06-26-2007, 07:59 AM
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.
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.