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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
 Posted - 03/06/2006 : 07:37:12 AM
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We took a weekend road trip to Annapolis, MD to catch Hapa's two shows Saturday at Rams Head Tavern. Hapa's sound is always full, supported by superb musicianship and vocal harmonies. It's interesting how Barry Flanagan has blended his own guitar style with slack key giving typically nahenahe music an intensity that is uniquely Hapa. Nathan Aweau stands on his own though completely awing the audience with a jazz/funk bass solo mid-set that had the crowd screaming for more.
It's when Nathan opens his mouth, especially his smooth falsetto, that the magic of Hawaiian poetry is so beautifully told through song. Hapa performed songs from their most recently released album Maui, which climbed to No. 7 on World Music charts, as well as those from previous albums. From Lei Manoa to Bob Marley's Redemption Song seemlessly blended with chant, I'm always continually impressed and inspired by Flanagan's songwriting and arranging especially since he was born in NY and raised in NJ. 
Additionally, the show's cultural backbone came from Charles Ka`upu, who opened the show and performed chants and storytelling throughout, and hula dancers Malia Petersen and Pi`ilani Kline.
What a great weekend of music, chant, dance and humor. For those in the North West, try to make one of the upcoming shows. You're in for a treat.
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Andy |
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