Customer Reviews

Kamahiwa: The Keali'i Reichel Collection

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

All my life, I wanted to visit Hawa'ii. On May 15th, 2006, I finally did (!), and the experience was even better than I had anticipated. What I did not anticipate, however, was how beautiful Hawa'iian music is. While driving around the island of Oahu (one of the more popular islands of Hawa'ii) and soaking in the sights, I would just listen to the radio and hum to the music.

Now I'm back in the mainland (Maryland,to be specific) wishing I could have stayed in that amazing place just a little longer. Yet, I did manage to bring some Hawa'iian music back home, and Kealii's cd is the most enjoyable, and the most relaxing, of all the music I brought back.

The 1st cd in Kealii's collection reminds me of the great people I got to meet while staying on the island. The music is warm, friendly, and sounds as if it is sung from the soul. The 2nd cd reminds me of the land itself, full of history and culture, impressive in it's majesty, yet respectful of the great ocean of the pacific. The chants on this cd are very impressive - they take you away.

Hawa'ii is a wonderful place, rich in culture; filled with gorgeous landscapes (and forests, and beaches, and oceans), friendly people, delicious food, and wonderful music. I recommend this cd to those looking for a taste of what that unforgettable island has to offer.

This is the most wonderfully tender, majestic, spirited, magical album I've heard in years!

The CD of chants is amazing. If you're still sitting down after a track or two, and your mind isn't reeling with curiosity about the ancient culture of Hawaii, you might need antidepressants...or maybe just the other CD in the set.

The second CD is the most lovely collection of meles. Pure acoustic nurturance! Seriously, if life has you down, do yourself a huge favor - sit or lie down in a cozy spot, close your eyes, and listen to "Maunaleo," the first track...and be warned, you may not want to get moving again until the end of the album. It's too lovely to rush away from.

I can't say enough about this collection. In a nutshell, if you love exquisitely moving music, you cannot go wrong with this one.

A while back I told Keali`i's manager, Fred Kraus, I'd buy a chant cd by Keali`i Reichel if he ever put one out. He did, so I did. I knew the set was a compilation of previous releases. I also knew that my sister had expressed interest in Keali`i's music. She received this cd set for her birthday.

My sister told me that she really enjoyed the first cd. (the music cd) But she didn't care for the second. (the chant cd.)

There's something for everybody. And the price is good for two cds.

I say if you are unfamiliar with Keali`i Reichel's work this compilation is a good introduction. If you like this one you should also try "Kealaokamaile".

This was my first introduction to Hawaiian music. I am absolutely captivated by the beauty of this art form. I really, really enjoyed the first disc from the first note. The second disc of chants will take some time to grow on me.

I also appreciated Puakea Nogelmeier's introduction to Haku Mele in the notes, and the translations. Even though he explains that the English translations don't do the poetry justice, even in English, the thoughts and emotions conveyed are just beautiful.

I've never been to Hawaii. But after just a few moments listening to Keali'i and Iz in the bookstore yesterday, I think I must book a trip...soon.

This is a great album for anyone. I have all of his albums but this is a great compilation. Whether you understand the language or not, Kealii`s music transcends words and speaks to the soul. If you speak Hawaiian, it is even better the kauna makes these mele even more interesting.

If you don't know who Keali'i is or you are a die-hard fan, this collection will amaze you. I listen to it in the car, at work, and at home. It's FANTASTIC!

I am disappointed because the majority of the songs and chants on this compilation are ones that I already have on his prior releases, but if there is anyone out there who has not heard of Keali'i Reichel at all and is interested in Hawaiian music, this is worth the buy. The first disc contains many beautiful mele (songs), mostly Hawaiian language, and the second has all of his recorded oli (chants), two of which are on the Na Hoku Hanohano award winning compilation "Na Kumu Hula Vol. 2." I was surprised that "E O Mai," "Pupu Ao Ewa," "Lahainaluna," and "Malie's Song/Hawaiian Lullaby" weren't put on it, but as for the tracks that are on here it's a great compilation. I gave it to my friend as an early Christmas present. She gave me lots of hugs and said that I couldn't have given her anything nicer. I know you will love it too!

Hopefully, there will be more to come from this amazingly talented performer. A good sampling of some of his music, and a second CD of just his chants (what a bonus!). I am deducting 1 star for the packaging though. While the booklet included is interesting and has all of the songs translated, the case is cardboard and the CD's are hard to get in and out. I am noticing too many companies getting cheap by not including the jewel case-type CD packaging.

What an album! I had expected the usual lilting combination of slack key guitar and ukele, which is, indeed, present in disc 1. But disc 2--wow! The drums, chanting, and rhythms vibrate all the way to the soul. It's as if you had been invited to attend a luau: on getting acquainted, the music is soft, swaying, and soothing. Then, once people are comfortable, you are taken into the back room and told: "now you're going to hear what we're really all about!" Get ready to have your socks blown off.

A fabulous collection. Extremely relaxing. Right after I get back or am traveling to Hawaii I play this in my car. Gets me really ready for a great trip.