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Another collection of Andy Iona rarities, comprising several long-forgotten and neglected radio transcriptions -- plus a few choice latter-day commercial releases. This album also includes a beautiful rendition of 'Makala Pua' sung by his sister, Miulan. If you enjoy instrumental performances, you're in for a real treat here! Check out the particularly interesting and traditional 'Kohala March', also the stunning arrangement of the island chant 'Koolau' complete with free-swinging instrumental interludes. Stay on this page to listen to our sound clip from the late-1930s island-style pop song "Some Hawaiian's Lying".
In An Old Hawaiian Village, Sweet Hawaiian Maid (Ver.2), Maile Lau Lii Lii, Vana Vana (Ver.2), Hano Hano Hawaii, Priceless (Inst), Lei Lehua,
Kohala March (Inst), Lepe Ulaula, Kuaina, Koolau, E Liliu E, Hame Pila,
Review, Radio Sol & Andy Iona Vol. 5 by: Blues And Rhythm Magazine, UKIn the five days that I've had these CDs, Sol Ho'opi'i has only been taken off my deck so that Andy Iona could be put on it. The Iona disc is mightily impressive, but the Ho'opi'i has become an instant favourite. It is made up of nine transcriptions cut for radio play during the thirties and eight tracks recorded for general release in 1938. Unfortunately the notes don't specify which are which and I don't have a Hawaiian discography (is there one?). Whatever, a good half of the tracks are instrumentals and only a few of the vocals are in English. This suits me very well as 'Hawaiian' songs in English tend to be either over-romantic moonings or 'Snappy' novelty numbers and I prefer to hear the thrilling falsetto leaps, harmonic collaborations and tonsil-testing staccato chants of the more traditional stylings. As the Andy Iona CD is fifth in a series, you might think that it was getting towards the sweeping-up stage. Well, I haven't heard the previous volumes, but there is nothing about this one to indicate that its contents are anything less than prime. Again there are plenty of instrumentals and many Hawaiian vocals among the nineteen tracks and one of the few English songs, 'Some Hawaiian's Lying', is a unique putdown of Honolulu. Neither disc has anything as emetic as'Ten Tiny Toes' included in its contents. Both Iona and Ho'opi'i were master guitarists employing sparkling technique along with the ability to grandstand in breath-taking style when the occasion called for it. Their work on these disc ranges from delicious dreaming to coruscating virtuosity. If Hawaiian guitar blows your mind, these discs could leave you in a corner mumbling quietly and counting your fingers. Both discs have attractive coloured liners and notes by label owner Bruce Clarke. These are never less than interesting, but I must admit that I would like to see more discographical information included (always assuming that it is available). Sound reproduction is generally good, although you must be prepared to accept some 78 surface noise that could not be eradicated. Kelth Briggs, Reviews Editor
I just got home and found a nice surprise in my mailbox...The CD player is spinning it as we speak. Great stuff! These editions keep getting better and better! Thanks again,Jeff Strouse, FL USA
