HULA Records' principal Donald P. "Flip" McDiarmid offers almost equal parts nostalgia and nationalism on this third Aloha Festivals anthology. Nostalgia is lovingly presented in recordings by Maiki Aiu Lake, the Kahauanu Lake Trio, Charles K.L. Davis, the Sandwich Isle Band, and Palani Vaughan & The Sunday Manoa - classics all! As with the two previous Aloha Festivals albums, this is a beautiful introduction to the music of Hawaii.
It's a tribute to McDiarmid and associate producers Charlian Wright and Sydette Sakaue-Stanton that an album celebrating a visitor industry promotion includes songs not likely to be industry favorites. "Kaulana Na Pua" was written a century ago and subtly denounces the criminal overthrow of the legitimate Hawaiian government. "Hawai'i '78" specifically indicts those who pave over the 'aina and build condominiums and hotels on sacred ground. "Hawai'i-Loa," by Hawaiian nationalist composer Liko Martin, comes from Peter Apo's controversial 1990 album, "Hawaiian Nation: A Call for Hawaiian Sovereignty."
The three winning compositions from the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center's 1996 Aloha Festivals Song Contest complete the collection. Nina Keali'iwahamana delivers an exquisite rendition of composer Joyce Roe Flaugher's "'O Kaleonahenahe." Rocky Brown does her best local recording to date as she interprets Heidi Hanson-Young's "Old Friend." Jay Larrin makes a welcome return as designated vocalist on Jon
Koki's expository festival theme song, "Treasured Memories."
There are perhaps two songs out of the 12 that are less than stellar but this beautifully packaged anthology is the definitive memento of Aloha Festivals 1996.
JERRY Byrd displays the musical range and romantic appeal of the steel guitar on a diverse collection of songs in "By Request"; many are Hawaiian, others are not. All are exquisite.
Kalani Fernandes (bass), Benny Kalama (ukulele), and guitarists Hiram Olsen and Danny Otholt contribute their instrumental talents.
Fernandes' vocal on "It Wouldn't Be the Same Without You" adds yet another musical texture.
Byrd's brief but concise liner notes put the album in perspective, share his feelings for the instrument, and allow the listener to further appreciate each selection.