I almost wish it had been a breathtakingly cold day because it would have made my mental images of palm trees and black sand beaches even more delicious. As it was, these masters of Hawaiian music – George Kahumoku Jr., Nathan Aweau, and Kawika Kahiapo – delivered a wonderful backdrop for my time on a Hawaiian beach on this winter afternoon!
Each musician played solo for 25 minutes followed by a 25-minute set of the three musicians playing and singing together. It was an excellent way to present this music.
First to perform was George. He played a twelve-string guitar and sang in Hawaiian. He explained the meaning of each song which I appreciated since I don’t speak Hawaiian (other than aloha). The twelve-string seemed particularly well-suited to this type of music.
Nathan was next to the stage. He sang mostly in English so he was able to spend more time playing his six-string guitar. His songs were extremely personal; one was a song he wrote for his wife of 38 years and another was a cover of a song that he dedicated to his autistic adult son.
Last to solo was Kawika who spent part of his career with the best-known Hawaiian musician, Don Ho. Kawika also played a six-string and sang in both English and Hawaiian. He told a story about asking his wife out when he was 16 and the song that resulted (albeit written many years later).
I thought their talents meshed well when they came together for the last part of the show. Their vocal harmonies were lovely as was the way their guitars ‘harmonized’. It was a blissful way to bring the show to a natural conclusion.
These artists do an ongoing show on (I believe) Maui, so if you happen to find yourself there, it would be worth seeing them.
Click here to see more photos from this show on Suze Reviews the Blues.
