Ke Alahou, Volume I, Number 2, 1 December 1979 — PELE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

PELE

Roland Cazimerō. Mountain Apple Company, Ine. e/o World Wide Distributors, 1132 Auahi Street, Honolulu 96814. Songs: I've Got to Find Me a Home. E Pele. Comp Love Me Now, Hi'iaka s Pledge. Rebirth oi I.ohiau, Malama Pono. Kilu, Why are \ve aparf?. I'm the one.'A promise forgotten, Jealousy, Interiude. Destiny, and I am, I am. The Pele cycle stories are a favorite among the Hawaiian people. Our mythology is a beloved part of our traditions and it should not be taken lightly. An essay about Pele was written by a student of Lahainaluna back in 1840. These stories were also recorded in the old Hawaiian newspapers. Roland Cazimero and Mountain Apple Company have embarked on a serious and uncharted course in releasing of a new recording entitled "Peie." Don't expect an, album full of ancient or traditional chants and sounds. This is an innovative and very different recording. The overall design of the album and the recording is a graphic work of artistry. It includes a pamphlet giving a brief synopsis of the legend of Pele. adapted from Emerson's translations of the old Hawaiian newspaper stories and set side by side vvith the major

events of the story are Roland*s lyrics. The condensation, done by Brian Blevins, is a good job. He is definitely correct to say; "she has been, she is, and will forever be the most respected deity — even though that respect is founded in fear. M ; Some of the selections r'ere first heard at the last Brothers Cazimero cpncert. Tbe reaction ranged from disappointm|nl to curiousity. The

recording is a far cry from what was heard that evening. There is a good narration given that holds the story and music together. There is the incorporation of modern_instruments and traditional in this recording. It is an intriguing work because it communicates a traditionai story in a modern medium to a modern audience. We are not in the court of the oW chiefs nor the worshippers of the o!d religion. Roland's work isreminiscent of the rock«operas of the British musical team of Webber and Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and His Amazing TechnicoJor Dreatn Coat). However, the manner in whieh it is done also rerainds one of the old Kamokila Campbell records on Hawaiian mythology. Many times I have wondered, while teaching our ancient stories, how they were presented in the courts of the high chiefs or at religious celebrations, this recording blended with a little imagination should be able to give one a least the feeling and appreciation of what our ancestors had first created. This albura is for those who are adventurous for something innovative, It may be someWhat of a disappointment foratraditionalist. MNC