Hawai'i's Own
musicmikie | Hilo, Hawaii | 11/16/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is an anthology of richly orchestrated, impressionistic treatments of some of Hawai'i's most famous songs. Many of the tunes were composed by Hawai'i's "Ali'i" or royalty, others by local composers. You'll also find Jack de Mello's arrangements of Ken Darby's "Kalua" and Bronsilau Kaper's "Mutiny on the Bounty." Some of the pronunciation of the 'Olelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language) is not always as accurate as native speakers would prefer. Nevertheless, the recording offers both dazzling and often poignant arrangements of melodies that I grew up with. I am moved by the beauty of this collection and wish that other of Mr. de Mello's albums will be re-released on CD's.Not too be overlooked is the rich beauty of the solo vocalist, Nina Keali'iwahamana, whose clear, lilting and skilled interpretations will transport the listener to our beautiful island home.Anyone interested in finely crafted orchestral and vocal arrangements will appreciate Mr. de Mello's artistic skill. I grew up with the folk music of my Hawai'i island home and came to enjoy Mr. de Mello's work as an undergraduate music student. I still listen to this CD often and discover nuances of orchestral design each time!"