Ka 'Ano'i [Original recording reissued]

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

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 16, 1999)
• Original Release Date: 1990
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Discos Tropical
• ASIN: B00000I3US
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,285 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #48 in Music > Indie Music > World Music > Pacific Islands

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

Better known among his fans as "Iz," Israel Kamakawiwo'ole was a phenomenon in the Hawai'ian Islands totally below Mainland radar. So important was Iz's singing to Native Hawa'ians and Hawai'i residents alike that Governor Ben Cayetano declared a statewide day of mourning when Iz passed away in 1997--this despite his controversial Hawai'i-sovereignty politics. Ka Ano'i was the 1991 winner of the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Award for best contemporary Hawai'ian album, and Iz himself won for best male vocalist that year. This album is appealing mainly for its honesty and simplicity: simplicity of tone consistent with the casual ukulele and slack-key sound, and honesty of voice through Hawai'i-enhanced allegorical tracks like "Coney Island Washer Woman" and "I'll Be There." A later version of Iz's "Over the Rainbow" was featured in the 1998 film Meet Joe Black, as well. Despite his imposing stature, Iz was an embodiment of the simplicity and gentleness in the music itself, more noticeable in this early album than in his later work. --Erik Macki

Product Description

'KA `ANO'I,' release in 1990, was the first solo album by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. An exploration of new avenues, delving into material of a more contemporary nature. 'The kid with the `ukulele' is defining himself as both a master musician and a superb entertainer. His brand of top form showmanship couples crisp, fresh `ukulele stylings with a voice as rich as his deep Hawaiian heritage. A real treasure not only to the people of the islands, but to all who appreciates fine artistry.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heaven for the Ears, March 16, 2000

By 

Kathy (Little Rock, AR originally from Hawaii) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ka 'Ano'i (Audio CD)

If you can't appreciate the whole CD--go buy the soundtrack for Meet Joe Black! If you enjoy IZ, you'll like both versions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World. By the way, the Meet Joe Black version can be found on the Facing Future CD.

137 of 153 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not the version I was looking for., December 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ka 'Ano'i (Audio CD)

This is a great album by IZ, however was looking for the version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World" that I heard on a tv toy commercial. The CD "Facing Future" is the one with the correct version.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars..., February 24, 2001

By 

Vicki (Plano, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ka 'Ano'i (Audio CD)

is only because of the sound quality. This early CD was before Israel signed with Mountain Apple Company and the recording quality isn't quite as good as his later CDs. Having said that, the music is great. For an Iz fan it's a must-have. It's the only recording on CD of Men Who Ride Mountains and I love his version of You Don't Know Me. Again, a must-have. Look for the video, Island Music Island Hearts - The Man and His Music. It's the only video, produced after his passing, and it gives you the sense of this man's immense love for people and their love for him.