Nostalgia

Willie K.

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 2, 1999)
• Original Release Date: November 2, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mountain Apple
• ASIN: B00003A9EA
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #172,305 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
Given her genealogy, the present success of Amy Hanaialii should come as no surprise. Her fourth album, Nostalgia allows for growth and shows off her talents in all the different music genres in which she excels.

Amy is the granddaughter of Jennie Napua Woodd. During the 1930's and 40's Jennie was one of the original Royal Hawaiian Girls who defined America's perception of Hawaiian music and dance at the height of its popularity. While Amy had received years of formal training in European classical music and musical theatre, it was her tt, Jennie, who inspired her to continue on with Hawaiian music. Recognizing her natural vocal abilities, Tutu arranged for a meeting between the legendary Genoa Keawe and Amy. It was Auntie Genoa that introduced Amy to the hai falsetto music style. While her Hawaiian roots were strong, so was her desire to pursue all types of music...the European classical music, jazz, blues, American standards and pop.

In 1995 she recorded her first album on her own. Her determination to forge ahead in her career was evident. Having her first album introduced to Jon de Mello, Jon signed Amy to his Mountain Apple Company record label after hearing bits of her first album over the phone. Jon was searching for a way to merge her unquestioned vocal talents with the music of Hawaii. How to accomplish that remained a mystery.

There was still a missing piece that would have to be found before an Amy Hnaiali'i Hawaiian album could be born. Her vocal qualities were unique and disciplined. Jon recognized she could become the next Hawaiian diva.

The mystery was solved one night when Amy sat in with the incredible Uncle Willie K. Willie was shocked that this haole looking lady could hold her own -- he tried but couldn't ruffle her musically. She knew the lyrics, she sensed where he going with his arrangements and followed with ease. The rest of this story is history in the making.

From their first recording session to the present day, the public has accepted their combined talents with a hunger that is normally reserved for rock stars and their fans.

When Amy & Willie first worked together magic happened. When they arrived at the Mountain Apple Company studios, magic took the shape of something that was destined to become one of the great success stories of the 1990's in Hawaii.

From their first album, Hawaiian Tradition, the public responded in the same way. The music that resulted from that first recording session struck a chord with Amy, Willie and eventually, the public. Her acceptance and success, in a genre of music that was waning, confirmed that with the right combination you can introduce a new generation to musical styles that long seemed dormant. Hai was not only once again discovered, but enhanced.

The connection with her audiences was immediate and profound. Be it in concert where Amy & Willie were part comedy team and part virtuoso musicians or on radio. Both the public and Amy & Willie understood the appeal of this music. As Amy continued to apply her training, new original music emanated from her. This music found it's way to her second collaboration with Willie K., Hanaiali'i. Now her fourth album, Nostalgia, displays her talent in a new light and from a new perspective.

Amy Hanaiali'i grew up on Maui longing for the success of a New York musical career... only to find that success in Hawaii performing the songs that dominated the club scene of NY in the 30's and 40's, the golden age of her grandmother's Hawaiian music. History repeats itself....Nostalgia....all over again. BAND_MEMBERS: Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom (vocals); Willie K (guitars, 'ukulele, bass, percussion); Bobby Ingano (steel guitar); Marcus Johnson (bass); Sal Godinez (piano); James Ganeko (drums); Milan Bertosa (accordian)

Product Description
All 12 of the songs featured on "Nostalgia" have been meticulously researched and interpreted into the Hawaiian language. Amy Hanaialii combines her classical vocal training with the Hawaiian traditional art of falsetto singing in these alluring sounds of the past with a fresh interpretation. Willie K lends his incredible arrangements to each song in a diverse range that promises something for everyone.

From the fun-loving, energetic "Rock-A-Hula Baby" to the bluesy, sultry "Beyond the Reef" and to the classic strains of "Aloha Oe," this album is a must-have for Hawaiian language enthusiasts, fans of old Hawaii, and anyone with a passion and longing for the tropical sunsets, white sandy beaches, trade winds and "Nostalgia" of Hawaii.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nostalgia, December 10, 1999

By	K. Lindsay (Maui, Hawaii) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We really liked this CD! The music is crisp and arrangements are pleasing. The contents are familiar "hapa haole" songs translated into the Hawaiian language. "Hapa haole" songs had previously been written mostly in English as an introduction to island music. Most of them were played on the old "Hawaii Calls" type programs - from about the mid-40's. It is a pleasure to now have these recognizable songs in Hawaiian.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, February 24, 2003

By	Roger Morey (Kailua, Hawaii) - See all my reviews

If ever there was a reason to preserve the Hawaiian language, this CD is it. From the playful Little Grass Shack to the haunting Aloha 'Oe this album just jumped to the top of the stack of my Hawaiian music CD's. My thanks to Mahlon for the introduction to Amy.

As a bonus, you can experience Willie K from a new, exciting perspective.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Modern Styles, Hawaiian Lyrics, November 22, 2000

By	"raleighc" (Bothell, WA USA) - See all my reviews

I found this disc while in Hawaii and was captivated. Amy is a wonderful vocalist and Willie K's arrangements are varying and interesting. Sure, it's not all traditional Hawaiian arrangement because many of the songs have a twist, from blues to southern rock styles, but they are all very cool to listen to. I love it!