Iāʻoe E Ka Lā - Vol. One - 1973

Palani Vaughan singing the music of Hawaiʻi’s King David Kalākaua on the 100th Anniversary of his reign, February 12, 1874

The story of Hawail's past has yet to be told by a Hawailan with a Hawaiian heart. What happened to the Hawaiians from the time of Captain Cook until the overthrow of the monarchy is a story that should record the reactions and the responses of the Hawalians themselves. Someone has yet to describe the perplexity as well as the graceful indulgence of the Hawaiians as the tidal wave of foreign cultures overwhelmed their land.

King Kalākaua typified his people at a most crucial period of this “tidal wave.” Although husky of body and determined of spirit, he could not withstand the onslaught. This is not to say that he was an embittered or conquered man any more than his people were totally suppressed by the "tide." The soul of the Hawaiian thrives internally and quietly. The Hawaiian soul thrives on music and poetry and the inner joys that are spiritual.

In this new recording we find that deeper Hawaiian spirit shine through with great brilliance. King Kalakaua is the key to these particular songs because he was a true representative of his race. The songs he composed are especially striking because of his deeply-felt emotions which he speaks of poetically in the most expressive Hawaiian words and phrases. Songs written about him reflect the same careful use of words to describe their sense of respect and love for this great man and all he symbolizes. Thirdly, a few contemporary Hawalian songs in this collection breathe once again the genuine Hawaiian sentiments that only the Hawaiians can evoke in such musical poetry.

What I am saying is that this recording is beautifully Hawaiian. The poetry, the music and the inner spirit are intangibles, but they make this a superior recording. Palani Vaughan has obviously spent much time and effort for the sake of authenticity, as well as the uniqueness that pertains to things Hawaiian. He has deliberately brought together tunes, that are old and new, spritely and hymnal, solemn and humorous. Throughout the record there is the patent spirit of joy and laughter as well as the spirit of quiet reverence- these are qualities that sparkle in every Hawaiian song.

The use of violins in some of the songs is a neat touch of the past. Probably the first instrument that Hawaiians saw on board the ships of the early explorers was the violin. They inquired what it was and were told it was a fiddle. Requesting more music from it, they asked the musician to strike the violin with its bow: "kani ka pila" (play the fiddle). In so many Hawaiian songs, the composer included imitative or suggestive sounds according to the subject matter; Palani Vaughan has done this in his own composition concerning the Kahului-Wailuku train. Such little details in Hawaiian music give it a flavor and style that is truly charming and beautiful. Perhaps there is no better description of this recording than to say it is charmingly Hawaiian. You hear the call of history in this music together with the sounds of Hawaiian joy and the lilt of humor of both words and music. You sense the respect in the very pronunciation and production of Hawalian words. You feel the warmth of the Hawaiian heart.

Up to present times the Hawaiians have told their own story best in songs. It is the one avenue that lends itself to nostalgia, as well as, joy, to love, as well as humor, to poetry, as well as, prayer. Fortunately there are people like Palani Vaughan who try to be faithful to the Hawaiian story, as well as, to their musical method of telling their story.

Monsignor Kekumano,

St. Anthony Catholic Church, Wailuku, Maui

Track List

ʻEkāhi 1. Heʻeia: (J. Kalahiki)

ʻElua 2. ʻAkāhi Hoʻi: (King Kalākaua)

ʻEkolu 3. Kokōhi: (King Kalākaua)

ʻEhā 4. Kaulīluaikeanu Waltz: (Pahinui - Vaughan)

ʻElima 5. Kēlōi ʻO Likelike: (Palani Vaughan)

ʻEono 6. Kaʻa Ahi Kahului: (Palani Vaughan)

ʻEhiku 7. Iāʻoe E Ka Lā: (Nahinu)

ʻEwalu 8. Kaulana Iā Ka Lā: (Palani Vaughan)

ʻEiwa 9. Poni Moʻī: (Palani Vaughan)

ʻUmi 10. Ninipo: (King Kalākaua)

῾Umikūmākahi 11. Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī (King Kalākaua)

NA LEO O NUʻUANU - “The Voices of Nuʻuanu”

Palani Vaughan - Vocal, 6-String Guitar, Autoharp

Dennis Kamakahi - 12-String Guitar and Banjo

Cyril Pahinui - 6-String Guitar

Bruce Spencer - 6-String Ukulele, 4-String Ukulele

Brian Hussey - Bass

“Danny” Akaka, Jr. - 6-String Guitar