Hanaiali'i

Amy Hanaialii, Willie K.

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 12, 1998)
• Original Release Date: May 12, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mountain Apple
• ASIN: B00000I0S0
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #88,213 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #60 in

  Music > Indie Music > World Music > Pacific Islands

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
Amy and Willie is so unique, and their artistry so interconnected that when each develops an independent musical thought, it is usually a mirror image of the other. Yet, each artist is uniquely, artistically independent of the other.

BAND_MEMBERS: Willie K., 6-string guitar, 12-string guitar, classical guitar, ukulele, acoustin bass, percussion Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom-vocals

Product Description
Almost always, when one previews a new album, one hears the notes first, then the words, then the musical setting. It is a rare experience when one hears all the elements as a single unit. When this happens, in extraordinary cases, it creates a reaction in the listener that is beyond words. The silence within the listener becomes thunderous. So it is with the album, 'Hanaiali'i'. Amy's intese, but gentle interpretation of what Hawaiian lyrical poetry really is. Willie's multiple-intricate, then simplistic, then bombastic musical brush strokes create ever elegant, watercolor-like musical washes that are a platinum-plus setting for Amy's sensitive, all-emotion-producing moments of musical realization.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Poignant and Beautiful Collection of Hawaiian Music, February 10, 2000

By	M. Wukelic (Hawaii) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I learned as much about the soul of the Hawaii by listening to this CD as I have from living in the islands for nearly 20 years! Gilliom's voice is excruciantingly beautiful. It has a pure clarity to it that is matched only by the love it expresses for the lyrics and music. Her voice is so gently expressive that one can grasp the meaning of the songs, whether or not the language is understood. Luckily for those of us who do not speak Hawaiian, however, an English translation is included with most songs. I am grateful for the translations, as Gilliom's lyrics are lovely snippets of spare and simple poetry. Willie K, a powerful and respected talent in contemporary Hawaiian music, graciously allows Ms. Gilliom to take center stage while accompanying her with superbly sublime instrumentals. Although it is difficult to pick a "favorite" song, I must admit a partiality to Wahikuli. This tells the tale of a Maui sea spirit (my ha`ole interpretation) that watches over happy children playing in the gentle waters. Each time I watch my son and his young friends splashing around joyfully in our Bay, I am reminded of this hauntingly beautiful and happy song. If you are interested in hearing how talented contemporary young artists pay tribute to to their culture in a traditional manner, I strongly recommend checking out this lovely body of song.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievably beautiful, January 2, 2004

By	Colleen Coble (IN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was in Kauai researching my newest novel and wanted to buy a Hawaiian album for mood setting while I write. The first notes I heard at Hilo Hatties nearly made me gasp. Amy's voice is unbelievably pure and mingles with the music in a way I've never heard. I bought it and listen to it constantly, even though I haven't started the new novel yet. I'm a new fan and want to buy all their music. Even if you don't normally listen to Hawaiian music, you'll love this album and the amazing blend of voice and music.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heaven-sent music from the land of aloha, November 6, 2001

By	J. Book "music's biggest fan" (Pasco, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom recorded this with then-boyfriend Willie K., it was her third album, her second as a Hawaiian artist. Her voice is so pure and beautiful, one might believe they died and went to heaven. This album is a mix of contemporary tunes and classic hulas, like the "KHBC" song. There's even a jazz-flavored track (going back to her jazz roots) with a nice piano solo from none other than Hawaiian music legend Robert Cazimero. If you're new to Hawaiian music, this is the perfect introduction. If you have Gilliom's other albums but not this, what are you waiting for?