专辑简介

The State of Hawaii possesses charm and scenic attractions distinctive from all the rest. A true impression of this ‘Pearl Of The Pacific’ can only be gained if one encounters the highlights of all the main islands – the cosmopolitan spirit of Oahu, the stupendous grandeur of Hawaii, the dramatic beauty of Kauai, the contrasting splendors of Maui and the friendliness of Molokai. All of this is encompassed by the music of the Islands, so vividly and enchantingly presented here by Andy Sannella And His Imperial Hawaiians. This music mirrors a view of incomparable scenery and majestic spectacles, the vigorous progress of present-day life set against a background of an older, primitive Hawaii – land of kings and conquests and strange pagan gods. Vana Vana, the opener, is a “challenge” dance in swing tempo which tells of the Polynesian heritage of many of the islanders. It is followed by a change of pace, a hauntingly melodious Kalima Waltz which spotlights the interpretative powers of steel guitarist, Sam Makia. Then it’s hula time and melody called Mai Givi whose unsung words play teasingly, then ingeniously with the theme, interpreted in an authentic, light-hearted style by Andy Sannella And His Imperial Hawaiians. As an encore hula, the boys offer Sweet Lei Lehua, which reminds one of the Hawaiian tradition – the presenting of a lei is usually accompanied by a kiss. Mahina Malamalama, which follows, returns Andy and the boys to 3/4 time in a shimmering and rapturous rendition. Side One concludes with Kila Kila Haleakala, a swing novelty tribute to the largest inactive volcanic crater in the world. Basking in its special beauty, Haleakala (house of the sun) rises 10,025 feet above sea level and stretches for 21 miles around the rim. Side Two offers a variety of hulas and one lilting waltz. Tomi Tomi, the opener, is a novelty hula in a light popular vein, typical of the dances that crowded the luaus, or native feasts once the dance was in full swing, about the 1880’s. In their next hula version, Andy and the boys play a lovely old chant, Paa Hana that relates how the maidens of the mountains gather tropical fruits and resplendent flowers for baskets and leis with which to greet visiting strangers. In the hula, each movement of the hand and arm, each inclination of the body or graceful swaying has a poetry all its own, sufficient to express any human thought or action. For He Aloha No Kauiki, Andy Sannella And His Imperial Hawaiians combine hula and fox trot rhythms to describe, in their way, the superb beauties of the islands. Time, of course, has introduced changes in the traditional hula. But its portraits of nature are still among the most popular, such as Kalena Kai. Lei Day on May 1st, in Hawaii honors the various flowers of the Islands. Everyone wears a lei and there are numerous pageants, exhibits and contests. The melody, Sweet Lei Mamo, in this Imperial Hawaiian interpretation, is as soothing and tender as the special lei of the mamo bird feathers, about which the tune revolves. Another prominent Hawaiian event is the Hula Festival which takes place during August, and Andy’s group captures its carefree, capersome spirit in the lively Ahi Wela (The Fire Of Love).