Holiday Jingles

It wouldn’t seem like Christmas without special music of the season, and five new Christmas albums from local entertainers will make your holidays merry and bright

Wednesday - November 29, 2006

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since their first CD, Local Girls, was released five years ago.

“Vocally, we kept it very simple which is different from our usual style,” says Lei Melket. “We really stepped outside of our box with the musicians on the album, and I don’t think there’s any other local Christmas CD that sounds like this.”

The CD features 11 tracks: Let It Snow, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Song, Do You Hear What I Hear, Winter Wonderland, Silent Night, White Christmas, Merry Christmas Darling, The First Noel, Christmas Is Here and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.

The familiar lineup is a combination of Melket and Mailani Makainai’s all-time Christmas favorites they grew up listening to. The song selection is a nice mix that showcases their individual voices.

“You’ll notice that aside from our prior Christmas release, we feature ourselves individually alongside the music,” says Makainai.

“I must say, both go hand-in-hand, because the music is so breathtaking, and even though we do not sing with each other or harmonize on each track, its still just as celebratory and moving.”

Mayor Mufi Hannemann has a starring role on the newly released CD, Christmas with the Royal Hawaiian Band & Friends, singing Christmas Time Again, Aloha and Do You Hear What I Hear.

Already out in stores and featuring an impressive 16 tracks, this is a great stocking-stuffer for everyone. It also features an all-star lineup of local artists such as Nina Kealiiwahamana, Pali, Karen Keawehawaii, Nalani Olds, Gene Rowland, Iwalani Kahalewai, Misty Kelai, Puamana and many others.

“As far as the artists are concerned, a lot of them have been longtime singers with the Royal Hawaiian Band,” says Eric Kop, producer.

“The song selection, for a lot of it we asked the singers what songs they would like, and many picked their favorite personal songs.”

And as for how they managed to squeeze a whole band into the recording studio? They didn’t. Instead, they recorded at the Pearl City Cultural Center.

“Many productions often record in parts, but because of the nature of band music it’s such a collaborative effort, it was really necessary that the majority of the band is intact so they can work together as a team,” says Kop.

This first Christmas album by the Royal Hawaiian Band is jam-packed with some oldies but goodies, some local, and even some original Christmas numbers - a variety that will have everyone in the holiday spirit.

“I think it’s really great that the singers and musicians did a tremendous job,” says band-master Michael Nakasone. “I’m really proud of all the musicians and singers on the CD.”

In the spirit of giving, Ululoa Productions presents Halelu: Songs of Christmas from Hawaii, a collaboration of some of Maui’s finest artists who donated their time and talent for a great cause.

“This CD has a lot of heart, and that comes from the idea to try to do something other than make a dollar off of Christmas,” says Jake Rohrer, owner of Ululoa Productions.

Artists Cody Pueo Pata, Ata Damasco, Kaiolohia Smith, Kamakele “Bulla” Kailiwai, Leiohu Ryder, The Hula Honeys, Gypsy Pacific, Ahumanu and Leimana Abenes have teamed up with Ululoa to produce this CD, the proceeds of which will go to two organizations serving the Maui community, the Maui Food Bank and the Neighborhood Place of Wailuku.

“Last year my wife, Laurie, and I sent the Maui Food Bank $100, and we got the nicest letter back, and we thought it was such a good organization.

“And the Neighborhood Place is connected to one of our artists and helps families in Wailuku,” says Rohrer. “And all of the profits will go to these charities.”

The collection includes 10 tracks: Po Lai E/Silent Night, Winterland, E Halelu, Mele Kalikimaka, Song of Christmas, Hanau Ia O Iesu, Poliahu, Taro Patch Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka Ia Oe and Sleigh Ride.

Merry music and happy listening to you!

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