The first ever album to receive an RIAA Certified Gold Record for Hawaiian, Facing Future has introduced the entire planet earth to Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole. This is the spring board which catapulted IZ's music in to so many Film and TV projects.

FOR LYRICS, PHOTOS, PRESS KIT, MUSIC AND VIDEO VISIT:

http://www.mountainapplecompany.com/keola/raiatea

Artists from Hawai‘i have been making their mark on the world music scene for decades.  Keola Beamer, with a career that spans more than 30 years, has done just that.  As a world-renowned slack key guitarist, he has certainly earned his place as one of only a handful of true “Masters” in the world.
Raiatea Helm has risen to the TOP of the industry at such a young age.  Winner of every major music award in the islands, this Billboard World Chart recording artist grows with every CD and never ceases to    amaze us.

ALBUM RELEASE - JUNE 29, 2010

By popular demand, Neos Productions and The Mountain Apple Company are proud to present "Hawaiian Style Ukulele 2, " by Troy Fernandez. Lightenng fast picking earned Troy his standing as "the Eddie Van Halen of the ukulele." As a former member of the legendary duo, Ka‘au Crater Boys, Troy is credited with inspiring an entire generation of ukulele players.

DVD RELEASE - JULY 20, 2010

This film is a moving journey into the beauty and meaning of Hawaiian slack key music. Award-winning director Eddie Kamae’s rare combination of master musician and cinematic storyteller is the key to showing how Hawaii’s cultural traditions and the k ho-‘alu guitar intertwine – and opening the door to a greater love of that music. 

Candid interviews and archival images combine with the music of many virtuoso performers, from legendary Fred Punahou and Gabby Pahinui to Raymond Kane and today’s Ledward Kaapana, to tell the slack key story from the 1830s to the present.  It shows you how this music perpetuates family tradition as songs, techniques and special string tunings are passed from one generation to the next.

All the main islands are visited, including seldom seen Ni‘ihau, as Eddie Kamae explores this most Hawaiian music and its links with the people and places that have nourished it.

 

Aptly titled, Donavon Frankenreiter’s “Revisited” is not just a re-recording of his 2004 self-titled album; it’s a complete reinterpretation... with a Hawaiian twist. 

Kauai Resident and professional surfer, Donavon Frankenreiter, lives an incredible life for which he is extremely grateful. His first recording was made with the aid of his long time friend Jack Johnson and spawned the AAA  radio hit “Free”.  Teaming up with longtime band mate Matt Grundy (Bass/BGVs), and local musicians Kirk Smart (Guitars), and David Leach (Percussion), Donavon set out to re-record his debut album (originally released on Brushfire Records) using traditional Hawaiian instruments including the ukulele, lap steel guitar, and a Mauna Loa slack key tuned guitar.  The result is a fresh new take on the original that allows Donavon’s envied lifestyle to ooze sweetly through the speakers, giving a completely new sound to favorites like “It Don’t Matter” and “Free”.

Catch old friends and collaborators Jack Johnson and Donavon both performing at the Mile High Music Festival Aug 2010.    Check Donavon Frankenreiter’s  website for extensive list of tour dates .

Rap's comedy lives on in this amazing collection of some of his best routines including "Auntie Marialani's Cooking Show", "Room Service" and "Fate Yanagi". The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded an Emmy to "Rap's Hawaii" for the Outstanding Television Special of the Year.

It's time for the voice of Na Hoku Hanohano winner Kaumakaiwa (Lopaka) Kanaka'ole to rise and speak of today's young Hawaiian people. "Welo" honors the ancestors but definitely has today's sound. Kaumakaiwa (Lopaka) Kanaka'ole turns 13 original new songs into the most interesting album to come out of Hawai'i this year.

Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole is Hawaii's best-known and most beloved singer. His breathtaking version of "Over the Rainbow" is an international hit and is widely thought to be the only interpretation that could possibly stand up to Judy Garland's original. These beautiful interpretations are faithfully captured in these Easy Piano arrangements for all to enjoy.

Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole has been Hawai‘i's biggest star in the past fifty years. His music, his physical size and most importantly, his aura; a proud Hawaiian man, full of love and life, permeated the Hawai‘i of the '90's to such a degree that when he died, the State Capitol had to be opened to allow his people to expess the extent of their loss.

The performances captured on Island Music, Island Hearts give everyone an opportunity to bask in the immense presence of IZ. Share previous moments with IZ as he joins friends at Waioli Tea House in Manoa Valley, performs with just his “ukulele on beautiful Waimanalo Beach and in a concert among the pohaku at the historic Miloli‘i fishing village on the island of Hawai‘i.

Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole is Hawaii's best-known and most beloved singer. His breathtaking version of  "Over the Rainbow" is an international hit and is widely thought to be the only interpretation that could possibly stand up to Judy Garland's original. These beautiful interpretations are faithfully captured in these Easy Piano arrangements for all to enjoy.

"Israel 'IZ' Kamakawiwo`ole has emerged as the voice of the people of his beloved Hawai`i. As his music and image have spread, fans all over the world want to know more about this iconic figure. Now, everyone, through this book by Rick Carroll, can discover the personal side of IZ. His music was his passion; his family and friends were his treasure. On these pages many of his family, friends, and associates share stories that will make you laugh and cry and that bring to life this giant of Aloha. It was my privilege to produce Israel's music-music that continues to shape the world's perception of Hawai`i. That music resonates deeply with people from all walks of life, and Israel's message lives on in the people of Hawai`i and in Hawaiians at heart everywhere." -Jon de Mello, executive producer, The Mountain Apple Company

Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole is Hawai'i's most recognized and successful artist. A multi-million CD selling musician, Iz's music has been heard around the world. Enjoy 15 of Iz's best known songs from 4 best selling Iz CD's

Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole is the most beloved Hawaiian musician of his time. The magic of his sweet voice traveled across the globe and into the hearts of people everywhere. Millions know the legend of Iz, but few know the man-the husband, father, son, friend, role model, artist. This DVD explores that man, through never-before seen interviews and stories with the help of friends and family who knew him best. Outstanding features on this DVD include: Live performances, Rare interviews, Iz photos, Iz stories and "Over the Rainbow" music video.

All of Israel's greatest hits captured live and in concert on one disc! Each track on "IZ In Concert" captures the spontaneity of a live performance with his personality evident.

This album contains both recordings never heard by the public, "Mona Lisa," "Hanohano No Na Cowboy," & "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and also different versions and orchestrations of treasured IZ classics. Everything possible has been done to preserve and accentuate the purity of his voice and the soul of his performance. To all of his fans, across all of the borders throughout our amazing and magical world, we give to you this gift of the great man's music. -- Jon de Mello

The WAENA BOYZ are six young enthusiastic, creative, high energy musicians from the island of Maui and have been performing together for over five years. Their abilities as songwriter are evident. This talented group, backed by their great capabilities as musicians and their crowd pleasing presence, has put them in high demand in their home town of Maui.

Throughout Polynesia, Toa is the name given to Warriors. These modern day warriors blend four-part harmony, their deep Samoan cultural heritage and R&B, Hip-Hop and Reggae Sounds. The result is a new and exciting Island sound that is taking four brothers, Norris, Kalili, Donny & Steve on a journey through Polynesia in the 21st Century.

On the heels of one of the best selling CD's of 2006 comes Back to Romance, a rare all-male recording of Hawai`i's leading men with the lush orchestrations of the Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawai`i. Back to Romance represents a true expression of a man in love. From Robert Cazimero's dreamy rendition of "“I Only Have Eyes For You" to Fiji's R&B touch on Paul & Linda McCartney's "“My Love," each song was handpicked by the artists. What are men's most intimate thoughts of romance? With passion in their hearts and love on their minds, Hawai`i's premiere male recording artists and the Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawai`i answer that question with Back to Romance.

"“Return to Romance" combines lush orchestrations with the award-winning talents of some of Hawai`i's most recognizable artists to take you on a journey through all the exhilarations of love. Arranged by Honolulu Symphony Pops conductor Matt Catingub and produced by famed Allen Sviridoff, both Grammy Award winners, the album holds a prism up to romance, reflecting the many colors and hues of its beauty with a touch of aloha. Reminisce on romance, from young adoration with Raiatea Helm on "“My Romance," to classics like "“Let There Be Love," sung by the Brothers Cazimero, and one of the greatest love songs ever, "“What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life?" interpreted beautifully by Amy Hanaiali`i.

Mana's album "Who I Am"¦" tells you exactly who Mana is. With each song the listener finds out who Mana really is. Highlights on this album include the hit single "Couldn't Take The Mana".

Ho'onua brings fun into Island/Jawaiian music. Each song on "Have A Good Time" is certain to do exactly that - make whoever is listening to the album have a good time! A great album for dancing, relaxing, or a day at the beach.

"Hawaiian Born, Vol. 4," enhanced with three bonus music videos, mixes the best in today's island contemporary and reggae hits by Hawaii's heavies: Ho`onua, Justin, B.E.T., Norm, Ka`ala Boys, Reality, Kawika Regidor, Damon Williams, and more. With popular music videos by Hawaii Music Award winners, B.E.T., Justin, and Norm, this captivating collection will completely satisfy the hard core fan while thoroughly entertaining anyone who may be new to the island music scene.

Experience the wonderful world of contemporary island music "Hawaiian Born, Volume 2" offers you the best island music to date. With star artists such as Norm, The Ka'ala Boys, Side Salad, Reality and so many more, you can't go wrong with "Hawaiian Born, Volume 2"

This engaging collection brings together the light, classical airiness of violin with the resonant, aboriginal earthiness of didgeridoo, weaving a many faceted quilt of sound and emotion -- from exhilaration to contemplation, soothing yet haunting. The result is a free and natural musical exchange between good friends, the sharing of thought, conversation and joy, without speaking a word. Featuring Maui musician Willy Wainwright on violin and Maui physician Joel Friedman on didgeridoo, these tracks were recorded unrehearsed and spontaneous in an informal setting. Join us and let the musical interaction wash over you with its thought provoking and cleansing consequene.

This classic collection of Popular melodies was recorded in November 1997 by Tom Kellock, one of the West Coast's premier studio musicians. Kellock's solo piano style brings out the essence of a song. His arrangements are pure and unaffected, displaying the beauty of each song.

Sonny Lim has been celebrated all year long for his slack key guitar performance on Hawai`œi's first Best Hawaii Music Album GRAMMY® Award winning CD. We are proud to present Sonny's first solo project, Slack Key Guitar: The Artistry of Sonny Lim, which has the same award-winning promise.

In his first solo CD, Roland takes on the epic of Pele, arguably Hawaii's most known mythical Goddess and also gives the listener a new perspective on the legend itself. Complete with narration and an incredible story line, Roland's musical suite for Pele is a beautiful collection of songs for the fire goddess.

Pure Slack Key features a combination of 6 original pieces and traditional Hawaiian songs representing the diversity and depth of the slack key tradition from one of the genre's most accomplished artists. With his 6th album, Jeff Peterson takes the two-century-old Hawaiian kiho`alu (slack key) tradition to a new level, with relaxing, nahenahe (sweet) sounds that lift the spirit and invigorate the soul.

THE ARTISTRY OF JEFF PETERSON illustrates Jeff's diverse musical influences, from his paniolo roots as a child on Maui to the modern guitar techniques he has mastered. His signature slack key style combines his innovative technique with traditional slack key guitar. Jeff was featured on Hawaii's first GRAMMY® Award-winning CD (Slack Key Guitar Volume 2), and has emerged as a leader among a new generation of slack key guitarists.

Following up on the tremendous success of "Sunday Morning," Jake branches out with his `œukulele mastery, blending the sound of electric `œukulele with the acoustic sound fans around the world love.

Picture a Hawaiian beach at dawn, the crisp air, sounds of the waves hitting the sand and your toes digging into it. When you hear the music on "Island Images" you'll picture yourself on the beach just relaxing and enjoying yourself with no care in the world.

Each song on "Sea of Dreams" takes you to another world. A world where things move slowly and time doesn't matter. Highlights on the album include, "Twilight", "Oceans of Time", and Soul Walk".

On Five Years and Many Miles, Darin employs his facility on the guitar and ukulele. Backed by award-winning solo vocalist and bassist Nathan Aweau, a member of the award-winning duo HAPA, Five Years and Many Miles paints a series of pictures, from sparse ukulele arrangements, to solo slack key guitar, to lush melodic arrangements. Five Years and Many Miles is the perfect blend of classical, folk and Hawaiian influences.

Charles Michael Brotman performs as part of the acoustic guitar group Kohala. This solo CD showcases his musical genius and demonstrates why he is one of Hawai'i's premiere guitarists.

Anthony Natividad is an innovative flute musician, craftsman, and storyteller through his music. He has been a featured nose flute artist on the Odyssey Channel's "America" series, has performed as an original musician and cast member of the award-winning theatrical production "Ulalena," and has served as a featured performer on many recordings. On his debut CD, his nose flutes allow people to feel the depth and light of their soul, lightened of their stress and burdens, to the present moment of being.

Honey-Boy follows Kekuhi's release, "Kekuhi", which garnered her a Na Hoku Hanohano Award as Female Vocalist of the Year. There is an indefinable energy that flows from Kekuhi Kanahele's latest release, "Honey-Boy". These dynamics are ever present throughout the release and illustrate the multi-faceted personality of Kekuhi as an artist.

Kekuhi Kanahele is a vibrant voice that blends the past and present in Hawaiian music. Featuring original music and chant, this CD awarded her a Na Hoku Hanohano Award as Female Vocalist of the Year.

There is a certain ancient elegance that Kekuhi's music possesses. Kekuhi is redefining contemporary Hawaiian music, and she was recognized for this effort, winning a Na Hoku Hanohano award as "Female Vocalist of the Year" for her work on this CD. Kekuhi's music, in fact Kekuhi, is a product of her culture and an amazing family tree linked to the history of these islands.

One of Hawai'i's most beloved musicians and composers, Irmgard Aluli, "Aunty Irmgard" as she is called, dazzled and amazed her fans for six decades. Here she is joined by her group Puamana. "From Irmgard With Love" includes her classic song "Puamana."

World-renowned hula halau, Halau O Kekuhi, continues to disseminate the invaluable history of Hawai`i across the world through chant and dance under the direction of Kumu Hula Pualani Kanaka`ole Kanahele and Nalani Kanaka`ole. Their latest work, Hi`iaka I Ka Poli O Pele, revisits the journey of the fire goddess Pele, from Tahiti to her home in the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawai`i. Through these powerful chants, experience the fire traditions of Hawai`i's active volcano, the primordial flames fueled by the milieu lives of Halau O Kekuhi, and the sacredness of this history that is Hawai`i.

As the newest island in the Hawaiian chain, Kama'ehu, begins its slow, deliberate ascent from the bottom of the ocean floor, the membes of Halau o Kekuhi honor its impending birth with a CD of 16 original and 2 traditional chants.

Two of the oldest traditions of the Hawaiian culture are mele oli and mele hula. These traditions have been handed down to Halau o Kekuhi through many generations and sustained through matrilineal descent. "Uwolani" is meant to both entertain and inform. It should be understood, however, that the Kumu Hula and dancers of Halau o Kekuhi are stewards of a deeply rooted tradition that involves lifelong learning.

Ata follows his 2002 release Pa`ina with this superb collection of Hawaiian mele, more of the music he dines on. Included alongside the traditional selections are several Hawaiian ballads in the English language that showcase Ata's unique ability to capture the heart of a song from almost any genre and make it his own.

This generous CD of 15 songs is truly a feast for the ears. The songs range from party favorites like `Ai Kakou and Mauna Loa to seldom recorded vintage treasures like He Aloha No `O Waianae and Lena Machado's Holau. Includes five of Ata's own compositions.

Uncle Richard Ho'opi'i is one of Hawaii's most beloved singers. A recipient of the National Endowment of the Arts Folk Heritage Fellowship, America's highest honor for traditional artists, Uncle Richard knows that, like all Hawaiian artists, he maintains a rich cultural legacy. For his first solo project, Uncle Richard wanted to record a mixture of favorite songs from his hometown of Kahakuloa on Maui, performed in the traditional way.

The Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau were made up of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, Jerome and John Koko when this CD was recorded. Their love for Hawaiian music and beautiful harmonies captured the ears of fans around the world. On this CD are the hit songs "Mehameha/White Sandy Beach," "Nohili E," "Take A Walk In The Country" and "I'll Remember You."