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E Ala E

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

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Album Review

A nice sample of Jawaiian (Hawaiian reggae) music from its master, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, better known to his fans as IZ. In general, this album seems rather more Hawaiian than Jamaican in most respects, with more soft ukulele/slack key-style ballads than higher tempo reggae. The music is outstanding by any measure, and the vocal (and ukulele playing) abilities of Kamakawiwo'ole are amazing. The songs generally are either slightly folk-like or political in nature, but there are certainly other aspects available within the album. Among other things, IZ turns in a performance of Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings" that far outdoes the original in many ways. Also, there's a cover of the "Theme From Gilligan's Island" that's noteworthy, also being one of the primary reggae numbers on the album. N Dis Life is a slightly more reggae-oriented album (and profits thoroughly from such), but this one also shows off a nice side of Kamakawiwo'ole's abilities: the lighter, more fully Hawaiian ballad.

Customer Reviews

E Ala E

I first met Israel while surfing at The Wall in Waikiki Beach. He was in his early teens, big– over 200 pounds, and rode a paipo board. I recall watching him jump off the end of the Wall and one of the other surfers in the water remarked: "Thatʻs Israel, he sure can play ukulele and he can sing, too!" I ran in to him again in 1993-94 during the resettlement of Makapuu Beach, by the Nation of Hawaii, an Hawaiian sovereignty group. Israel promised to support the movement with some music. E Ala E fulfills that promise. I have owned several CDʻs of E Ala E over the years, but, gave them all away to folks who expressed interest in the movement, the music and Israel. Listen to the words, hear the music and feel the resolve of the Hawaiian independence movement. Last week, I bought the album again, this time from the iTunes Music Store. It came down fast and started playing. It was like being with him again, all these years after his passing. His music lives on, inspiring folks from around the world to understand the plight of the Hawaiian people. I sat, still, for the full 54 minutes and listened to brother Israel. If you know him from "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", buy this album, E Ala E and learn about the political side of Israel Kamakawiwo`ʻole. Aloha from Waikiki Beach, Rolf Nordahl

Israel, surely missed!

Israel, wow...I first heard his music while sitting inside a chapel to my friends wedding, instead of the traditional wedding song played during the walk in of the bride. I heard "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", it was such a emotional moving piece of music. I had to find out who this artist was, I've already have picked up 7 of Israels songs on itunes and played quite often on road trips and people ask me who is that soulful singer. May the Lord Bless him in Heaven ..with a voice like a angel

E Ala E

I never knew this BIG man who was singing so beautifully on the stage was who he was--- the great IZ. I lived 15 years in Hawaii and when I hear E Ala E, my heart soars into the ecstasy of a Hawaiian Heaven that exists in the soul, accessible through this song especially for me. Wind Beneath My Wings is another wonder. When I left Hawaii, this album was one of the greatest treasures I took with me. Listening to Israel sing with the sounds of the spirit of Hawaii takes me back to a place alive and well and prospering within my spirit.

Biography

Born: May 20, 1959 in Hi

Genre: Pop

Years Active: '70s, '80s, '90s

The most popular entertainer in Hawaii until his tragic death in 1997, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole formed the traditional Makaha Sons as a teenager in the mid-'70s, went out on his own in more of a contemporary style by the 1990s, and released four immensely popular recordings before passing away just after the release of 1996's N Dis Life. Born in the Honolulu suburb of Kaimuki, Kamakawiwo'ole later moved to nearby Makaha. In allegiance to his new home, Israel formed the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau with brother...
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E Ala E, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
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  • $9.99
  • Genres: World, Music
  • Released: Mar 14, 1995
  • ℗ 1995 Mountain Apple Company / BB

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