Hale Pai
Pacific American-News Journal
`Okakopa - October 1996 Volume 2 Issue 10
John Keawe - Mana'olana
John
Keawe, one of Hawai'i's most innovative slack key guitarists, has
just released a new CD/cassette entitled “Mana'olana.”
It is exclusively instrumental and contains six original melodies
by John, as well as Hawaiian classics. Born and raised on the Big
Island of Hawai'i, John is a self-taught slack key artist whose
passion is creating. He has a distinct sensitivity that is
evident in all of his compositions.
Mana'olana, like John's two prior instrumental releases (Ho'onanea and Auhele) brings to the listener a sense of peace, self-awareness and a sometimes healing effect. Keawe's originals are Mana'olana (hope), Kolealea (to play with a small child), Ku'ihe (to hurt in feelings), Kohala Mountain Road (a delightful ride), Sea Tuning (the mystery and hypnotic rhythm of our beloved ocean), and Lo'i Kalo (taro patch). Other selections include Paliakamoa, Hawaiian Lullaby/Somewhere Over the Ocean, Pu'uanahulu, Opihi Moe Moe, Green Rose Hula, The Rose, and Amazing Grace/Queen's Prayer.
A quote from John's linear notes -- “Mana'olana means Hope. Hope is our expectations - it gives us the necessary strength to endure in times of difficulty. Hope is our future, our ohana (family), our aina (land). It is reflected in the eyes of our children. Hope breeds life -- and music produces Hope and grants us the freedom to believe and to create.”
Mana'olana is available on CD and cassette and is distributed by Microphone Music. You may also contact Homestead Productions, P.O. Box 577, Kapaau, Hawai'i 96755, phone (808) 889-5535.
(Also be looking for John's Christmas release in November which will feature vocal compositions as well as slack key selections.)
Visit John Keawe's Web Site at http://www.kohala.net/keawe/index.html