Search - Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau :: Christmas Day in Hawai'i Nei

Gorgeous and dignified Hawaiian Christmas album.

Mary Whipple | New England | 11/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Christmas collection does honor to the Makaha Sons and the kinds of arrangements for which they have become so famous. Like previous albums, it is beautifully arranged for an entire group and quietly sung, emphasizing the songs and harmonies rather than solo voices. The accompaniments, primarily Louis Kauakahi's six-string guitar, Jerome Koko's twelve-string guitar, and John Koko's acoustic bass, reflect the importance of keeping the background simple, yet rhythmic, spotlighting the voices and their harmonies. Keyboards by Michael Grande and drums by Konrad Kendricks finish out the orchestration.



Three of the songs are new, with two of them written by Louis Kauakahi, the trio member who does all the vocal arrangements: "Sing Praises to Him," and "Come Now, It's Christmas." Another new song, "E Ke Keiki, E Iesu" by Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, closes the album. The honesty of feeling and simplicity of accompaniment make the songs' messages all the stronger. On the non-religious songs, the references to Christmas lu'aus, aloha, swaying palms, lau'lau, opi'i, and Santa arriving on a surfboard are special fun for those of us more accustomed to songs about "winter wonderlands."



As is often the case with Hawaiian albums, the "whole family" is involved here, with guest appearances by Rocky Brown, Robi Kahakalau, and Darlene Ahuna. "Silent Night" is particularly interesting, as it begins with a guitar rendition of "Dona Nobis Pacem," with Sistah Robi singing solo. Partway through this carol, the melody is taken over by Darlene Ahuna, with Sistah Robi and Darlene singing a duet for the conclusion.



The Makaha Sons' voices range from bass to falsetto. The tenor line is particularly sweet, and all voices blend to create a mellow and dignified presentation of traditional carols, a gorgeous "Mele Kalikimaka" gift to their many fans. Mary Whipple, whose heart is at Mauna Kea.

"

Can't wait to listen to it each year

Garshom L. Arkoff | Santa Rosa, CA | 11/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My wife and I have several traditions during the holidays, one of which is that we always get out the Christmas CD's (of which there seem to be more each year!) This one is by far our favorite.



The music is bright and lyrical. It manages to be distinctly Hawaiian while also being very Christmasy. I have never been in Hawaii for the holidays (although we are going on December 26 this year). However, this disk manages to capture what (I imagine) the holidays must be like in place where one should expect "liquid sunshine in place of snow."



I bought the disk a few years ago because I liked the cover, I love Hawaiian music and I wanted another holiday disk. I was not disappointed!



In our house, it would not be the holidays without this disk."

Excellent

D. N. Keith | Ohio USA | 11/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Excellent Christmas music. Both traditional Christmas and Hawaiian favorites all sung in four part harmony as only the Makaha Sons can do."