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He was a beautiful songbird (in the body of a nene) and the fullest expression of Hawaiian culture.
His version of Hilawe is tear inducing and brings my minds eye to Waipio every time, and White Sandy Beach should be the State (or National) Anthem: It is beautiful, melancholic, yet romantic song that reminds us of impermanent love against an eternal sea. Red hearts entwined, cobalt sea, black lava, four strings.
He kept the language alive, revived nearly forgotten classics, and played a mean ukulele. He was a gentle soul. I think he couldn't bear his own sensitivity and tried to insulate himself from it. I am quite certain the birds all stopped singing, Pele ceased her temper tantrum, farmworkers set aside their labors, and a river of tears washed out to sea on the day he died. His ashes were spread on the ocean and soon the tied carried him home and he was there...in the sun....on a White Sandy Beach of....of....of.....of Hawai'i.
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A new CD is being released on his anniversary of passing.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
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i heard a little bit of it already. I was at Barnes and Noble looking at the new book that came out in time for the album.Boy oh Boy....it's hard to hold back the emotions just feeling the pictures and reading the stories.....I've got to buy it.....
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I think that CD is "Wonderful World", produced by Jon de Mello, Braddah Iz's producer. Unreleased recordings of Braddah Iz are couched in orchestral strings as de Mello is wont to do.
I didn't know about Israel Kamakawiwo'ole when he broke onto the scene because I was living in CA at the time. But I was fortunate to see him live at an outdoor concert at the Waiki'i Ranch off Saddle Road. What a voice! He did some memorable songs. Tears welled up in my eyes as we sang along with him on "Hawai'i Aloha" (a long-time preference for State anthem). And his rendition of Queen Liliuokalani's song, "Kaulana na pua", was as stirring as Sunday Manoa's version.
I remember hearing his medley, "Somewhere over the Rainbow/Wonderful World" over the closing credits in the movie, "Finding Forrester" and later in a Toys.com TV ad. It was nice to realize that others were becoming exposed to him. And it continued to pop up everywhere. His freeform lyrics are like pidgin.
He was a nephew to one of my high school friends, who was surprised to find out that Iz remembered him. My friend was thrilled to be called "uncle" by this local star. The last name, Kamakawiwo'ole, translates to "evil eye". Don't know if that's the same as "stink eye" or something more serious.
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Thank you Glen, that was as beautiful and clear and true as a ray of sunlight.
mella l
mella l
Art and Science
bytheSEA
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You are correct Les, it's the "Wonderful World." I pre-ordered mine a month ago. Do you think I will ever forget the "Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World" medley? My wife walked down the aisle with that song being played.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
Edited by - John S. Rabi on 06/26/2007 15:23:13
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We heard about the anniversary album on NPR this morning and downloaded it on iTunes. The songs are wonderful as ever.
Noel
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A friend on Maui took advantage of the $1 flight recently and bought a ticket to fly to Oahu and place a lei in the water where Braddah Iz's ashes were scattered - today on the 10th Anniversary of his death. A nice thought.
Carrie
"All I can say about life is, Oh God, enjoy it." Bob Newhart
Edited by - Carolann R on 06/26/2007 15:30:09
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There is a terrific program on Iz's life on Channel 9 tonight.
(actually, watching now)
David
Ninole Resident
Ninole Resident
