Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 2, 1 February 2001 — 'Collection' apportions HAPA's very best [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

'Collection' apportions HAPA's very best

By Monu Boyd fROM THE get-go, Keli'i Kāneali'i and Barry Flanagan, better known as "HAPA," caused quite a stir in the island music scene as virtual unknowns who, with their first recording, swept every award they were nominated for. Hailing from worlds apart - Papakōlea and New Jersey - the duo has maintained their individuality while striking a harmonious blend vocally, instrumentally and spirimally. Theirs is a gift of many talents. World-class guitar work and distinct vocals aptly display thoughts and feelings in such love songs as " Lei Pīkake " (whieh won song of the year) and "Ku 'u Lei, Ku 'u Ipo," both from their selftitled debut in 1992. The surfīng standard "He'eia" and the cover tune " Pride " (In the Name ofLove) give depth and breadth to their repertoire. Superb Hawaiian interpretations by 'ōlelo Hawai'i scholar Kī'ope Raymond

unfold in Flanagan originals on and off this anthology (Remember " Kāhea

U'ilann ). " EŌMaiKu'u Milimili" is a fine example of magic created when elements of a song from eonception to birth are just right. The string arrange- i ment is out of this world. I Buddy/legend Kenny Loggins enhances the /

chorus of "Ku 'u Lei 'Awapuhi" whieh cemented

an intrinsic bond with the composer's

daughter, the late Lydia Nāmahana Maioho, former kahu of Mauna 'Ala. "In all these many years, they were the only ones to ask permission to record that song," recalled a grateful Maioho in a conversation years ago.

She immediately took them as "hānai." After her passing years later, the duo titled their fifth CD " Nāma - hana" in her honor.

' / Martin Pahinui joins in on "Pu 'uanahulu ," the 1 / flowing anthem for the ma uka hills in North ( Kona. "The Waikīkī Beach Boy Song," another / Flanagan original, gives limelight to Waikīkī legend Don Ho whose voice brings chicken-skin to the poignant pieee. Not unlike their five previous recordings, "Collection" is already a big seller based on the quality and popularity of its predecessors. Add to that the hand-

I some packaging by producer/distributor, The Mountain Apple Company, and you've got a winner, inside and out.

"Hapa," means part or portion, and suggests that more delectable servings from Kāneali'i and Flanagan are on the way as they bridge the 20th and 21st eenturies with quality, Hawaiian-contemporary flair. ■

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