Hapa

Maui All original compositions. 1-Haleakala, 2-Twinkletoes, 3-Papa E, 4-Slacking Off, 5-Lei Manoa, 6-Tahiti Manahune, 7-Redemption Song, 8-Mo i O Lili u, 9-Paniolo Ona Slack-key, 10-I Ka La'i O Lahaina, 11-Kealoha Bebop w/Charlie, 12-Hei Iti Vaihi	Collection HAPA, comprised of the talents of two remarkable and unique musicians, Barry Flanagan and Keli'i Kaneali'i, began their journey into the history books of Hawaiian music with their first release, simply entitled "HAPA". The impact from that initial recording catapulted them into ...	Facing Future To gauge the magnitude of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's popularity in his native Hawaii, consider this: following his death in 1997 (at age 38, attributed to his profound obesity), Kamakawiwo'ole's body lay in state in the state capitol, only the second person to receive such an honor....	Namahana	Kawaipunahele
Instrumental Peace The much anticipated solo CD release from one of the founding members of the contemporary hawaiian group Hapa. Barry Flanagan's Instrumental Peace showcases the next step in the evolution of his art. Featuring performances by R. Carlos Nakai, world's leading performer of the Nati...	In Dis Life Released in 1996, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, better known as IZ is much a part of Hawaii as the beautiful blue oceans. Every cut on this album you can hear the power and majesty that is IZ, which gets into the listeners' heart and soul. "In Dis Life" serves-up a mix of Hawaiian lan...	In the Name of Love	Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters Hawaiian slack-key guitar began evolving in the 1830s, when Spanish and Mexican cowboys brought guitars to the cattle ranches of the Big Island. It became a recognizable style around the turn of the century. The term refers to the practice of slacking some strings from standard t...	Alone in IZ World The artist behind Facing Future, the top-selling Hawaiian album of all time, the late Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole was possessed of a voice so sweet, so tender, and so lovely that it continues to deeply stir those who hear it long after he died. Lovingly assembled and notated...

It brings back memories
I was born on O'ahu and moved to the mainland at the age of 10. My last school year there, we had a great May Day celebration at the school in which all the 4th graders (I was a 4th grader then) danced to "Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai". After that, I had to find the song and get the CD, which is this CD by Hapa. I loved the entire CD, and now, years after leaving the islands, it still sounds very wonderful. Favorites on this CD are "Haleakala Ku Hanohano", "Anjuli", "Ku'u Lei Awapuhi", "Lei Pikake", and the cover of John Lennon's "Oh My Love".

Nothing Halfway!
The second time I was in Hawaii in 1996, I was introduced to this album by staff at the hotel where I was staying. It is a stunning debut album by two immensely talented musicians and singers. Hapa (which means part or half and is usually used in terms like hapa haole - half white) is a duo of singer/guitarists. One is Hawaiian and one is a haole, hence the group name. The music on the CD is a combination of original contemporary Hawaiian songs and instrumental cuts. From the first cut the album is a wonder. The guitar work is beautiful and both singers have marvelously sweet voices, familiar with traditional Hawaiian style and yet fresh and contemporary. My favorite cut on the album, Ku'u Lei Awapuhi, get backing vocal help by Kenny Loggins, but Hapa doesn't need the help. This song is full of the beauty and longing that make up Hawaiian life. A beautiful effort!

The best error a friend ever made
A friend gave me a CD of contemporary Hawaiian music as a gift. When I thanked him, he told me a little about HAPA. "HAPA?" I asked him. He had given me the wrong CD so I ordered the HAPA CD that he intended to give. I became a fan when I listened to the first song, "Haleakala Ku". The songwriting amd musical talents of Barry Flanagan mesmerize me. This CD lifts my spirits when I'm in a bad mood, it relaxes me if I'm keyed-up. I now have all of HAPA's CD's and there is one playing constantly in my home or car CD player.