pacing starts to make the rest of the album sound a little "samey," some pieces sounding more like classical guitar than slack key (and I like classical guitar, it's just not what I expect to be reminded of when I buy a slack key album).Giving just a few more of the pieces a little more up-tempo interpretation would have made the disc something I'd want to return to a little more frequently. The collection is capped by a reading of the famous "Aloha Oe" that was so slow I didn't even recognize the main melody the first time around. One can understand the performer wanting to give this ubiquitous tune a little more unconventional interpretation, but he caresses it so much, it comes across a little too languorous, imo. If you have other volumes in Dancing Cat/Windham Hill's slack key series, including the first slack key masters sampler, this doesn't really add much to your collection, esp. considering that some of the more well-known pieces have been recorded by other performers elsewhere in the series. A nice set, for a lullaby CD, but I hope somebody else records these pieces again at some point, and uses a little more varied approach."

Dream music from a dream composer in a dream Island.

FRANCOIS P BOLLE | South Australia | 10/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My first encounter with Hawaiian slack guitar, it took me only one tune to have me hooked. The tunes are simple yet flow like a limpid stream from this Hawaiian virtuoso. This is pure, gentle and colourful music. You will enjoy it!"

The ambience of the islands in your own space...

C. Griffin | 03/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ozzie Kotani is a musical master. This is one of the most calming, soothing, inspirational compilations I have ever heard! It truly does honor the beautiful music of Hawaii's beloved queen, but with a newer sound. I do believe she would have loved it!"