MELE 'AILANA • island music

Salā's Napo'ona Mahina
a perfect performance

Napo'ona Mahina: the Illusion of Reality
Aaron J. Salā
Hula Records

By Francine Murray / Ka Wai Ola

When I close my eyes and let the music take me, I feel I'm in Carnegie Hall. Napo'ona Mahina: the Illusion of Reality is a complete and perfect performance. You will be uplifted, entranced by melodrama and whisked away by the technically ideal recording.

It is not hard to understand why this album and its Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning artist is nominated for a 2009 Haku Mele Award for the best new song or chant primarily in 'ōlelo Hawai'i. "Pulupē Ka 'Ili" by Kainani Kahaunaele is rich with sweet harmony and resonates of opulent vocals. We are left in awe. Hana hou!

This album is also nominated for Hawaiian Language Performance, Graphics – and you can hear this one from the start – Male Vocalist of the Year.

The title song tugs at the heartstrings. "Napo'ona Mahina" was written by Manu Boyd. Here resides love so warm, i 'ane'i ke aloha pumehana. The beautiful lyrics were set to music by Mahi Beamer and Robert Cazimero, and then shared with the world by the multitalented Salā at the piano.

Hōkū award-winning artist Aaron J. Salā. - Photo: Lisa Asato

As his fingers dance across the keys, "Sweet Moonlight" by J. Kamakāneoaloha Hopkins is an absolute delight, as is the lighthearted "Pō La'ila'i" by Mary Kawena Pūku'i, which speaks of the tranquil moonlit night. There are many Hawaiian names for the different phases of the moon, as there are very many Hawaiian mele describing mahina, our heavenly moon.

Salā performs a distinguished rendition of Randie Fong's song of praise for our beloved Queen Lili'uokalani, "Mele o Ke Ke'ena Kalaunu." And the name song for "Hi'ialoleimakua," also by Kahaunaele, is quite charming.

A loko o Hawai'i ke aloha. As love resides in the depths of Hawai'i, "Kānaenae A Ke Aloha" features very dreamy lyrics by Mānaiakalani Kalua, and this very special mele was put to music by Salā and Dave Tucciarone.

If you haven't felt it yet, "Non T'Amo Più" will transport you to the world-famous concert hall of Manhattan. With every strike of the keys the senses are heightened, and the drama of this Italian tale unfolds. Tu fosti del mio cor l'unica speme, you were my heart's sole desire … my mind's only thought. The passion and emotion of this track stir the soul. Bravo!

Salā says of this selection of songs: "Their combined intimacy offers a tale of joy and sadness, love and hate, euphoria and desperation. Only, that tale is yours to implore and to share, if you will."

For information, visit HulaRecords.com
or call 800-756-4852.