'Ale'a

Following the successful debut release Take Me Home, 'Ale'a embarks on the second leg of their musical journey. 'Ale'a returns to its origins to its roots in traditional Hawaiian music. Origins / Kinohi is the latest offering from this award-winning group.

Classic numbers "Moku Kiakahi," "He Ma'i No Ka Lani" as well as popular Hawaiian favorites "Ku'u Ipo Pua Rose," and "Po La'ila'i" are reprised. "Princess Poo-poo-ly," Harry Owens' novelty song is highlighted with kazoos and effects simulating the sound of the 40s.

Origins features no less than six new compositions. Two songs by band members Chad Takatsugi and Kale Hannahs were written specifically for this new CD. Takatsugi's "Ka Manu Kikaha 'Olu" is a beautiful Hawaiian lyric song written for a noted hula dancer who is compared to "a graciously gliding bird." Hannahs' "Make My Dream Come True," is a song of hope and longing for that one true love.

"Aloha Hawai'i Ku'u One Hanau" is another new composition by award-winning composer F. Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. The composer compares his homeland, the chain of Hawaiian Islands to a string of pearls that adorns the heavenly ones. "Ha'ena I Ka 'Ehukai" by Carlson Kamaka Kukona speaks of the unsurpassed beauty of the garden island of Kaua'i.

"Two Worlds Apart" by Snowbird Bento is a duet with Bento and Takatsugi. The message of this beautiful song is that love will survive the distance of two worlds apart and "be forever in my heart." J. Kaha'i Topolinski's "Lei O Kohala" is based on a theme by Queen Lili'uokalani. The love song cites the place names and the flowers of Kohala on the island of Hawai'i.

TRACK LISTING
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1. He Ma'i No Ka Lani

2. Ha'ena I Ka 'Ehukai

3. Ku'u Ipo Pua Rose

4. Lei 'O Kohala

5. Po La'ila'i

6. Ka Manu Kikaha 'Olu

7. Moku Kia Kahi

8. Kiss and Say Goodbye

9. Two Worlds Apart

10. Princess Poo-poo-ly

11. Make My Dream Come True

12. Aloha Hawai'i Ku'u One Hanau

'Ale'a's award-winning debut recording Take Me Home, hit a home run, earning eight Na Hoku Hanohano nominations and scoring top honors in four categories last year. The CD was named the Best Island Contemporary Album, "Mapu Mau Ke 'Ala" was named Haku Mele (best Hawaiian language Song). 'Ale'a was named Group of the Year as well as the Most Promising Artists of 2001.

Propelled by the success of their first CD, the group has been in demand for performances across Hawai'i and in many cities on the West Coast. Late last year, they took time off to record their second CD. 'Ale'a called the album Origins because they reach back to an original desire to perform and perpetuate Hawaiian music -- for their inclusion of original, new compositions -- and because of their origins as a trio (member Kala'i Stern has since left the group to pursue a degree in choral music).

Since the release of their first CD, 'Ale'a has tightened both instrumentally and vocally. Rich layers of harmony characterize their well-balanced vocals, and Chad Takatsugi's wonderful baritone highlights the solos. Ryan Gonzalez' wizardry on the 'ukulele, guitar, and banjo continues to amaze and has spawned a flock of admirers. Kale Hannah's strong bass line is the backbone of the music.

'Ale'a, whose name means "sweet-voiced," returns to soar to new heights. Enjoy their lovely ascent --Nohea ke pi'ina i ke onaona.