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Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
 Posted - 08/01/2003 : 12:58:23 AM
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Don Kauli`a
Freehand
Manawa Records 2001
Many slack key recording artists strive to develop their own styles while remaining true to the artform. On this topic, in the liner notes, Don gives thanks to: - Pops Gabby Pahinui for his words of wisdom in 1979 "play from the heart".
- Uncle Fred Punahoa in Hilo '80, "create your own style".
- Aunty Alice Namakelua '76, "know your culture."
- Uncle Leonard Kwan, Sr. "play with feel, not tacky".
I believe that Don has successfully heeded the advice of the kupuna with this recording. The all instrumental album features 8 originals and 3 covers (Andy Iona, Leonard Kwan, Sr., Palani Vaughn). From mimicking whales, though harmonics in "Da Whale Song" to Bossa Nova-influenced (sounds like to me) "Bikini", Don presents the listener with traditional slack key, some contemporary slack key originals and unique Kauli`a stylings on traditional standards.
Don makes his guitar speak. Every song was recorded without any effects. Manawa Records's Chance Gardner notes, "The reverb you hear is natural and the fade-outs are from Don's hands." Very talented hands indeed… hence the name, Freehand.
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Sarah
`Olu`olu
571 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2003 : 09:02:34 AM
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I second that.
This was the first album of Don's that we could get our hands on, and we were blown away. I think he gets a chance to do on the CD pieces that he can't do live at, say, the Blue Marlin, because of the setting. Wonderful stuff, and with his own true signature.
-Sarah |
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cpatch
Ahonui
USA
2187 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2003 : 1:21:12 PM
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| You can buy Don's CD online at Maui Music. |
Craig
My goal is to be able to play as well as people think I can. |
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donkaulia
Lokahi
249 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2003 : 10:48:43 PM
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ah shucks, thanks you guys...gal, I'm flattered. I just pluck from the guts...aloha and mahalo for your kind comments.
Don 'Freehand' Kauli'a
you can check out other websites for cd purchases if not at Borders in the Hawaiian Islands...
www.mele.com
www.puresoundCd.com
bye, don
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donkaulia |
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cpatch
Ahonui
USA
2187 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2003 : 12:14:45 AM
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| Don, www.mele.com was the first place I looked but it's not listed there. (You need to lean on Aunty Maria a little!) |
Craig
My goal is to be able to play as well as people think I can. |
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donkaulia
Lokahi
249 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2003 : 12:41:25 PM
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Sorry Craig...Malia received only my Xmas Cd's...check with Chance at www.puresoundCd.com
He's the manufacturer...I don't know where it's being distributed. |
donkaulia |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 11/06/2003 : 4:03:20 PM
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This is from the Honolulu Advertiser, Islands Sounds
"FREEHAND" by Don Kauli'a, Manawa Records DC 01
Don Kauli'a is a Maui-based slack-key stylist featured on his first solo instrumental CD. Clearly, he has an affinity for ki ho'alu. His name may be unfamiliar to O'ahu audiences, but those on the Valley Island will know him from several groups with whom he frequently performs.
Simplicity is what works for him here. Under the guidance of producer Chance Gardner, Kauli'a glides over a collection of eight originals and three covers, imparting a precise and personal stamp.
He creatively generates a syncopation of his own on the classic "'Opihi Moe Moe," mimics the chimes of whales on "Da Whale Song," suggests the chugging locomotive on "Ka'aahi Kahului," and radiates a spiritual mood on a family hymn, "E Kolu Mea Nui."
Kauli'a adds a romantic, restful country flavor on "Makaha Moon," and "Bikini," written by Kauli'a on a Florida tour, sounds less Hawaiian and more Spanish, with a reason: The composition honors the vaqueros who introduced the guitar to Hawai'i. |
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