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"This album of traditional Hawaiian music is a delightful collection of standards performed hula-style -- with no instrumental breaks -- by "Aunty May" Kamai and an all-star trio: producer William "Baba" Alimoot (bass and ukulele), Dwight Kanae (guitar and ukulele), and Casey Olsen (steel guitar).

Kamai and the guys set the mood with the first verse of their opening number, "Kaulana Moloka'i," and maintain it throughout the eleven songs that follow. Kamai's soprano vocals are smoothly supported by the high harmonies of the trio, while Olsen embellishes the strummed melodies with the sweetness of steel guitar.
But in keeping with tradition, the arrangements are first and foremost about the voices and the all-important lyrics. Hula does not exist without lyrics in one language or another.

"E Huli Makou," "Ipo Hula" and "Mauna Loa" are among the classics revived and freshly interpreted here.

At a time when all too many "new" Hawaiian CDs are re-issues of beloved vintage recordings, it is wonderful to have new versions of these evergreens -- for use by hula dancers, and simply for their beauty.

Hula Records has set a high standard over the years with its liner notes, and producer Alimoot maintains that tradition by including English translations and cultural information."

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