The Aliis Live: A Finale to Make Me Smile

The Aliis Live, a double LP made desirable among music collectors after DJ Muro included the super-charged "Finale" as the final track to his Hawaiian Breaks mixtape. But there's something missing from the album, something I feel is very important—liner notes worth reading.

The Original Liner Notes

The album's original liner notes, probably written by the band's manager, Irv Pinensky, don't convey the exciting music you hear on this record (which I found at the Friends of the Library of Hawaii Music Sale). No, in my opinion the liner notes give you almost nothing worthwhile to consider while listening to The Aliis Live. Check it out:

"The Aliis—a group for all ages—music from the 50s to our present day sounds are performed with equal feeling and musicianship. The album, recorded "live" at the main showroom of the Outrigger Hotel in Waikiki, showcases the versatility of The Aliis. Their combination of superior musicianship and great vocal ability have made The Aliis the most entertaining show group in the country today."

What you do learn about The Aliis is: their music appeals to everyone, they can play tunes from almost any era with expertise, and their skills match the amount feeling they put into performing.

The Aliis "Make Me Smile"

While the liner notes say enough for most, I think The Aliis Live deserves more. After all, just look at the musicians and the instruments they play!

The Aliis are... Joe Mundo: piano, organ, brass Al Akana: drums Carlos Barboza: organ, brass Rudy Aquino: vibes, marimba, brass Benny Chong: guitar, bass Bobby King: bass  Manny Lagod: bass (thanks to Manny and Renay for the update)

Listen closely to "Finale" and you'll find out that Benny Chong is a multi-instrumentalist. But read the liner notes and you'll realize that almost every member of The Aliis plays more than one instrument. So that's where all that brass comes from!

 

The Aliis "Finale":
New and improved liner notes

I propose that The Aliis Live needs new liner notes. Here's my take, let me know what you think (feel free to add your own liner notes, too):

Explosive, unexpected, fresh—that's The Aliis, a group whose musical talents know no limits. From early 50s pop to today's jazz-funk grooves, these guys can dig it.

If you missed their performances at the Outrigger Hotel in Waikiki, don't worry because this live album captures their unique enthusiasm to entertain audiences with powerful versions of classic songs.

The Aliis rule the entertainment world with presence and skill unmatched. With just one listen, you'll find inspiration in the powerful music of The Aliis.

The Aliis—meaning "royalty" or "kings" in Hawaiian—reign over Honolulu's nightlife. After years as Don Ho's backing band, The Aliis prove their sound can survive outside the shadow of a showroom superstar.

Besides, musicians who easily switch between heavy horns to blazing guitar and organ solos—and continue to amaze listeners night after night, year after year—were born to be kings.

Here's to new ideas

Have you ever wanted to rewrite lackluster liner notes of an outstanding album?