Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 23, Number 10, 1 October 2006 — Gilliom's renewed energy in ʻGeneration Hawaiʻiʻ reflects poise, maturity [ARTICLE]

Gilliom's renewed energy in ʻGeneration Hawaiʻiʻ reflects poise, maturity

By KWŪ Staff Having just contributed in a big way to the next generation of Hawaiians with the birth of her first child, award-winning recording star Amy Hānaiali'i Oilliom is also the proud parent of a brandnew CD release, "Generation Hawai'i," her seventh so far. Noted forherHawaiian falsettostyle known as "ha'i," Gilliom's offerings on "Generation Hawai'i" are a pleasant blend of old and new mele. As always, her tūtū, the late lennie Nāpua Woodd, is reverently credited as her musical and spiritual inspiration. Woodd is lovingly remembered in Nāpua, penned by both Gilliom and widely acclaimed producer Miehael Ruff, with 'ōlelo Hawai'i support by Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole. The mana-filled performance is moving. It was Woodd's own

1930s composition Hale'iwa Hula on Amy's 1998 hit release, "Hānaiali'i" (along with former musical partner Willie K), that catapulted Gilliom to the forefront of Hawaiian music. Earlier this summer, just two weeks before the birth of her daughter , Gilliom worked three days straight recording vocals in sessions she describes as "incredible," with her little one kieking and squirming all the while. Particularly on older "hula" numbers like Rain Kilikilihune and Hilo ē, Gilliom's already stand-out vocals have matured. Her tone is warm and commanding, and her attention to detail continues as a priority. Mauna'olu, about the Maui seminary near Makawao, is a fine example of older style poetry where themes were sometimes less-than-romantic. The lyrics vividly describe students' reaction to a tragic fire that destroyed

some of the school buildings just as they were relaxing after dinner. While the music is in subdued waltz form, the words describe fear, panie and sadness. As of this writing, "Generation" was listed at No. 5 on the Billboard Top World Music Albums, having held top10 positions since it was released this summer. Already a Grammy nominee for Best Hawaiian Album in 2004, Gilliom could easily be in the running again with this latest effort. The CD's packaging is outstanding, complete with eyecatching graphics, informative liner notes and song lyrics. For Amy Gilliom's discography, performance booking and additional information, visit www.mountainapplec ompany.com . "Generation Hawai'i" was produced by Amy Gilliom and Miehael Ruff for Hānaiali'i Records. S

MELE 'AILANA • ISLAND MUSIC SCENE —