"Friends and Family of Hawai`i is a fine album"This has become a popular idea in music, an artist records a number of usually cover songs (originally sung by someone else) with a number of famous or renowned other artists and then releases and album called "Friends." See the recently released Joshua Bell album "At Home with Friends" for further proof.
So here comes Amy Hanaiali`i album "Friends and Family of Hawai`i" which features 16 new recordings of Amy paired with some of Hawaiian music's finest male singers, such as Robert Cazimero, Henry Kapono, and Palani Vaughn just to name a few.
The album is well made and very soothing to the ears. All sixteen tracks retain a very mellow easy listening quality. As the liner notes indicate Hanaiali`i wanted to sing each song in the style of the guest artists choosing. For instance her duet with the Martin Pahinui Trio, "Maka Alohilohi," sounds like a breezy backyard jam similar to the records made by Pahinui's father, slack key legend Gabby Pahinui. Then "Everybody Plays the Fool" a duet with the group Rebel Soljahz features their Jawaiian reggae vibes. "I Believe in You" an new original by Robert Cazimero and also his duet is the album's best track and features Cazimero's trademark piano and string orchestra. All the tracks are given fine support by producer, and Honolulu Symphony director, Matt Catingub's lush production.
Overall the album is an enjoyable listen. Fans of Hanaiali`i's previous album "Aumakua" and particularly her version of "Have you Ever Seen the Rain?" will probably love this album. Fans of her earlier falsetto infused work, such as "Hawaiian Tradition," will probably not enjoy this as much as others. This album is largely sung in English and focuses more on smooth pop ballads than traditional Hawaiian sounds. Its more of a cross over album for Hanaiali`i filled with easy listening ballads. Like I said if you liked her previous album, and many people did, this is for you and it is a very enjoyable and low key listen.
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