Customer Reviews

Music of Hawaii

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

 

 

I, being a steel guitar player; would rate this Cd as one of the 'Finest Pieces of Native Hawaiian Music" I have ever heard. {Mr. George Kulokahai and His Island Serenaders} have assembled the Sounds of Hawaii with not only the "Hawaiian Steel Guitar" but with 'Reed Instruments and Vibes'. Their version of "Blue Wahini", "Aloha Oe", "Sweet Leilani", "Hilo March" and "On The Beach At Waikiki" Would definitely be among some of 'The Best' arrangements of these 'Island Standards' I have ever had the pleasure to listen too.

Perfect for any luau. Some soothing, some upbeat and fun - 19 different songs, some you'll know and some that's new. Great!!!

Aloha käkou,

As a singer, player, and teacher of traditional Hawaiian music, I must humbly tell you that this is absolutely not real Hawaiian music, but just another collection of lounge music with a faux-Hawaiian theme (not that you could find people playing this in any lounge in Hawai`i ). The combination of instruments and the arrangements are definitely not Hawaiian-style, and many of the songs here are not Hawaiian at all. Collections such as this one are meant to appeal to people whose ideas about Hawaiian music have been formed by Hollywood movies such as Bing Crosby's "Waikiki Wedding". As for the alleged artist, George S Kulakahi, I'd be willing to bet that there is no such person. Try an online search for that name, and all you'll find is this CD. Search for any real Hawaiian musician, living or dead, and you'll get many results. This type of music is usually found on LPs from the 50s and 60s that were recorded on the mainland by studio musicians and marketed to visitors... now you can find them by the dozen in thrift stores. If you think that Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) wear plastic leis and plastic "grass skirts" and that hula is just wiggling your arms around any old way, then this CD may be for you. Otherwise, there are hundreds of wonderful CDs of real Hawaiian music around, and I hope you will seek them out... but please skip this silly recording!

`O wau n' me ka ha`aha`a,
Pili

After multiple trips to Hawai'i I find this CD represents native music about 60%. I can listen to it occasionally, but not repeatedly. Many of the tracks sound as if the are just re-records. Very little originality. You may like it more than I did. Use the Amazon tool to listen to all of the tracks.I would probably shop further ... there are several artists who have their albums on Amazon ... rather than recommend this CD to a friend.

i got this cd because i love the hawaiian sound. however, all the songs sound alike, the synthesiser is awful and after a few songs it becomes unbearable. i'm looking for another cd to replace this one.

We purchased this as a gift and the music is good, but just not quite what we expected. It is difficult to determine the quality from brief clips.

This CD was purchased with the intent to have some great Hawaiian sounds while have a poolside Hawaiian buffet. It was PERFECT!! Plugged it in and the steel guitars were the perfect sound for a relaxing evening sitting around with friends, relaxing and have a great meal!! Delivery was fast and packaging was great!

This CD is excellent to create an 'atmosphere' for a BBQ (luau)....an excellent choice as a substitute for being in Hawaii.

I reviewed many CD's, and rightly picked this (and one by "IZ") to augment music we already had for our Hawaiian theme pool party. Solid musicianship & great playlist.

I used this CD as background music for a luau type mystery dinner. It worked well for lending an air of "the islands" and some authentic ambiance.