Stories

Aloha Got Soul is moving fast this week. There's the 70s Nightclub Reunion this Saturday, the high def DVD that's available for preorder, a glimpse of the Lil' Albert "Movin' In" album (which I'll be sharing in more depth real soon). Oh and there's the 2011 Na Hoku follow-ups that I still need to post with more photos from the awards ceremony. And now this. Five Hawaiian soul musicians on one BBE compilation. This is quite an accomplishment, especially for a mix CD with 16 songs total... way to go Hawaii for repping the Aloha sound! Cover art for Americana:...

"Movin' In" by Lil Albert From the 1978 album "Movin' In" on Silvercloud Records. If you ever come across this album, buy it right away. Every track is killer Hawaiian AOR/Soul music—it's almost too good to be true. Trust me!

As of July 5th, 2011, DVDs are $40 plus shipping while supplies last! Email Irwin aka 'Supes' for more details and to order your DVD today. ... Original post: For all of you who won't witness the final 70s Night Club Reunion, where Hawaiian R&B/disco/funk bands like Aura, Phase VII, Power Point and Greenwood will perform, here's your chance to see them live! Check it out: all of the live performances from Hawaii's hottest acts (from the 70s, that is) are being recorded to high definition DVD! Plus, the audio will be directly recorded from the mixer for the best...

I'm sorry for saying this, but if you weren't at the Hawaii Convention Center Ballroom to see Kalapana perform live at the 2011 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, you'll never know the feeling of hearing the band play "Naturally" that night. In front of an audience who lauded (they were awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award) yet mourned for the band and its loss of an irreplaceable lead singer and composer, Mackey Feary, Kalapana was fullly spirited in laughter and love. Kenji Sato and Malani Bilyeu at the 2011 Na Hoku awairds, 'Mourn' isn't the right word. Rejoiced, these people were celebrating...

Here's a quick overview of what I took away from the 2011 Na Hoku Hanohano awards festival. Kalapana performing "Naturally" live as the recipients of a Lifetime Achievement Award (just magnificent!). Touch of Gold. A Hawaiian Philly Motown Soul-style vocal group with a touch of, well, gold. Resonating quotes from presenters and award-winners Photos, photos, photos Bob Dylan, Slack Key and ... Tender Leaf? Ernie Cruz Jr. live and direct via Na Hoku workshops These are some of the ideas floating around in my head after spending the past two days experience the Hokus and its new Mele Mei month...