E Ala E

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 1, 1995)
• Original Release Date: October 1, 1995
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mountain Apple Company
• ASIN: B000008PHM
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,009 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #3 in	Music > Indie Music > World Music > Pacific Islands
  #7 in	Music > World Music > Pacific Islands > Hawaii

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Born in Honolulu in 1959, this son of a Ni'ihau mother returned to Ni'ihau to spend the first five years of his life with his Tutu Kane, his Grandfather. In 1964 he returned to Oahu to join his immediate family then on to Makaha on the Waianae Coast where Israel was to learn the importance of his Hawaiian heritage and discover the richness and mystique in the music and culture of his islands.

With an ukulele, his constant companion, Israel would sing and play for anyone who listened.

The texture of his voice, the songs and the sound of his resonant ukulele constantly create the feeling that a new, musical Hawaii is emerging. Yet, the basics of his musical inventions remain embedded in the rich, warm, musical soil of his Ni'ihau and Makaha Kapunas.

Band-Members: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole-ukulele, lead vocals Mel Amina-bass Mike Muldoon-percussion Gaylord Holomalia-keyboards Del Beazley-guitar

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IZ Introduction, February 26, 2001

By	"[e-mail]" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This was the first IZ CD I purchased, and I eventually purchased all of his music, including some of his earlier works with the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau. However, I think his solo work really represents and evolution of Hawaiian music. His music maintained the integrity and feel of the traditional Hawaiian genre, while adding a more contemporary sound to it all. All of his CD's contain of mix of traditional, reggae, and even some R&B...essentially something for everyone to enjoy. I would recommend this, and all of his other albums to anyone.

46 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The legend The myth The man The haunting voice...Braddah IZ, June 26, 2002

By	mypetconcubine (Waianae, Hawaii U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

I am a hawaiian and hawaii born and bred islander, I am blessed by the fact that my parents brought me up with hawaiian music but most of all the late great Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole. The day that shocked hawaii I was out and about with my family when my father stoppped at a gas station as he came out of the gas station a newpaper in his hand and a heartbroken look on his face..." what's the matter daddy" he handed me the paper and i started to cry there it was "Braddah Iz passed away at the age of 38 in his sleep last night" I couldn't beileve it such a beautiful voice silenced he will never make another record.But just to have had Braddah Iz on this earth for just this short time to hear the music with and without the makaha sons of Niihau is truly magical..so his music lives on. I've read all these amazing reviews of Braddah IZ...I am happy and touched that so many people have been touched by his music. Unforunately i didn't know braddah iz but in a way all us hawaii born islanders always seem to truly know braddah Iz, his music touched us all. to understand how huge Braddah Iz was he is still mourned and celebrated in hawaii and his music is still played constantly on the radio.The day of his birth and passing is celebrated like a national holiday. When you listen to any of the LATE and GREAT Israel Kamakwiwo'Ole's cds..you will hear one the most beauitful voices god ever put on this earth. But when you look at this man ,this giant man with this amazing angel like voice you will be blown away. god gave this late singer the voice of angel. a voice that must have been blessed and touched by god himself and it was...the songs , music and lyrics will leave you speechless and breathless ..his voice and the way he delivers the songs with that teardrop in his vocal chord...will send chills up and down your spine..any of this mans cds is excellent and it is a must of anyone who wants to get a cd that reflects the spirit of islands this man , this legend was the spirit of hawaii, BRADDAH IS WAS AND STILL IS HAWAII. even thou IZ passed away some time ago his voice his music his legend still lives is the islands thru his voice and music.his voice alone will leave you with a tear in your eyes... buy any one of his cds..trust me it's worth it...also braddah iz was with a hawaiian group called Makaha sons of Niihau pick up those cs as well, and let the memory of Braddah IZ and his music live on for the future generations to hear and love

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The next best thing to being in Hawaii - E Ala E by IZ, September 16, 2004

By	Arthur C. Knutson, Jr. "world citizen" (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I first learned about Iz from a fellow softball player in Sacramento, CA, who is Hawaiian. After games, many players like to hang around to eat and socialize as the sun sets. Several Hawaiians play guitars and ukuleles, and sing and dance to their favorite Hawaiian songs. I found it very relaxing to listen to this music and became very fond of it. I then started looking for a good Hawaiian music CD, but couldn't find what I wanted until I asked one of our softball players/singers, and he recommended "Iz". I had not even heard of him! I visited Tower Records and took a chance by purchasing "E Ala E". After I got home, I couldn't stop listening to it! Each and every song was great and I could tell immediately that Iz's songs were beautiful and genuine. The songs can easily bring a person to tears! I have enjoyed my three visits to Hawaii, but Iz has brought me a giant step closer to experiencing Hawaiian culture. I have since wanted to share my discovery by loaning the CD to friends. I have a feeling (actually knowledge) that I will be buying more CDs by Iz.