Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 30, Number 8, 1 August 2013 — Kāhele continues artist's journey [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Kāhele continues artist's journey

By Francine Kananionapua Murray Kuana Torres Kahele set expectations high for his second album after he won sixNā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in 2012 for his first solo CD, Kaunaloa. . His new album Kāhele, whieh means decorated for a joumey, is beautifully adorned by 14 originals by Kahele. Kahele treated us all to a bit of a teaser in early June, when the acclaimed composer released the single "E Ku'u Lei, My Love" on iTunes. It received rave reviews and is the last track of his new CD. The love song tugs at the heartstrings as it moves from Kahele's warm voice, Hawaiian lyrics and solo acoustic guitar to include piano, violin and English lyrics by singer/songwriter Maila Gibson. The mele "Ka'ililauokekoa" starts with a jovial beat and tells the tale of the Kaua'i prin-

cess, a stunning beauty as well as an athlete. Kauakahi would stop at nothing to gain her affection. "Ka Leimomi" adds some Asian spices and sounds, as Kahele strums a Japanese koto. The song is for his dear friend from Japan. "Kahulilau" is where Kahele is from, a hospitable homestead in Waipi'o. His vocals coupled with the steel guitar make this feel like a classic mele wahi pana. Get ready for a little Italian flair with "Aloha Sorrento," a charming Hawaiian mele inspired by the centuries-old Italian fishing town. Kahele composed this in 2012 while overlooking the Bay of Naples in Sorrento, Italy, along with - believe it or not - the song "Beauty A'o Moloka'i," whieh makes you long for the great beauty of Moloka'i, from the steep trail of Kalaupapa to the majestic coconut groves of Kalama'ula.

"Ke Kula Lehu'ula," the red-dirt plains of Ka'ū, was written in 2012 for Kumu Hula Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu to use as the entrance and exit mele at the Merrie Monarch Festival. Kahele liked it so mueh he finished the song and included it in this CD. "Ku'u Mea Aloha," my beloved, expresses that feeling you get when your heart flutters as you see your love approach. "Leime'ala" was written for his mother, but it's not what one might expect. It has a kolohe (rascal) sound to it. While listening to it, I was bopping in my seat. The new "Makapu'u Moonlight" is in the old hapa haole style while songs like "Ka Pua 'Alamea," "Lehua Beauty" and "Nanina" eonfirm why Kahele earned a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for male vocalist. ■

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Kāhele Kuana Torres Kahele Mountain Apple Co.