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Voyager Series: Hawaiian Melodies
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Price: $2.13
Price subject to change!
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0723724149120
Label: Columbia River Ent.
Manufacturer: Columbia River Ent.
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Columbia River Ent.
Release Date: 2002-02-05
Studio: Columbia River Ent.
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Customer reviews of Voyager Series: Hawaiian Melodies
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Customer Rating:  
Summary: Hawaiian Music
Comment: Never been there, want to go and it was great listening to the music. A real stress reliever.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great Hawaiian Tunes - but lacks the full Cultural Package
Comment: Despite the fact I've never visited Hawaii, I've always been fascinated with Hawaiian Culture. As part of my fascination with this culture, I became very interested in listening to Hawaiian music. After doing some searching I came across an Independent music label collection of Hawaiian tunes called "Hawaiian Melodies". This collection contains 20 popular Hawaiian tunes. Since this is an Independent label (Allegro Music), you aren't going to hear any popular stars perform the songs. The nice thing about this collection is that it is modestly priced and it does provide some outstanding Hawaiian music. The downside to this collection is that it doesn't provide the full cultural picture.
First the music - Hawaiian Music is primarily based on String Instruments. You aren't going to hear horns or a lot of drums. You might hear a touch of Synthesizer and a touch of light percussion with these tunes, but for the most part - the String Instruments are going to be dominant. There are three string instruments that you will hear - and they are all derivatives of the acoustic guitar. The first type of string instrument is the Steel Guitar. Many people confuse this guitar with the Steel Strung Guitar (guitar with steel strings). A Steel Guitar actually has part of the body made out of Steel. If you have ever seen the cover of Dire Straits' "Brothers in Arms", you will see an all steel representation of a Steel Guitar. Many Steel Guitars are made of both wood and steel., however, the representation of the "Brothers in Arms" guitar shows what a Steel Guitar will look like. There are also derivatives of the Steel Guitar called the "Lap Steel Guitar" and "Pedal Steel Guitar" that are rectangular in shape and are also common in Hawaii. These derivatives are shaped the way they are to allow them to be played on a lap. The second type of String Instrument is the Slack Key Guitar. Slack Key Guitars are similar to standard acoustic guitars but the strings are often tuned to lower notes. Slack Key Guitars are typically played in a solo fingerpicking style - although it is also common for chords to be played on it. The third type of String Instrument is probably the most common of the Hawaiian Guitars - the Ukulele is essentially a small version of a guitar that contains only four strings. All of these instruments help contribute to the unique Hawaiian Music Sound. I'm amazed at how beautiful these melodies sound without things like drums, horns or heavy keyboards. I'm also amazed at the variety of music that can be produced from just using these instruments. A song like "Hawaiian Cowboy" (included on this collection) is great because it actually has an Old West feel to it while remaining true to the Hawaiian roots. Another track is "South Sea Swing" (also included on this collection) that actually has a Swing Music feel - and also remaining true to the Hawaiian roots.
Most of the 20 selections that are included on this collection are instrumental. There are six tracks that include vocals ("Uilani", "Keep Your Eyes On the Hands", "Hawaiian Cowboy", "Pearly Shells", "Song of Old Hawaii", and "Pretty Ke Hulani"). One thing that is disappointing is that no credits are given to any of the musicians of this collection. Therefore, we have no idea who the vocalists are. It is a shame because all of the contributing vocalists and musicians are extremely talented and deserved to be recognized on this collection.
There are some popular songs that are on here - probably the most common ones are "Song of the Islands", "Hawaiian Wedding Song", the ever humorous "Keep Your Eyes On the Hands", and "Song of Old Hawaii". Although this song isn't what you would categorize a traditional Hawaiian Song, I was actually hoping that "Mele Kalikimaka" would also be included. "Mele Kalikimaka". This was a Hawaiian-styled Christmas Song written in 1949 and popularized by Bing Crosby. I know it is still a less traditional song and probably not authentic, but I think in a lot of ways it has gained its own following and really become a part of the modern culture of Hawaii.
If you look at the collection from a musical standpoint, you will be very satisfied with the product. As mentioned above, one big disappointing thing is that there are no credits given to the musicians or vocalists. In fact, there are no liner notes included at all. Basically behind the CD cover is a blank page. I realize that this is a budget priced CD, but if this collection had actually included some cultural and historical information it would have really been great. In fact, some background about the folklore of these songs would have really hit a homerun. I found this a major detraction Instead one is only made to research more information on the internet.
Overall if you are looking for some Hawaiian Music, I would recommend getting this CD. If you basically listen to mainstream music, this is probably not going to be a CD you play over and over again. You will most likely play this at a Party (probably a Hawaiian Style) or some sort of Social Occassion. You might even choose to play it on random occasions, but you may give it a play or two before putting it back on your shelf. If you are a fan of specific Hawaiian artists, this collection may be underwhelming.
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