E Ala E

Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 1, 1995)
• Original Release Date: October 1, 1995
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mountain Apple Company
• ASIN: B000008PHM
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,070 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #10 in Music > Indie Music > World Music > Pacific Islands
  • #20 in Music > World Music > Pacific Islands > Hawaii
  • #29 in Music > Indie Music > World Music > General

Editorial Reviews

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

Product Description

Jamaican + Hawaiian = Jawaiian, the gentle, loping sound of Hawaiian reggae. That's what Iz revels in on this 1995 release: E Ala E; Kaui Beauty; Kamalani ; a string-soaked version of Wind Beneath My Wings ; a nostalgic visit to the Theme from Gilligan's Island , and more!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The next best thing to being in Hawaii - E Ala E by IZ, September 16, 2004

By 

Arthur C. Knutson, Jr. "world citizen" (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: E Ala E (Audio CD)

I first learned about Iz from a fellow softball player in Sacramento, CA, who is Hawaiian. After games, many players like to hang around to eat and socialize as the sun sets. Several Hawaiians play guitars and ukuleles, and sing and dance to their favorite Hawaiian songs. I found it very relaxing to listen to this music and became very fond of it. I then started looking for a good Hawaiian music CD, but couldn't find what I wanted until I asked one of our softball players/singers, and he recommended "Iz". I had not even heard of him! I visited Tower Records and took a chance by purchasing "E Ala E". After I got home, I couldn't stop listening to it! Each and every song was great and I could tell immediately that Iz's songs were beautiful and genuine. The songs can easily bring a person to tears! I have enjoyed my three visits to Hawaii, but Iz has brought me a giant step closer to experiencing Hawaiian culture. I have since wanted to share my discovery by loaning the CD to friends. I have a feeling (actually knowledge) that I will be buying more CDs by Iz.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IZ Introduction, February 26, 2001

By 

"[e-mail]" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: E Ala E (Audio CD)

This was the first IZ CD I purchased, and I eventually purchased all of his music, including some of his earlier works with the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau. However, I think his solo work really represents and evolution of Hawaiian music. His music maintained the integrity and feel of the traditional Hawaiian genre, while adding a more contemporary sound to it all. All of his CD's contain of mix of traditional, reggae, and even some R&B...essentially something for everyone to enjoy. I would recommend this, and all of his other albums to anyone.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars RISE UP AND BE COUNTED!, December 28, 2001

By 

Scott R. Mason "Tropicalscott" (Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: E Ala E (Audio CD)

E ALA E may have many meanings but to Iz the meaning was to rise up and acknowledge your heritage if you are Hawaiian. I lived on Oahu for 4 years and got to see Iz in concert, to listen to his musings on life, on being Hawaiian, on being human. His was a soul we shall not see again, perhaps, in this lifetime of ours. This CD opens with the title song and immediately captivates the listener with the power of Iz's simplicity and aura. It is impossible to not FEEL what Israel is conveying to his people, nay, to all of us....To rise up and be counted for who each of us is, who each of us can be if we simply beleive in ourselves as souls. This is my second favorite CD of Iz's after Facing Future. It will steal your heart if you let it, so put it on, sit back, feel Hawaii, feel Hawaiian, and feel the power of this gentle giant. Then, once you have known the beauty of what Israel created, buy everything he recorded and learn to miss him as I do. Aloha niu loa, Koka