Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band, Vol. 1

1. Aloha Ka Manini

2. Ku'u Pua Lei Mokihana

3. Pu'uanahulu

4. Moani Ke'Ala

5. Blue Hawaiian Moonlight

6. Moonlight Lady

7. E Nihi Ka Hele

8. Hawaiian Love

9. Wahine U'i

10. Chant

11. Ipo Lei Manu

Tracks:

Aloha Ka Manini
Ku'u Pua Lei Mokihana
Pu'uanahulu
Moani Ke'Ala
Blue Hawaiian Moonlight
Moonlight Lady
E Nihi Ka Hele
Hawaiian Love
Wahine U'i
Chant
Ipo Lei Manu

Customer Reviews:

This is not "Brown Gabby".......2005-10-25

This is not "Brown Gabby" (the 1972 sepia - brown tone album jacket entitled, "Gabby" -- which helped to reassert both his popularity and traditional Hawaiian music -- featuring Gabby's favorite song, "Hi'ilawe,"). But "The Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band, Vol. 1" ("Volume 1") is my favorite Hawaiian recording - largely because of the track, "Moonlight Lady" (you traditionalists can "barf," to quote Michelle Wie). This is akin to public admission of liking hapa haole music -- which I do, without embarrassment.

Guitar players from Japan and Mexico always carried home Volume 1 after Island visits; and together with renewed slack key interest, this album (released in 1975) influenced emerging Hawaiian guitar and ukulele pickers. Ry Cooder's presence was inspiring for this Big Island recording session; but the all-star group of Gabby and his sons, Bla and Cyril, together with Randy Lorenzo, "Joe Gang" Kapahu, Atta Isaacs, and Sonny Chillingworth were already bigger than life musicians. And when this unique assemblage also has camaraderie and mutual admiration, the result is a guitar classic respected throughout the world.

Pickers, pluckers, strummers, and sliders will particularly enjoy the guys jammin' on "Moani Ke `Ala," (track 4); and Gabby fans can cut loose warm, happy tears (again) listening to "Ipo Lei Manu," (track 11) - as he smiles down from heaven, still shaking his head at "Hawaiian Love," (track 8) with its accordion backup (but I like it, Pops).

Gabby's folk hero stature sparked a resurgence of Hawaiian (language) music (before and) after the US Bicentennial celebration of 1976, encouraging local, native-ethnic culture - and Hawaii's songwriters and musicians (including Eddie Kamae and "Sons of Hawai'i," past and present) to search old and new directions. I sometimes question, however, if non-kama'ainas (non-locals) can sing along easily in Hawaiian with Gabby or Auntie Genoa (figuratively) - as PBS audiences do with Andre Rieu, Daniel O'Donnell, and POP stars of the 60s and 70s, in the local tongue.

As a Hawaiian at heart, I continue returning to Waikiki to enjoy today's Alfred Apakas and "Hawaii Calls" at the Royal Hawaiian, in the luaus of my mind. Considering lyrics to be musical tools to communicate thoughts and emotions, I wonder openly - with love and respect - if "Hi'ilawe" would be just as popular as "Moonlight Lady," sung in English.

Gabby and friends go for kanikapila!.......2001-11-07

When this came out in the mid 70's, Hawaiian music was very diverse. You had the new breed of artists like Cecilio & Kapono, Kalapana, and Country Comfort incorporating pop, rock, and folk, managing to gain an audience outside of the islands. But for the traditionalists, it also meant a time of change. Gabby kept to his guns and did what he did best. This album got attention in the U.S. and UK because of Ry Cooder's involvement. Before he exposed the world to the Buena Vista All Stars, he was jamming with Gabby Pahinui and his friends and managed to get this album released by Warner Bros. The big hit on this is the sweet ballad "Moonlight Lady", sung by Pahinui's son Bla. Part of this album was recorded in California, specifically for the orchestra and string sections, and when Gabby heard his songs being backed by the orchestra, it was he who cried. Anyone who lived in Hawai'i in the mid 70's will always remember "Moonlight Lady", and it's the song that makes thousands of transplanted Hawaiians very homesick.

This will melt your edge.......2001-04-25

Wonderful album. Lightens the load every time I listen to it. Great listening anytime but especially valuable during a dull, heavy, winter day. Many of the tunes are in Hawaiian but this won't stop you from singing along.

'Moonlight Lady' is a highlight. Beautiful ballad.

The only downer is that the liner states that 20 songs were recorded but only 10 are on the album. This album is listed as Volume 1 but we can't find Volume 2 anywhere.

If you like Grisman, Cline, Buena Vista Social Club you'll probably love this album.

Average customer rating:

Hawaiian 'Slack-Key' Guitar at its best!---Start Here!

The Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band, Vol. 1
The Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band
Manufacturer: Edsel Records UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Hawaii | Pacific Islands | International | Styles | Music

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music

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ASIN: B00004RGL9
Release Date: 2000-04-07

Tracks:

Aloha Ka Manini
Ku'u Pua Lei Mokihana
Pu'uanahulu
Moanl Ker'ala
Blue Hawaiian Moonlight
Moonlight Lady
E Nihi Ka Hele
Hawaiian Love
Wahini U'l
Oli Komo
Ipo Lei Manu

Album Description

Long before Ry Cooder hooked up with Cuban musicians to such great critical and commercial success, he recorded this album in 1974 in Hawaii with Gabby Pahinui and his band. This version has been repackaged to include the lyrics and a new booklet of notes.

Customer Reviews:

Hawaiian 'Slack-Key' Guitar at its best!---Start Here!.......2000-08-06

I first listened to this record back in the '70s through my interest in Ry Cooder. Because of that listening, for the past 25 years, I have been a devotee of Hawaiian 'Slack-Key' guitar. Gabby Pahinui & friends changed the way I listen to music. This record sings to the sensitivity, joy, and sadness of a traditional way of life whose generous values stood counterpoint to the greedy reality of todays' multi-national corporate-state. The album reeks kindness, gentleness, and love, through impeccable musicianship. These legendary performances by Gabby Pahinui & Sons, Sonny Chillingsworth, and Atta Issacs etc., make this record the jumping off point for discovery of Hawaiian folk music. Whether you eventually dig back to the early days of Sol Hoopii, The Tau Moe Family, and Roy Smeck--or forward to contemporary recordings by Led Kaapana, Bob Brozman, or Gabby's sons, Cyril, Bla, & Martin--your journey starts here.

Music Album:

Music Album