Customer Reviews

Hawaiian Band Vol. 1

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first listened to this record back in the '70s through my interest in Ry Cooder. Because of that listening, for the past 25 years, I have been a devotee of Hawaiian 'Slack-Key' guitar. Gabby Pahinui & friends changed the way I listen to music. This record sings to the sensitivity, joy, and sadness of a traditional way of life whose generous values stood counterpoint to the greedy reality of todays' multi-national corporate-state. The album reeks kindness, gentleness, and love, through impeccable musicianship. These legendary performances by Gabby Pahinui & Sons, Sonny Chillingsworth, and Atta Issacs etc., make this record the jumping off point for discovery of Hawaiian folk music. Whether you eventually dig back to the early days of Sol Hoopii, The Tau Moe Family, and Roy Smeck--or forward to contemporary recordings by Led Kaapana, Bob Brozman, or Gabby's sons, Cyril, Bla, & Martin--your journey starts here.

The previous reviewer captures the essence of what this is all about with one of his sentences: "This record sings to the sensitivity, joy, and sadness of a traditional way of life whose generous values stood counterpoint to the greedy reality of todays' multi-national corporate-state."

As someone who was raised on Oahu and now finds himself living on the mainland, I find myself being brought to tears by the music found on this album. This is beautiful music straight from the big heart of a true Hawaiian and if you understand this, you will also be touched deeply.

Mahalo nui loa, Gabby. Aloha oe.