CD CATALOG
Hula Ku'i by Kahulanui Now shipping "Hawaiian swing at its finest....one of the most innovative releases to come out of the islands." - Skylark Rossetti
Band leader Lolena Naipo, Jr. goes back to his roots with Kahulanui in this debut release. Inspired by his grandfather, a member of the Royal Hawaiian band during the swing era of the 20s and 30s, Kahulanui gets the house jumping again. Hawaiian music like you've never heard it. (Vocals in Hawaiian).
Na Mele Hula `O Hawai`i. Lorna Lim's beautiful voice, her deep knowledge of hula, and her connection to the Big Island's music tradition place her among Hawaii's living treasures. Lorna recorded Polinahe for hula dancers. The translation of the title - poli, meaning from the heart, and nahe, meaning sweet and pure - sums up Lorna's musical style and the beautiful quality of her voice.
“Kohala Christmas is a must-buy...” - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Instrumental arrangements of Christmas classics performed by Hawaii’s acoustic guitar trio, Kohala, with their acoustic blend of island folk and jazz. Songs include: What Child Is This, Home For The Holidays, The Christmas Song, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, O Come Emmanuel, Wassail Song, We Three Kings, Merry Christmas Darling, O Holy Night plus Kohala’s original, Waimea Christmas Bells.
Hawaii's acoustic guitar trio performing live in Honolulu at the rRed Elephant. This is Kohala's only live album, and it features songs their fans have requested during their last 10 years of touring Japan and the US. Songs include: Highway in the Sun, Juliette, Purdy's Ride, Deeper Blue, You, Kohala Summer, Tres Amigos, Mango Cooler, Follow your Road, Samba del Sol, and Life's Different Now.
18 traditional Hawaiian hula songs performed by several of Hawaii's Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning musicians, produced by GRAMMY award winning producer, Charles Brotman. Within 48 hours after purchase, you will receive an email with a link to the digital file. Just click on the link and follow simple instructions provided. With a high speed connection the download will take 3-4 minutes for the 18 songs.
“...stayed in my CD player the whole season, even though I have 100 holiday CD's...that's how good it is! ” - Amazon Customer Review
A beautiful instrumental collection of 12 Christmas songs arranged for slack key guitar, featuring solo guitar performances by: Sonny Lim, Jeff Peterson, Charles Michael Brotman, Randy Lorenzo, Wailau Ryder, James Kimo West, Dwight Tokumoto and Ben Kaili. Songs include: I'll be home for Christmas, White Christmas, O Holy Night, Silver Bells, The First Noel, Little Drummer Boy, Melekalikimaka, Away in a Manager, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells, Santa Claus in Coming to Town, Winter Wonderland.
Slack Key Guitar - The Artistry of Jeff Peterson
Hoku Award Finalist and featured in "The Descendants"
JEFF PETERSON has emerged as a leader among a new generation of slack key guitarists ; his signature slack key style combines his innovative technique with traditional slack key guitar. Jeff was featured on Hawaii's first GRAMMY Award-winning CD (Slack Key Guitar Volume 2, Palm Records), and "The Artistry of Jeff Peterson" illustrates Jeff's diverse musical influences, from his paniolo roots as a child on Maui to the modern guitar techniques he has mastered.
“Kohala has the masters touch” - Honolulu Advertiser
DEEPER BLUE shows Kohala's evolution while influences of folk, jazz, and life in Hawaii continue to serve as a foundation and musical inspiration for the three members of this Big Island acoustic guitar trio: GRAMMY Award-winning Charles Michael Brotman, Charlie Recaido, and new member Rupert Tripp, Jr.
“A perfect showcase of Elmer "Sonny" Lim Jr. talents....captures Lim’s musical magic with 11 exquisite solo recordings." - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
A member of the famous musical Lim family in Hawaii, Sonny Lim grew up playing ki ho’alu (slack key guitar) in the Kohala region of the Big Island where the style originated. As in his performances on Hawaii’s first GRAMMY® CD, “Slack Key Guitar Volume 2”, Sonny’s playing combines traditional roots with his own musical style. This is pure Sonny Lim, playing unaccompanied solo slack key.
Hula is a beautiful art form that expresses many aspects of Hawaiian culture. Historically, the Big Island has been the heart of Hawaiian civilization. This recording features Big Island artists performing some of their favorite hula songs. Artists: Kainani Kahaunaele, Loeka, The Lim Family, Randy Lorenzo, Rupert Tripp, Jr., Keoki Kahumoku, Rodgers (Lena) Naipo, Nephi Brown, Kevin Teves, Charlie Recaido. Songs include: Kaleponi Hula, Mahina O Hoku, Papalina Lahilahi, Hi'ilawe, Keep Your Eyes on the Hands, Hawaiian Hula Eyes and more.
"...some of the most beautiful acoustic instrumental tunes I’ve heard...this music is fantastic!" - Wind and Wire
The music on Cool Breeze was composed by members of the trio, except for three pieces: "I Will" (The Beatles), "Sunlight, Moonlight" (a popular song in Hawaii during the 70s), and "Manatsuno Katjitsu" (a special request by Tokyo FM). The music reflects many influences found in the islands: Hawaiian, Latin, Japanese, Pacific Rim and jazz. For the first time Kohala has recorded some tracks with percussion. Originals include: Night Marchers, Samba Pacific, Winds of Kohala and more. A HOKU AWARD FINALIST
Recorded in the heart of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country where the slack key guitar style originated. Presenting 10 solo guitarists - John Cruz, John Keawe, Sonny Lim, Randy Lorenzo, Keoki Kahumoku, Jeff Peterson, Ken Emerson, Charlie Recaido, Charles Michael Brotman and Bryan Kessler. Each artist has his own tuning and slack key style ranging from traditional to contemporary showing the evolution of this art form.
"Call this Exquisite" - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
"The most soothing CD we've heard in a long time..." - Honolulu Magazine
Take a musical journey through the islands with gentle jazz arrangements for acoustic, classical, and slack key guitars. Kohala performs popular Island songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s, with a fresh musical style that reflects the beauty of the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. These 11 instrumental arrangements include: Sunflower, Moloka'i Sweet Home, Highway In The Sun, Lost Again, Honolulu City Lights, Moonlight Lady, Life's Different Now, Kona Breeze, North Shore Road, Kauanoeanuhea.
"Kohala...for simply beautiful guitar instrumentals..." - Islands Magazine
Relax to nostalgic island favorites with soothing instrumental arrangements for acoustic and classical guitars. Kohala's fresh musical interpretation of these traditional island melodies reflects the exotic pristine beauty of a tropical paradise. These 12 song titles include: In a Little Hula Heaven, I'll Remember You, Hawaii Aloha, Paoakalani, Ke Kali Nei Au (Hawaiian Wedding Song), Soft Green Seas, Hawaiian Hula Eyes, Keep Your Eyes on the Hands, Ei Nei, Aloha Kauai, Hawaiian Hospitality.
"The beauty & charms that constitute Hawaii" - Honolulu Advertiser
Here in classic Kohala style you'll find gentle jazz instrumental arrangements for three acoustic guitars. Songs include the following contemporary favorites: Love and Honesty, Summer Lady, Nightbird, Follow Your Road, Flying, For You I'll Chase Rainbows, Juliette, Mango Cooler, Understanding to the Man and Friends.
#11 on the National NAV Radio Charts
"Kohala... they score again. I can't pick a favorite, they are ALL that good.. the perfect kick back album or elegant dinner party music ...” - Aloha Joe
8 of the 11 songs on "Back to Kohala" were composed by the three members of the acoustic guitar trio. The music is open, spacious, organic and warm - a musical interpretation of the landscape and environment of the beautiful Kohala region on the Big Island.
This showcase of island artists features the authentic sound of the slack key style acoustic guitar with traditional and contemporary arrangements by Sonny Lim, Ken Emerson, Bryan Kessler, Randy Lorenzo, John Keawe, Kevin Teves and Charles Michael Brotman. The tranquil sounds of these unusual harmonies are as beautiful as the Islands from which slack key or "kiho´alu" originates.
Northwest pianist Tom Kellock's soothing elegant style and unique arrangements for solo piano unveil the classic beauty of popular melodies such as I Can't Make You Love Me, When I Fall in Love, Candle in the Wind, Think of Me, The Rose, Beauty and The Beast, A Whole New World, Have I Told You Lately, and two originals. Kellock has performed and recorded with Al Jarreau, Gato Barbieri, Manhattan Transfer, Richard Elliot, Heart, Melissa Manchester and Grammy winners Tingstad & Rumble.
A compilation of some of our favorite Hawaiian songs sung by favorite island singers - One Day Soon by Ernie Cruz, Jr., Drop Baby Drop by Mana'o Company, Language of the Heart by Bryan Kessler, Forever Mine by Randy Lorenzo, Shine On by John Cruz, Mokihana Lullaby by Lorna Lim, At Manele by Pomai, Coconut Culture by Allan Thomas, Hawaii Calls to Me by RJ Kaneao, When Pueo Flies by Robi Kahakalau, and E¯ o Pa¯lolo, a debut by Desirée Cruz. These are all vocal tracks except for Smuggler's Inn by guitarist Charles Michael Brotman.
"Kohala's 'friends' possess some of Hawaii's sweetest voices. Each song is a guaranteed stress reliever" - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Hawaii's acoustic guitar trio, Kohala, and the following special guest artists present a collection of Hawaiian lullabies: Robi Kahakalau, Pauline Wilson, Jake Shimabukuro, Brian Kessler, Lorna Lim, Malani Bilyeu, Brother Noland and Betsy Curtis. Kohala's only CD with vocals. For adults and children.
"a splendid refreshment, a classy production through and through." - Honolulu Advertiser
"A cross between the gently laid-back style of Earl Klugh and the magic of Russ Freeman, with a certain tropicality about it. Airplay cuts: Heart of Gold, Kam Hiway, Mango Cooler, Marisa’s Song ... near all of ‘em!" - Contemporary Jazz Review
This is a re-issue originally recorded on Global Pacific in 1990 when it reached #3 on New Adult Contemporary Radio. Guest artists include Tom Walsh (drums), Steve Reid (percussion), David Inamine (bass), and Jerry Martini (saxophone).
Contemporary instrumental jazz with a tropical flair, featuring the classical style guitar of Charles Michael Brotman and special guests Daniel Ho and Kilauea. A re-issue originally recorded on BrainChild Records in 1993.
Relax and renew with a tapestry of music accented by nature sounds from the Hawaiian Islands. Ensemble Pacific’s blend of traditional, modern, and ethnic instruments includes piano, classical guitar, flute, nose flute, choir, oboe, cello, violin, slack key guitar, harp, vocalise, keyboards, kalimba, udu, and ipu. Songs include Nu‘uanu Mist, Coral Cathedrals, Lost Galleon, Return of the Whales, Sacred Pools, Island Dawn, Valley’s End and Oasis. Total time: 51:40
Relax and dream with Ensemble Pacific’s ethereal blend of traditional, modern, and ethnic instruments including piano, classical guitar, flute, nose flute, oboe, French horn, cello, violin, slack key guitar, harp, choir, keyboards, kalimba, ipu, udu, ili ili, and kala‘au. Songs include Ancient Trail, Secret Window, Poet’s Thirst, Soul Walk, Twilight, Oceans of Time and Clouds. Total time: 54:00
Uplifting arrangements performed by Ensemble Pacific with their unique blend of instruments including piano, classical guitar, flute, slack key guitar, French horn, nose flute, oboe, cello, violin, choir, harp, keyboards, kalimba, ipu, udu, and ocarina. Songs include Sunbeam, Majesty, Trillion Stars, Ascent, Moon’s Promise, Day Break, Spinnakers and Lasting Moment. Total time: 47:15
GIFT PACKS
Slack Key Guitar Series Gift Pack
Slack Key Guitar Volume 2 GRAMMY AWARD FOR BEST HAWAIIAN MUSIC ALBUMSlack Key Guitar a HOKU Award finalist
