Hawaii's Golden Favorites - Charles K. L. Davis

 

Akaka Falls

Hawaii's Golden Favorites

Charles K. L. Davis

Vocal with Chorus and Orchestra Directed by Henri Rene

Decca Records DL 74214

1962

From the back cover: Charles Keonaonalaulani Llewellyn Davis' first album for Decca is virtually a love-letter to his homeland. His polysyllabic Hawaiian name means "fragrant leaves of heaven," and as a lad of the Waialua Plantation he had a chance not only to absorb fish and poem to go spear-fishing by torchlight and skin-diving (good for developing the young singer's phenomenal breath-control) – but also to learn ancient chants, melodies and poems handed down for generations, representing the natural culture of a happy, song-loving people. As his fame as a star of television, opera, concert and supper-clubs increased, he never forgot the early influences, but always returned to add his voice and his interpretation to these songs.

The wide range of material in this collection represents the extraordinary polyglot of cultures that, in addition to the strong Polynesian influence, contribute to the colorful magic of Hawaii and its music. They include turn-of-the-century simplicity and courtliness, modern impressionism, European influences, as well as the characteristic hula tempo in several versions. The Hawaiian language is a melodious one, like Italian, and some indication of its poetic quality is to be found in these translations by the Hawaiian scholar, Kaupena Wong:

Akaka Falls: "As a stranger I saw the Akaka Falls, water so high above falling in fine drops from the cliffs... Fragrant is the upland, surrounded in the mist. A trail of heavy fragrance is wind-blown to my bosom..."

Ulili E (Song Of The Sandpiper): "Sandpiper running about on the beach, where the sea is peaceful and calm. Sweet is your voice... little bird of the sea foam. Ever watchful are you at Kekaha where the sea is calm..."

Pa'au'au of Pa'au'au..."

Nani Waimea refers to a beautiful area on the big island of Hawaii, while Pua Kukui is a hula depicting the pup (flower) of the Fukui (candlenut) tree, recently made the official State Tree. (Incidentally, the hibiscus – mentioned in another song – is the State Flower of Hawaii.)

Most people by this time know what "canes" and "wahines" are, but in case the listener is a malihini (newcomer) to south-sea parlance, these terms are equivalent to our "guys" and "dolls," "Kuu Ito" means "my sweetheart." And what did King Kamehameha say – apparently so lightheartedly – on that memorable occasion celebrated int he song? Well, "awe soho'e e" means – approximately, that is – "Good Heavens!"...

The versatile conductor, Henri René, who has provided outstanding backgrounds for scores of stars, further distinguishes himself with his multi-colored orchestral settings for "Why I Love Hawaii."

– Notes by Gene Bone and Howard Fenton

Why I Love You

White Ginger Blossoms

Medley: Nani Waimea, Pua Kukui

A Song Of Old Hawaii

King Kamehameha (The Conqueror Of The Islands)

Paauau Waltz

Little Brown Jug

I'll Weave A Lei Of Stars For You

Alaka Falls (Ka Wailele O Akaka)

Kuu Ipo (My Sweetheart)

Ulili E

Medley: Across The Sea, To You, Sweetheart, Aloha