New CD Honors Wa'ahila Ridge & Surrounding Communities
MPI Talent Communications announces Ö 'Wa'ahila,' a CD compilation of Hawaiian songs and chants dedicated to honoring the cultural significance of Wa'ahila Ridge and surrounding valleys, Manoa and Palolo. 'Wa'ahila' was born of a passion to archive through song, both original and traditional na mele, an appreciation for Hawaii's majestic beauty and the a'ina that continues to sustain us spiritually. The verdant valleys beneath Wa'ahila, with their taro loi and a'ala sweet potato, have from ancient times nurtured our kupuna. Today, the Wa'ahila area remains a scenic and peaceful oasis despite urban development of much of the island of O'ahu.
The 'Wa'ahila' CD collection was produced by Kenneth Makuakane, an accomplished award-winning songwriter, producer and multiple Na Hoku Hano Hano Award recipient, who wrote many of the original songs. Outstanding numbers on the CD include: 'Nani Manoa,' an original song written by Kimo Alama Keaulana and arranged by Kenneth Makuakane. The song, performed in exquisite manner by mezzo soprano Ku'uipo Kumukahi, 2001 Hoku award-winning Female Vocalist of the Year, speaks of beautiful Manoa adorned in the rain; the anthem-like ballad, 'Another Rainbow,' written and arranged by Kenneth Makuakane, sung by Na Hoku award winner Jeff Rassmussen, with kumu hula Leina'ala Kalama Heine performing the opening chant; 'Kahalaopuna,' a gorgeous original written by Robbie Cabral and arranged by Kenneth Makuakane, with Manu Boyd's Hawaiian translation. Hoku winner Obrian Eselu performs this song, honoring the legend of Kahalaopuna, Rainbow Goddess of Manoa; 'Ku'u Home o Manoa,' a catchy Calypso-style original written and performed by Makuakane, speaks of "my home in Manoa, my favorite and never to be forgotten"; 'Ka Beauty a'o Manoa,' Tony Conjugacion's Hoku winning song about the wind, rain and natural beauty of Manoa, performed by Maunalua, 2001 Hoku recipients for 'Best Hawaiian Album,' and featuring ukulelist & harmonizer, Bruce Spencer; 'Rain Tuahine o Manoa,' a traditional tune from the collection of Auntie Mae Lobenstein, sung by Hawaii's beloved tenor, Robert Cazimero. The song describes the famous tuahine rain of Manoa and its sacred flowers and birds drinking in the Manoa uplands.
Other participating artist-musicians include a rising star from a musical family, John Feary, singing 'Blue Manoa'' which recalls childhood memories of old Manoa; three-time 2001 Hoku winning group Ale'a's tenor, Kala'i Stern, singing the contemporary Makuakane original 'Rain;' plus the classic Pandanus Club with their rendition of 'Kawaiaha'o,' and top young Hawaiian group Pai'ea's 'No kou Aloha E'.
MPI Talent Communications are the Executive Producers of 'Wa'ahila'. The project was a collaborative effort of MPI Talent and Malama o Manoa, organizations both dedicated to the cultural and historic preservation of the Wa'ahila Ridge watershed, surrounding conservation lands and communities. Production of the CD was supported by both mainland and local foundations and all proceeds from sales of the first 7,500 CDs will go to Malama o Manoa's Educational Endowment Fund. This fund provides grants annually for worthy community and environmental projects statewide. Originally funded in 1998 by proceeds from the sales of the book, 'Manoa, The Story of a Valley',. the fund was established to further research and understanding about Manoa's special qualities, including the valley's historical, cultural, visual, economic and architectural heritage.
'Wa'ahila,' the CD, is a companion piece to James Rumford's recently released childrens' book,"Kahalaopuna, the Beauty of Manoa." The ancient Hawaiian legend of Kauhi, who destroys his betrothed, Kahalopuna, the Beauty of Manoa is retold. In the end, Kauhi destroys only himself and is condemned by the gods to spend eternity atop Wa'ahila Ridge where he can be seen in clear profile atop Wa'ahile Rirge even today as the "Sleeping Giant," forever reminding us of the folly of jealousy and pride as well as the power of justice and aloha.
The CD made its formal debut at a grand opening celebration held at The Pacific Club on Friday, November 30th. If you would like one or more copies for yourself or those serious music lovers on your Christmas list, 'Wa'ahila' is available throughout the holiday season at Long's Drugs Manoa and Nieman Marcus Ala Moana, with a list price of $15.98. The CD will be available in record shops including Tower Records, Borders Books & Music, Booksellers, Nieman Marcus, and Longs Drugs Manoa before the new year. Or, if you would like to order one, just use the order form below.
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