Frank DeLima’s Breakthrough Album – "A Taste Of Malasadas," Available For The First Time On CD!

Hula Records is proud to make available for the first time on CD, funny man Frank DeLima’s breakthrough album, "Frank DeLima presents A Taste of Malasadas."  Recorded live in 1978 at the Noodle Shop in Waikiki, the album introduced us to The Portagee Prince of Comedy and his sidekicks, Na Kolohe. "A Taste of Malasadas" launched the comedy career of a guy who has gone on to win seven Hoku awards and whose name has become a household word in the islands. No local comedy collection would be complete without this CD.

Sure, some of you have listened to "A Taste of Malasadas" so many times you actually know all the songs word for word... Well now you can pack up your vinyl album and relive those gloriously hysterical moments once again with Frank DeLima and Na Kolohe on this shiny new CD!

Album Tracks:

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1. Portagee Fight Song
2. Auntie Pilau
3. Monday Manure
4. KOHO Radio
5. Filipino Fiesta
6. Star Wars
7. Close Encounters
   
   

Na Mele Maoli, literally meaning songs of native Hawaiians, in this context means songs that reflect the true spirit of being Hawaiian. These songs (mele) describe love for the land, for each other, and gives voice to their view of life. They are a collection of songs chosen by Kawai because of memories they elicit of beloved people, places and times.

Wayne Harada of The Honolulu Advertiser says "Who better than a veteran to tackle some vintage tunes, reinterpreted for contemporary audiences? Cockett is a seasoned pro, trained in the old-fashioned way. His voice is like supple leather – comfortably fitting the tunes – and the roster brings back beloved memories of another time. Outstanding stuff, through and through."

Lyrics, translations, biographical and song information is included.

Album Titles:

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1. Ne'ene'e Mai A Pili
2. Ku'uipo Onaona
3. Maika'i Kaua'i Awaiaulu Ke Alona
4. Anahola
5. Hanohano Waiehu
6. Hanauma
7. Ka Wai Lehua 'A'ala Ka Honua
8. Wahine Holo Lio
9. He Aloha No Waimea
10. Pauoa Ka Liko Lehua
11. Ku'u Baby Hot Cha Cha
12. Home Ho'okipa O Kaimu
    
    

John Berger of The Honolulu Star-Bulletin says: "This isn't the first tribute album to honor...the popularity of an iconic artist, but it sets a new standard for any and all that come after.

Gabby "Pops" Pahinui was not a prolific composer, but he was the most influential Hawaiian slack-key guitarist of the 20th century. therefore, rather than have a bunch of hot young artists redo Pahinui's music in their style, producer 'Flip' McDiarmid has collected 10 recordings by artists who were influenced by Pahinui's music and have sought to perpetuate it – George Kuo, Dwight Kanae, Albert Kaai and Anita Pahinui Nakamura, to name four.

There's also a recording of "Moana Chimes" by Raymond Kane...[and]...a beautiful 1961 vintage recording of Pahinui playing 'Nani Wale Lihu‘e,' 'Silver Threads Among The Gold' and 'Wai‘alae.' "

McDiarmid includes all the documentation to make this album a perfect introduction to pahinui's life. It includes an overview of Pahinui's life, short bios of the other artists and the slack-key tunings used on each song." (1/4/08)

Album Tracks:

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1. Slack Key Medley:  Nani Wale Lihu'e/Silver Threads Among the Gold/Wai'alae
2. Old Hi'ilawe
3. L&L Medley:  Lihu'e/Lei Nani
4. Moana Chimes
5. Kahalewai's Tune
6. Maunaloa Blues
7. He'eia
8. Panini Pua Kea
9. Lei No Ka'iulani
10. Kohala Morning
11. Pu'uwa'awa'a
12. Aloha Slack Key

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 uniquely Hawaiian, celebrated and enjoyed by both locals and visitors.

Winners of 1999's annual Aloha Festivals Clyde “Kindy” Sproat Storytelling and Falsetto Singing Contest and the Frank B. Shaner Hawaiian Falsetto Contest all received a prized recording contract from Hula Records. 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 Hawai‘i's celebrations.

Featuring Chauncy Bermodez, Kamakele "Bulla" Kailiwai, Stan Priddy, Saichi Kawahara, William "Billy" Gilman, and from Japan, Kichizo Matsutani.

Album Titles:

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1. I Ali'i No 'Oe (Chauncy Bermodez)
2. Honaunau Paka (Kamakele "Bulla" Kailiwai)
3. Nani Kaua'i (Stan Priddy)
4. Nani Hanalei (Saichi Kawahara)
5. He Punahele (Billy Gillman)
6. Hula O Makee (Kamakele "Bulla" Kailiwai)
7. Kamalani O Keaukaha (Kichizo Matsutani)
8. My Lovely Flower (Stan Priddy)
9. Kui Tree (Kichizo Matsutani)
10. Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua (Chauncy Bermodez)
11. Hoe Hoe Na Wa'a (Saichi Kawahara, Vern & Vince Fernandez)
12. Hawaiian Wedding Song (Billy Gillman & William "Baba" Alimoot)
    
    

We're proud to introduce you to the year 2000's winner of the Frank B. Shaner Falsetto Contest: Rayburn "Chan" Abenes. "Chan" performs Lena Machado's "Ipo Hula" (known as "The Sweetheart Hula") and five of his own compositions. Six past grand prize winners from the Big Island's Clyde "Kindy" Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling Contest (Kalei Bridges, Akoni, "Bulla" Kailiwai), and O‘ahu's Frank B. Shaner Falsetto Contest (Sam K eli‘iho‘omalu, Chauncy Bermodez, Stan Priddy) add their sweet leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) voices to the album, making it a perfect introduction to the uniquely Hawaiian art form.

Album Titles:

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1. He Mele No Ka Popoki ("Chan" Abenes)
2. Ha'upu (Sam Keali‘iho‘omalu)
3. Ka Lehua I Milia (Chaundy Bermodez)
4. The Cowboy Hula ("Bulla" Kailiwai)
5. Aloha Kapanai'a ("Chan" Abenes)
6. Ka 'Ano'i (Kalei Bridges)
7. I Kohala ("Chan" Abenes)
8. Kaulana Uapo O Hilo (Akoni)
9. Ko'u Kaikaina ("Chan" Abenes)
10. The Sweetheart Hula ("Chan" Abenes)
11. Aloha Ka Manini (Stan Priddy)
12. Ka Wahine O Waiehu ("Chan" Abenes)
    

We're proud to introduce 2001's big winner, Kaua‘i's "Le‘a" Kukona-Pacheco who won the Grand Prize at the Frank B. Shaner Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest. The next day, "Le‘a" traveled to the Big Island and tied with Hilo's Lopaka Kanahele to win the Clyde "Kindy" Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling Contest. Falsetto contest winners of recent years join "Le‘a" and Lopaka in bringing their sweet leo ki‘e ki‘e (falsetto) songs to you.

Special guests are the O‘ahu competition's namesake, Frank B. Shaner, Maui's own, Cody Pueo Pata, O‘ahu's "Chan" Abenes, Kailua-Kona's 'Bulla" Kailiwai, and from North Kohala, Clyde "Kindy" Sproat, who originated these friendly falsetto competitions.

Falsetto singing is an important part of Hawai‘i's musical heritage that we share with the world. This CD compilation presents Aloha Festivals falsetto contest winners who, in the spirit of falsetto masters of the past, strive to preserve this unique part of our Hawaiian cultural heritage.

Album Titles:

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1. Medley:  I Ali'i No 'Oe/Yodel Song ("Le‘a" Kukona-Pacheco)
2. La'ieikawai (Lopaka Kanahele)
3. Nawiliwili ("Chan" Abenes)
4. Kane'ohe ("Le‘a" Kukona-Pacheco)
5. A He Nani Moloka'i (Clyde "Kindy" Sproat)
6. Ka Pili Oha (Lopaka Kanahele)
7. Ka Nani O Ka Pali ("Bulla" Kailiwai)
8. Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua ("Le‘a" Kukona-Pacheco)
9. I Ka Wao (Lopaka Kanahele)
10. Hula O Makee ("Le‘a" Kukona-Pacheco)
11. Blue Darlin' (Frank B. Shaner)
12. Mele Hinalea (Cody Pueo Pata)
    

Hawaiian falsetto singing (leo ki`eki`e) is one of Hawai‘i's greatest contributions to musical culture. As part of the Aloha Festivals celebration, two friendly and tremendously enjoyable falsetto competitions occur annually: Hawai`i Island's "Kindy" Sproat Falsetto and Storytelling Contest and O‘ahu's Frank B. Shaner Falsetto Contest. The winners of each event earn a Hula Records recording contract. The contests and recordings are integral in keeping the art of falsetto alive.

2002 winners, Hilo-born and raised "Kaniala" Masoe and Hawai‘i transplant Gary Medeiros, who now calls California home, sing four falsetto favorites each. Popular past falsetto contest winners "Chan" Abenes and Stan Priddy – also heard on other volumes of this Hoku Award-winning series – round out the album with two songs a piece.

" Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest Winners, Vol. IV" is a perfect CD for falsetto enthusiasts and hula dancers alike.

Album Titles:

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1. He' Ui (Gary Medeiros)
2. Lahela Ku'u Poki'i ("Kaniala" Masoe)
3. Pohai Kealoha (Stan Priddy)
4. Ku'u Lei Hoku ("Chan" Abenes)
5. Alekoki ("Kaniala" Masoe)
6. Ho'onanea (Gary Medeiros)
7. He Aloha No 'O Wai'anae ("Chan" Abenes)
8. 'Alika (Gary Medeiros)
9. Waikaloa (Stan Priddy)
10. 'Akaka Falls ("Kaniala" Masoe)
11. KHBC (Gary Medeiros)
12. Kalama'ula ("Kaniala" Masoe)
    

The theme of this year’s Aloha Festivals, Na Paniolo Nui O Hawai‘i (The Great Cowboys Of Hawai‘i), is particularly fitting since it was the paniolo who inspired the distinctly Hawaiian musical style. This CD, the seventh in the series, pays tribute to the enormous contribution paniolos have made to Hawai‘i’s musical and cultural landscape. Hula Records is pleased to play a part in the perpetuation of this unique musical expression and salutes the Aloha Festivals’ 60th anniversary.

"Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest Winners, Volume 7"  features the 2005 contest winners – the Big Island’s Benson Kam (Hawai‘i Island), Ni‘ihau’s Ronnie Kaohelaulii (Kaua‘i), Japan’s Hiroshi Okada (Maui), and from New Jersey, Bill Wynne (O‘ahu). The CD includes a bonus track by Kalei Bridges, the first winner of the original Aloha Festivals Storytelling and Falsetto Singing Contest, begun by the Big Island’s Clyde “Kindy” Sproat.  The CD is dedicated “Uncle Kindy.”

The 12-panel folder includes information about each singer and features the story of Kohala paniolo, David Fuertes, who is perpetuating the art of Hawaiian saddle making (noho lio) and mentoring the youth of his community.

Album Tracks:

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1. Ku'u Ipo Ku'u Aloha Poina 'Ole (Bill Wynne)
2. 'Ulupalakua (Ronnie Kaohelaulii)
3. He Nani Helena (Hiroshi Okada)
4. Kumu 'Ohi'a (Benson Kam)
5. Hu'ehu'e (Bill Wynne)
6. Aloha Ka'eo (Ronnie Kaohelaulii)
7. Noho Paipai (Hiroshi Okada)
8. He Aloha No 'O Honolulu (Benson Kam)
9. Kimo Hula (Hiroshi Okada)
10. Kawaihae Hula (Bill Wynne)
11. None Hula (Benson Kam)
12. Kaulana Ni'ihau (Ronnie Kaohelaulii)
13. Hawaiian Cowboy (Kalei Bridges)
    
    
    

This CD, the 8th in the series of Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest Winners, presents debut recordings by 2006 winners, Kalani Benanua (Maui's contest) and Elijah Isaac (Kaua‘i's contest). They are backed by some of Hawai‘i's best musicians: Dwight Kanae on guitar, William "Baba" Alimoot on upright bass, Casey Olsen playing Hawaiian steel guitar, and Jan Luna on keyboards.

Vintage recordings by 2006 inductees into the Falsetto Hall of Fame – Benny Kalama, Kahauanu Lake, Dennis Pavao and John Piilani Watkins – give buyers examples of classic male falsetto sung by the masters. Informative liner notes complete this excellent introduction to the Hawaiian art form.

Album Tracks:

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1. Moloka'i (John Piilani Watkins)
2. Kaulana 'O Hilo Hanakahi (Elijah Isaacs)
3. Pakalana (Kalani Benanua)
4. Mi Nei (Kahauanu Lake)
5. Aloha Ka Manini (Kalani Benanua)
6. U'ilani (Elijah Isaac)
7. Alekoki (Kalani Benanua)
8. 'Ainahau (Elijah Isaac)
9. Lahela Ku'u Poki'i (Dennis Pavao)
10. Ke Ali'i Hulu Mamo (Elijah Isaac)
11. Queen's Jubilee (Kalani Benanua)
12. Kealoha (Benny Kalama)
    

Album Tracks:

1. Mona Lisa
2. Kaleohano
3. 'Ulili E
4. Medley:  Hanohano Wale No Na Cowboy/Ka Huila Wai
5. Hi'ilawe
6. Henehene Kou 'Aka
7. Medley:  Ahi Wela/Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
8. 'Opae E
9. Starting All Over Again
10. Over the Rainbow
11. Panini Puakea
12. La 'Elima
13. In This Life
14. "Oxygen"

Mahi Beamer is a singer you have to hear to believe... A tenor, he specializes in the difficult high-register falsetto. His clean, sure, soaring tones are unique and impressive and the selections on this album allow him ample opportunity to demonstrate his virtuosity. Many of the numbers were composed by members of Mahi's own family, the Desha-Beamer ‘ohana, famous for generations as outstanding Hawaiian musicians. Mahi himself is a recipient of many awards, including the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Art's Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been recognized by the State of Hawai‘i as a steward of his Grandmother's music and "the leader in the dissemination and perpetuation of the cultural legacy of Helen Desha Beamer.

Lyrics, translations and information about each song are included in the 12-page CD folder.

(press play to hear samples)

1. Halau Wai'anae
2. Pupu Hinuhinu
3. Na Hala O Naue
4. Ke Kali Nei Au (The Hawaiian Wedding Song)
5. Ke Ali'i Hulu Mamo
6. Lei 'Ilima
7. Kahuli Aku Kahuli Mai
8. Kawohikukapulani
9. He'eia
10. Pua Mae'ole
11. Kimo Hula
12. Nohili
13. Paniau
    
    

1969 Breakthrough Album By Acclaimed Singer & Master Chanter Now Available on CD!

Here's what they're saying about Kawai Cockett today...

• "The music and the performances are exquisite." - John Berger, Honolulu Star-Bulletin

• "Hawaiian artistry in the old-style tradition." - Wayne Harada, Honolulu Advertiser

• He grew up in a (family) in which Hawaiian was the language of everyday communication, and many traditional practices and beliefs were still intact...Kawai is a living link to old Hawai‘i."  – Hawaii Magazine, July/August 1999

• "His voice is robust, and his Hawaiian, flawless." - Manu Boyd, Ka Wai Ola o OHA

• "To the hula-minded, Kawai's music is as danceable as it gets." - Manu Boyd, Ka Wai Ola o OHA

This is the album that launched Kawai Cockett's three decade recording career - a must have for all hula dancers and Hawaiian music enthusiasts! Lyrics and translations are included.

Album Tracks:

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1. Beautiful Kaua'i
2. Hale'iwa Paka
3. Ka Ua A'o Hilo
4. 'Iiwi A'o Hilo
5. Ku'u Hoaloha
6. Kupa Landing
7. Noenoenani
8. Nene'u
9. Kona
10. Ala Moana Paka
11. Pohai Ke Aloha
12. Honolulu Harbor
    
    

"A superstar with raw talent and true grit." "A diamond in the rough." "A true folk hero." "King of the slack-key." "Master of the steel guitar." "Gabby Pahinui leaves a massive legacy to Hawai‘i."

"The accolades poured in as thousands commemorated the passing of Gabby "Pops" Pahinui, who departed this earth on October 13, 1980. He was only 59.

...Together with his technical dexterity, Gabby's trademark was the unique combination of traditional Hawaiian manner and personal qualities – that special, delectable aura of mana (spiritual energy) conveyed in his music and singing. When Gabby sang, he projected a warm intimacy, as though the listener was a personal and welcomed friend...

To his many friends and admirers, and to those generations yet to be born, Gabby's legacy lives on in his unique and very personal gift – that which he shares with you on this album."  – Kalani Meinecke, researcher and educator 

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Hi'ilawe
2. Na 'Ono Ia Na Kupuna
3. Kona Kai 'Opua
4. He'eia
5. Slack Key Medley:  Nani Wale Lihu'e/Silver Threads Among the Gold/Wai'alae
6. I Ka Po Me Ke Ao
7. Nani Ko'olau
8. 'Ulili E
9. Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua
10. Lei No Ka'iulani
11. Interview with Dave Guard
    
    

A collection of songs previously released by Gabby "Pops" Pahinui, featuring the legendary master of slack-key guitar; a Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner and recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award.

"It may be difficult for many present-day fans to believe that Gabby did not enjoy life-long fame and fortune as a master musician and vocalist. Most contemporary slack-key guitarists acknowledge Gabby as a major source of inspiration and influence; most scholars of Hawaiian music site him as a major innovator. Yet, rather than play for dollars-and-cents commercial success, Gabby always played for his love of music. And rather than compromise his music, he supported his family by working on a City & County Road Crew for much of his life. Fortunately, Gabby lived long enough to enjoy the acclaim he had never sought but so richly deserved." – John Berger, The Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Information about each song and lyrics for selected songs are included.

Album Titles:

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1. Wai Hu'ihu'i O Ke Aniani
2. Maile Lau Li'ili'i
3. 'Ia 'Oe E Ka La
4. Haleakala
5. Panini Pua Kea
6. He'eia
7. 'Ama 'Ama
8. Nanea Ko Maka I Ka Le'a Le'a
9. Pua Kukui
10. Kananaka
11. Mauna Loa
12. Farewell Medley
    

In 1979 the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts created a comedy category. The Hoku Award for Most Promising Artist was presented to a young new comedian named Andy Bumatai for his debut recording "Hawaii's First Stand Up Comic."

That was more than two decades ago, and Andy went on to become one of Hawai‘i's most respected comic talents. Although he's constantly reinventing himself, Andy's first love –and the foundation of his career drive – is stand up comedy. "Brain Child" accurately represents this love and showcases not only Andy's multi-talented approach, but more importantly, his astute observational comedy.

Album Tracks:

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1. Waikiki
2. From the Country
3. Frank DeLima Non-Ethnic Joke
4. Hearing Aid
5. Off Eyes
6. The Chills
7. I Wrecked My Car
8. Labels Signs Security
9. Iraqi War
10. Shock and Awe
11. Hearts and Minds of Iraq
12. Fast Food
13. Neighbor Island Directions
14. Beggars
15. How Eating Dog Started
16. Filipino Heritage
17. Accents
18. Non-White
19. White People
20. Shy Locals
21. Big Mahu
22. Don Ho (extended)
    
    

"Center Stage" is multi-talented and multi award-winning, Nathan Aweau's debut CD. Nine original songs (including two he co-wrote) and four definitive covers highlight his musical range. Reggae, hip-hop, romantic ballads, rock, inspirational, Hawaiian and jazz - it's all here. Armed with liner notes from the "Godfather of Hawaiian Soul" – Don Ho, Nathan, a longtime studio musician finally takes center stage...

Album Titles:

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1. Latitu
2. All This Time
3. My Heart
4. What I've Been Goin' Through
5. Take My Hand
6. Don Ho Shuffle
7. Maui Smiles
8. Hawaii Aloha/Rising Sun
9. Is it Love
10. Cisco Kid
11. Open Your Eyes
12. Goin' Home
13. Talk with Me, Waikiki
    
    

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Hawai'i '78 (Introduction)
2. Ka Huila Wai
3. 'Ama 'ama
4. Panini Pua Kea
5. Take Me Home Country Road
6. Kuhio Bay
7. Ka Pua U'i
8. White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i
9. Henehene Kou 'Aka
10. La 'Elima
11. Pili Me Ka'u Manu
12. Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man
13. Kaulana Kawaihae
14. Somewhere Over the Rainbow
15. Hawaii '78

Paul James Malin – "P.J." to his friends – performs original Contemporary Christian compositions on his debut release, "Footprints." With lyrics that display a maturity beyond his years, the recent high school graduate delivers songs that are honest and heartfelt. They speak of his personal struggles and triumphs, the sureness of his Salvation, and his deep love for the Lord Jesus Christ. The program director of local Christian radio station KAIM welcomed the release of "Footprints," calling it "a 'faith-full' entry into music ministry."

All song lyrics are included.

1. Jonah
2. One More Mile
3. Cross the Bridge
4. Come Rescue Me
5. I Need You
6. Vacuum
7. I Just Called
8. Unmistakable Love
9. I Stand
10. The Challenge
11. Compass
12. Footprints