Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 23, Number 6, 1 June 2006 — NEW SCHOOL OLD SCHOOL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

NEW SCHOOL OLD SCHOOL

Na Kama's third CD reflects talent, creativity and respect By Manu Būyd Public lnfurmatiun ūiractDr Nā Kama, the trio of Brian Mersberg, Eric Lee and Danny Nāipo, introduces their "third child," Kamakolu, whieh formally introduces Nāipo into the mix, although he's been a group member for more than a year now. Previous Nā Kama recordings featured the duo of Mersberg and Lee, who began their recording careers in the former group Kanile'a Collection, along with singer/songwriter Iay Kauka. In their new project, Nā Kama offers up a great blend of old and new. Among the seven new mele is Eric Lee's "Nani Wale Mānoa." With an almost Ni'ihau-like lilt, the song is perfect for hula and recalls the Tuahine rain of that Honolulu valley

and Wa'ahila ridge high above. All three members have songwriting talent, as well as "guest writer" Hailama Farden, who recalls the fragrant pua melia in his eomposition, "Ku'u Pua Lovely." Brian's cousin, kumu hula Kaha'i Topolinski, shares a family mele, "Kaulana 'o Kohala," a mele oli he performs in the intimate hō'aeae style. From his family collection of chants, this one honors Keali'ikamakanoanoa, Mrs. Enuna K. Mersburg. Kaha'i's oli continues at the end of Brian's catchy new surfing song, "Ka Nalu Kua Loa." Also for Kohala is "Paliokamoa," a well-known song with a number of slightly varied published versions. Here, the Nāipo family connection is underscored by a number of 'ohana members who helped uncover this older version, whieh is credited to Danny's great-grandmother, Ellen Kalaukoa Nāipo, and Kapeka Kalaukoa Kamahoahoa.

A rare treat on "E Maliu Mai" is the late Irmgard Farden 'Āluli's spoken introduction to her mele penned decades ago. "I'd like to tell you the story about one of my love songs, 'E Maliu Mai,"' she says. "We happened to be at my sister Margaret's home, and for no reason at all, I just said, 'Oh, I'd like to write a wedding song.' I no sooner had spoken when a tune started to eome. I could hear the harmony and everything. So I began to write Hawaiian words

that eame to my mind. 'E maliu mai e ku'u ipo." Aunty Irmgard's daughter, Mihana Souza, adds an English interpretation of the song's

Hawaiian lyrics. You ean catch Nā Kama performing around town, with regular .

gigs at the Outrigger Waiklkl's Hula Grill, and The Cheesecake Factory in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping j

Center. Nā Kama will perform in concert lune 17 at the Mākaha Sons' "Take a Walk In the Country" show at the Blaisdell Arena, along with a long list of musical friends who will help Moon, lohn and Ierome celebrate their 30th anniversary. The inAuenee of "The Sons" on Nā Kama is evident in their tight harmonies, great instrumentation and high energy performances. For more information on Nā Kama, visit www.na-kama.com.

From slack-kev to island dod to classic Hawaiian vocals, a varietv of music releases make for great listening this summer. Here are a few examDles:

On the heels of his first Grammy Award for best Hawaiian album, in whieh he was among several featured slack-key artists, Kahumoku showcases his own kī hō'alu and vocal talents. Contemporary classics like "Pane Mai" and "Alu Like" mix with such oldies as "Pua Carnation" and "Adios Ke Aloha." Produced by Daniel Ho Creations.

Hawaiian choral classics highlight the male voices of Kamehameha graduates over the past few decades, with particular musical inlluenee by longtime director Dorothy Kahananui Gillett. "Ka'ililauokekoa" and "Kona Kai 'Ōpua" by Henry Waia'u are among the 20 selections. Glee club history is given in an informative CD booklet. Produced by Hula Records.

"Brother Noland" Conjugacion put out this hot collection of mostly originals with top-of-the-line graphic packaging and photography. "R U Native" is done in true "Brother Nol for your soul" style, reflecting his commitment to Hawai'i, Hawaiians and the human race. Produced by lon de Mello for the Mountain Apple Company.

Solid guitars, vocals, song selections, engineering and graphics make "Barefoot Natives" a stand-out debut for this duo. Veterans Willie Kahaiali 'i and Eric Gilliom - brother of Willie ' s former musical partner, Amy Hānaiali'i - eombine in an electrifying mix. Check out "Nā Pua Lei 'llima." Wow! Produced by Unele Willie and Eric, along with Brian Kohne.

MELE 'AILANA • ISLAND MUSIC SCENE

George Kahumoku Jr. Nā 'Ano'ano: The Seeds

Kamehameha Alumni I Glee Club Through tlie Years ...

Brother Noland Mystical Fish

Unele Willie K/ Eric Oilliom Barefoot Natives