Hula Records International proudly announces the second release by world-renowned shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) grand master, Riley Lee (of Hawai`i and Australia) and Maui born guitarist Jeff Peterson. Lee, with nearly 50 albums to his credit, tours the world eight months out of the year, performing and lecturing, while Peterson, Hawai‘i's rising star,continues to teach music and is in demand not only on O`ahu, but abroad.

"Bamboo Slack Key," the pairs latest offering, takes us on a musical journey to the most remote areas of an unforgettable island – Maui.  Peterson, a prolific composer, has drawn much inspiration from the beauty of the island and has composed eight selections reflecting his experiences there. He collaborated with Lee to give us three more pieces. A hauntingly beautiful arrangement of Johnny Almeida's "Kanaka Waiwai" completes the journey; and a narrative about the places metioned in song completes the package.

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin said of Lee and Peterson:  "...The duo is clearly taking Hawaiian music in a fresh and imaginative direction that has worldwide appeal..."

Album Tracks:

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1. Pahoehoe
2. Pi'ilanihale
3. Bamboo Ki Ko'alu
4. Wailua Falls
5. Pauwalu
6. Waianapanapa
7. Kupahulu
8. Kaumahina
9. Paniolo Waltz
10. Noenoe Ua Kea O Hana
11. 'Ohe'o
12. Kanaka Waiwai
    

Master drummer Jon Tikivanotau Jonassen presents an exhilarating array of drum beats that are based on the unique traditional drum sounds of the Cook Islands. His orchestration reminds us of the rich Cook Islands Maori drumming tradition that has in recent years, been exposed as the secret source of inspiration for Tahiti, Samoa and Tokelau dance and musical groups.

 A 22-page booklet includes drum notations developed by Jonassen in the 60s. Lyrics and translations offer dancers and performers a deeper understanding of how the drum beat and chant music ought to be interpreted into dance form. This exceptional collection presents the original and complete dance routine beats for ten songs; each echoing a Cook Islands traditional story. A must have recording of Cook Islands culture!

Album Tracks:

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1. Tiavaru
2. Tamatoa
3. Eitiare No Melina
4. Tautai Moana
5. Aitu
6. Turama Po
7. Ei Mua Ei Muri
8. Akaepaepa
9. Tiki Patana
10. Ura Takapuni
    
    

In response to numerous requests for traditional and contemporary Polynesian drum music, we present "Drumbeats of the Pacific, Vol. 2: Songs & Dances of the Islands." Our goal in putting together this project was twofold: to provide visitors to the Islands with musical memories of their stay, and to offer students of music and dance these dance beats representative of the cultures of Rarotonga, Aitutaki Atoll, Pukapuka, Atiu, Manihiki, Mangaia - the Cook Islands, Tahiti, Samoa, Tokelau, and the islands of Wallis and Futuna. ((P)) The package includes an introduction by master drummer Dr. Jon Jonassen as well as brief notes regarding each drum piece.

Album Tracks:

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1. Rutu Taki:  Samba
2. Drummer's Symphony
3. Rutu Taki:  Ei Roto
4. Takoto
5. Puara-Ta
6. Ani
7. Atiu Enua
8. Paea
9. Borabora
10. Pahe
11. Borabora (Take 2)
12. Mati
    
    

In response to numerous requests for another album of traditional and contemporary Polynesian drum music, Hula Records International is pleased to present volume 3 of "Drum Beats Of The Pacific: Songs and Dances of the Islands."

Our goal in compiling these rhythms was twofold: to provide visitors with musical memories of their stay in the Islands, and to offer students of music and dance these dance beats representative of the cultures of Rorotonga, Aitutaki, Pukapuka, Mangaia - the Cook Islands, and Tahiti. This time, in addition to introductory notes by master drummer Dr. Jon Jonassen, we have included carefully annotated instructions to replicate the drum sequences, making it an invaluable tool for dance groups or for those who just want to try their hand and Pacific Island drumming.

Album Tracks:

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1. Tavanui E
2. Pa'ea/Rutu Taki/Kakaia
3. Ta'ae O Tangaroa/Takoto
4. Te Ulu Ote Watu
5. Aitutaki/Pukapuka
6. Atavaivalo/Orama
7. Kia Orana
8. Rutu Taki Ei Roto
9. Amuri/Mokora
10. Akauka Ra
11. Mutiny
12. Rutu Taki Ei Roto
13. Pa'ea A'aki Anani
14. Ura Pi'a
    
    

"The Sunday Manoa didn't intend to start a revolution. But when the group released "Guava Jam" in 1969, it did." – Honolulu Magazine, June, 2004

"Guava Jam" introduced a trio of musicians that have been called the "Fathers of Contemporary Hawaiian Music" – Peter Moon, and brothers, Robert and Roland Cazimero, collectively known as The Sunday Manoa.

The album's liner notes say: "Listen, as The Sunday Manoa wrestles with the roots of a musical heritage that goes back hundreds of years, while trying to bind together yesterday and today with dignity and style." By combining traditional music and lyrics with musical innovation and their unique and energetic style, they reinvented the songs and left their imprint on Hawaiian music. This is the album that launched the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s. More recently, it was listed among the 50 Greatest Hawaiian Albums, compiled by a panel of judges for Honolulu Magazine.

Album Tracks:

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1. Kawika
2. Only You
3. Heha Waipi'o
4. Kaulana 'O Waimanalo
5. Ka'ililauokekoa
6. Mehameha
7. He Hawai'i Au
8. Maika'i Ka Makani O Kohala
9. Ka La'i Opua
10. Poli Pumehana
11. Guava Jam
    
    

"Haiku" is the third in a series pairing the shakuhachi or Japanese bamboo flute by Riley Lee with Jeff Peterson's Hawaiian slack key guitar. While their first two albums explored the simplicity of the bamboo flute and guitar, their latest recording takes their collaboration to a new level, combining flutes and guitar in multilayered arrangements. The addition of a bass adds a deep rhythmic component to the soaring harmonies Riley and Jeff have created for this new collection of originals and old favorites.

 Internationally acclaimed  Riley Lee has recorded over 50 albums, both as a solo artist and in tandem with others playing instruments such as Australia's didjerido. Jeff  Peterson was born and raised on Maui where the music of his Hawaiian heritage provided a foundation for his exploration of classical and jazz forms. Local audiences will recognize him from performances at Milton Lau's annual Ki Ho`alu Festivals or recitals at The Honolulu Academy of Arts. Also a noted composer, Jeff's works have been heard in the US and abroad. Information about the artists, their instrumental stylings andbrief comments about each song are included.

Album Tracks:

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1. Soaring
2. Mele 'Uhane (Spirit Song)
3. New Moon
4. Nu'uanu Nocturne
5. Haiku
6. Pua Mamane (Mamane Flower)
7. Ku'u Pua I Paoakalani (My Flower in Paoakalani)
8. Hi'ilawe in the Rain
9. Puamana
10. The Night Blooming Cereus (Panini O Ka-Punahou)
11. Makuahine Aloha
12. Waikiki

"Honihoni" features the popular Kona, Hawai‘i band Mele, G, & Company, past winners of Steinlager's Big Island Battle of the Bands. Lead singers Mele Delaries and Gerald Farm, Jr., (a.k.a. "G"), both from musical Island families, have paid their dues, entering - and often winning - karaoke competitions, including KHON-TV's Hawai`i Stars.

"Honihoni" introduces non-Kona party animals to three Island-flavored originals and seven spiced-up cover songs. "Mele, G, & Company's sound is a fresh mix of contemporary pop and island reggae that will have you up and dancing. The party starts here and now!" – John Burnett, "Island Beat," Hawai‘i Island Journal.

Album Tracks:

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1. Honihoni
2. Come Hula With Me
3. Push Push
4. Mr. Reggae (I Hear Music)
5. Lava Lava
6. Groovin'
7. Pretty Little Sugar Pie
8. I Can See Clearly Now
9. Under the Boardwalk
10. When You Tell Me That You Love Me
    
    

Hawaiian music and jazz were made for each other, but it takes an artist with deep roots in both styles to make the marriage work. Keahi Conjugacion brings the soul of a daughter of Hawai‘i and the fire of a jazz diva to this celebration of all that is lyrical and swinging in the music of the Islands.  With inspired accompaniment from keyboard wizard Dan Del Negro, and local jazz greats Gabe Baltazar, Sam Ahia, Buddy Fo, and David Choy, Keahi finds the jazz heart of her own originals and Hawaiian music classics alike.  Keahi's brothers, Tony C and Brother Noland, are already stars of the Hawaiian music scene; with this CD, Keahi takes her rightful place at their side. - Chris Vandercook, local jazzman.

Album Tracks:

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1. Sweetheart Medley:  Kiss Me Love/Ku'u Ipo
2. Leahi
3. Ei Nei
4. Ha'a Hula
5. Maile Swing
6. Blue Hawai'i
7. My 'Ohana
8. A Million Moons Over Hawai'i
9. Waikiki
10. Hula Gals
11. On a Coconut Island
    
    

Fresh from his success with three recordings in which he teamed with shakuhachi master Riley Lee, and multiple solo performances at Milton Lau's Slack Key Festival, highly regarded guitarist Jeff Peterson released his first solo CD, "Kahealani."

The Maui-born artist cut his chops with the paniolo (cowboys) of Haleakala Ranch before moving on to study with slack key luminary Ozzie Kotani and well-known classical and jazz guitarists. A prolific writer, Jeff's compositions for guitar and guitar ensembles have been performed both here and abroad.

Equally comfortable playing for a noted opera singer or a lawn-full of ki ho‘alu  (slack-key) enthusiasts, Jeff's unique interpretations and intricate guitar stylings breathe new life into familiar Hawaiian songs and bring depth and beauty to his original compositions.

Featuring "Kahealani," heard on the Grammy Award-winning slack key compilation, voted the first ever Best Hawaiian Music Album.

Album Tracks:

1. Haleakala
2. Kahealani
3. 'Ulupalakua
4. E Ku'u Sweet Lei Poina'ole
5. Mahalo
6. Green Rose
7. Sunburst
8. The Kukui Nut Run
9. I'll Remember You
10. Hulihuli Slack Key
11. Tango En Skai
12. Ki Ho'alu Processional
13. Hawai'i Aloha
    

The vocal ensemble Manoa Voices are the winners of the 2007 Ka Himeni Ana acoustic traditional Hawaiian vocal competition.  Its members are all University of Hawai‘i - Manoa student/musician/singers. Led by their teacher, Chadwick Pang, Mamina Koga, Rosanna Perch, Sophronia Smith and Justin Ka‘upu explore Hawaiian and Oceanic music. Former Royal Hawaiian Bandmaster, Aaron Mahi, says "The music of Manoa Voices reaches back to when the simplicity of the accompaniment was served in gentle portions, allowing the voices the liberty to delight and allure the listener on this aural voyage..."  If you're looking for a group that "captures the energy of Hawai‘i's youthful present by simultaneously bearing both mind and heart from its past – when Hawai‘i stood at the threshold of swing and rich harmonies – then look no further.  Eia ka mea waiwai no ‘ia (The value is here, right here)."

Album Tracks:

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1. E Nani E
2. Palisa
3. Pua Mae'ole
4. Beneath the Maori Moon
5. E Koa'e E
6. U'ilani
7. Te Atairangikaahu
8. Ka Ua Loku
9. Manu 'O'o
10. Manoa Te Manu
11. Aloha No
12. Ho'onani Ka Makua Mau (The Doxology)

"Maui Morning" is 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 (cowboys) at Haleakala Ranch. Lee is a seasoned recording artist who, at the time of this release, had 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, was 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 seven 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.

Information about the compositions, the shakuhachi and ki ho‘alu is included.

Album Tracks:

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1. Maui Morning
2. Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u
3. Pua Lililehua
4. Honolulu City Lights
5. Lei Pikake
6. Mauna Loa
7. Pupu Hinuhinu
8. Kawika
9. Lei Nani
10. Morning Dew
11. Pua Tubarose
12. The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)
    

This is the second solo album from singer, composer, arranger, and musician's musician, Nathan Aweau. The bass player from Don Ho's band demonstrates his versatility as an artist with eight new compositions, three pop cover tunes and one Hawaiian standard – "‘Akaka Falls" – beautifully done, that was an immediate hit on Hawaiian airwaves.

Album Tracks:

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1. Hemolele Ao
2. If You Say My Eyes are Beautiful
3. Keahi's Dream
4. Come
5. Road to Hana
6. Morning Light
7. I Sing
8. 'Akaka Falls
9. Now and Forever
10. I'm Not Supposed to Love You
11. Ni'ihau
12. One More Road
    
    
    

"Pinoy Musika" introduces some of Hawai`i's best young Filipino talent, singing in Ilocano, Tagalog, and other Filipino dialects. The eight women and four men who participated in this recording have all had professional vocal training; some have won singing competitions, while others have sung professionally either here or in the Philippines, prior to moving to Hawai‘i. Local TV and radio personalities Lanai & Auggie complete the package with their song "Sweet Balut."

Producer Kale Imua says "'Pinoy Musika' is about being Filipino and loving music. It's also about giving Filipinos in Hawai‘i an opportunity to... display their love of music and their community, while preserving their culture in song, so that future generations of Filipinos may [be instilled with a pride for] singing in Filipino dialects as well as in English."

Album Tracks:

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1. Dagiti Ladawan
2. Say You'll Be The One
3. Dahil Mahal, Mahal Kita
4. Musika
5. With All My Heart
6. Akoy Babalik Sa Lyo
7. Girl It's You
8. Nandito Ako
9. Iliw
10. I Guess You'll Never Know
11. Ilocana
12. Sweet Balut
    
    

Slack key requires expert coordination by the musician who simultaneously plays bass, melody and rhythm. Ki ho‘alu (slack key) is also a reflection of the player's emotions at the time. When asked to explain slack key, Gabby repeatedly answered "I just play the way I feel." He said he could play the same song in the same tuning and each time it would sound different. The bottom line for Gabby was "Do it from your heart."

Here are 12 traditional Hawaiian favorites performed by the undisputed master of slack key guitar, Gabby Pahinui (1921-1980) – all straight from his heart.

Song lyrics and translations are included .

Album Tracks:

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1. Hi'ilawe
2. Ki Ho'alu (Slack Key Instrumental)
3. Nanea Ko Maka I Ka Le'ale'a
4. Lihu'e
5. Lei Nani
6. Slack Key Medley:  Nani Wale Lihu'e/Silver Threads Among the Gold/Wai'alae
7. Wai Hu'ihu'i O Ke Aniani
8. Slack Key Hula Medley:  Mauna Loa/Moana Chimes/Pua Be Still
9. Mauna Loa
10. 'Ahulili
11. I Ka Po Me Ka Ao
12. Farewell Medley:  Isa Lei/Aloha 'Oe
    

"One of the most entertaining groups I've seen in a long time." Hawai‘i's premiere a cappella group with such rich, vibrant vocal sounds and arrangements." "A great 'vocal band' with a local flavor - one of my favorites." Who are they talking about? SHAKAPELLA – an a cappela group consisting of a lead tenor, high tenor, tenor, baritone...and human beat box nicknamed "Chill." 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 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."

Album Tracks:

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1. Shakapella Groove
2. Shaka the Moon
3. The Way You Make Me Feel
4. God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You
5. Honolulu Girls (A parody of "California Girls")
6. I Can See Clearly Now
7. Sixty Minute Man
8. Gone
9. Under the Boardwalk
10. Down on the Corner
11. I'll Hear Your Voice