Facing Future

Description

Iz’s breezy Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World medley
brought legions of new fans to this 1993 album when it appeared on several TV
and film soundtracks years later. His second solo album also features Kuhio
Bay; Ka Huila Wai ; his take on Take Me Home, Country Roads , and more!
To gauge the magnitude of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s popularity in his
native Hawaii, consider this: following his death in 1997 (at age 38,
attributed to his profound obesity), Kamakawiwo’ole’s body lay in state in the
state capitol, only the second person to receive such an honor.
Kamakawiwo’ole’s appeal lies in his love for prestatehood, precondominium
Hawaii and the expressiveness of his gently passionate voice, which can float
through higher registers with an ease that brings Johnny Mathis to mind.
Several selections (“Ka Pua U’i,” “White Sandy Beach of Hawai’i,” the sun-
kissed “La ‘Elima”) feature Kamakawiwo’ole in a traditional mood, using only
his ukulele to adorn the charm of his native lyricism. Others, such as the
Jimmy Buffett-like “Maui Hawaiian Sup’pa Man” add playful contemporary touches
that suit Kamakawiwo’ole’s style. Most touching are the string-backed laments
that open and close the album, “Hawai’i ’78 Introduction” and “Hawai’i ’78,”
initially a reflection on his father’s death, later on the passing of Hawaii’s
native culture. Best known is his medley “Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a
Wonderful World,” which played over the closing credits of the film Meet Joe
Black. –Terry Wood About the Artist Born in Honolulu in 1959, this son of a
Ni’ihau mother returned to Ni’ihau to spend the first five years of his life
with his Tutu Kane, his Grandfather. In 1964 he returned to Oahu to join his
immediate family then on to Makaha on the Waianae Coast where Israel was to
learn the importance of his Hawaiian heritage and discover the richness and
mystique in the music and culture of his islands. With an ukulele, his
constant companion, Israel would sing and play for anyone who listened. The
texture of his voice, the songs and the sound of his resonant ukulele
constantly create the feeling that a new, musical Hawaii is emerging. Yet, the
basics of his musical inventions remain embedded in the rich, warm, musical
soil of his Ni’ihau and Makaha Kapunas. Band members: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole-
ukulele, lead vocals Mel Amina-bass Mike Muldoon-percussion Gaylord Holomalia-
keyboards Del Beazley-guitar Roland Cazimero-guitar

Features:

Product Details:

• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 5.5 x 0.25 inches; 3.15 Ounces
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Big Boy Records
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ 2156131
• Original Release Date ‏ : ‎ 1995
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ December 7, 2006
• Label ‏ : ‎ Big Boy Records
• Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
• Best Sellers Rank: #9,201 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl) #2 in Hawaiian Music #3,613 in Pop (CDs & Vinyl)