John Keawe "Music With The Island Touch" is John's first DVD release. This insightful documentary brillantly captures the essence of a gifted Master of Kiho`alu (Slack Key Guitar). The story includes live performances and personal interviews from this Slack Key Great. It also features John's beautiful wife, Hope, and her signature hula and incorporates amazing imagery from the Big Island, Maui and Oahu. Songs included are: Mana`olana, Tutu's Slack Key, Ohiki, Hi`ilawe, Hilina'i, Ku`u Home o Kahalu`u, John Goes Fishing, Punahele, Hanaipoi, Hana by the Sea, Slack Key Fest Ohiki, Kona Sunset, Kiholo Bay, Ka`auhuhu Homestead, Keiki O Hawai'i, and Slack Key Heaven. (60 minutes)
Part 2 is "How to Play Ukulele", a how-to guide where Jake takes you on a tour of his many mind-boggling techniques, with plenty of detailed instructions. You'll learn his secrets, from the basics of playing the ukuelele, to the incredible 10-finger strum, and includes a thorough lesson on how to play the Beatles' classic song, "Yesterday".
Some of the leading voices of the Hawaiian cultural renaissance, which began in the early 1960s, were musicians and singers. Their songs carried feelings that were yearning to be expressed throughout the island chain. Among the most influential groups of that era was The Sons of Hawai`i. The group was led by Eddie Kamae, already famous for his ukulele styling, and by the great vocalist and slack key guitar virtuoso, Gabby Pahinui. They were joined by bassist Joe Marshall and the brilliant young steel guitarist, David "Feet" Rogers. This documentary tells the story of the charismatic band. Spanning forty years of Hawaii's rich musical tradition, the film offers an intimate look at a unique group of performers and composers, their songs, their humor, their devotion to a sound that continues to convey something essential about the Hawaiian spirit. (80 minutes)
This national TV special of Hawaiian music is a beautiful presentation of some of Hawaii's best musicians, singers and dancers. Artists and songs include: Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom & Willie K with the Dancers of Aloha Dalire: Palehua; Brothers Cazimero: Home In The Islands, Ku'u Ipo I Ka He'e Pu'e (with Tehani Gonzado), na Pe'a O Hokule'a; O'Brian Eselu: Tahi Teai'o Ni'ihau; Makaha Sons: Drums Of The Islands/Waterfalls, Noho Paipai (with Jake Shimabukuro); Na Leo: Sugarcane Shack (with the 24-VII Dancers), I Miss You My Hawaii; Hapa: Lei Pikake (with the Aloha Dalire Dancers), Haleakala, Ku Hanohano; Ledward Ka'apana & Cyril Pahunui: Mauna Loa, Ku'u Ipo; Amy Hanaiali'I Gilliom & Willie K: The Hawaiian Wedding Song; Willie K: Ki Ho'alu Man; Kamehameha Schools Glee Club: Hawaii Aloha/Amazing Grace/Aloha 'Oe. (77 minutes)
