CD-Charts Position 11
Average Rating:

Quiet Village/Enchanted Sea

CD-Charts > Music > Pacific Islands
by: Martin Denny

Release Date July 29, 1997
I rate Martin Denny's albums 5 stars. The music was cool back then and still is today, it's timeless. It transports you back to that period when exotica was very popular in the 50s and 60s, and I guess it's gaining much popularity today, with those who are into the Kon tiki culture. My family has always been extremely proud of the fact, that my uncle Harvey Ragsdale, was Martin Denny's bass player for years, and is on many of Denny's albums. My uncle was a great friend of his, and sadly, he and Martin Denny, have both passed on. Martin Denny was a great band leader, and many people who had the pleasure to personally know Martin Denny, such as my uncle, thought Martin Denny was also a great human being. It's wonderful that Martin Denny's ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 12
Average Rating:

Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters

CD-Charts > Music > Pacific Islands
by: Various Artists

Release Date May 23, 1995
This is a solid greatest hits collection, with perhaps only one or two clunkers in the bunch. Very mellow, and great for listening to at work (especially if you work in Hawai'i, I suppose).

It's a cliche to say that discs like this take a listener to the islands, but it's a popular sentiment for a reason: This CD is like a vacation to Maui that you can take any time.

CD-Charts Position 13
Average Rating:

IZ in Concert: The Man and His Music

CD-Charts > Music > Pacific Islands
by: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Release Date May 20, 1999
This was disappointing. The talk interrupts the enjoyment of the music. Not good for backround listening.

CD-Charts Position 14
Average Rating:

Kawaipunahele

CD-Charts > Music > Pacific Islands
by: Keali'i Reichel

Release Date April 22, 1997
I enjoyed the mix of traditional hula with some songs taking on an R & B spin.

CD-Charts Position 15
Average Rating:

Maui

CD-Charts > Music > Pacific Islands
by: Hapa

Release Date March 24, 2005
This CD is living proof of how far off track Hapa has gotten from what made them so popular to begin with. "Kealoha Bebop w/Charlie" is completely awful. "Lei Mänoa" is the one song that makes this CD worth a second look, but it pretty much stops there.

Hapa needs to get back to their roots of their debut album with the melodic slack key, beautiful and graceful hawaiian music, and that "Hapa" factor they had on that album.

It seems like in recent years this band has grown further and further away from it's Hawaiian influences and tried to appeal to the other fringes of music such as Jazz, hip hop, and other mainstream styles ... which isn't a good thing.

If nobody had ever heard of "Hapa" and came across this ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 16
Average Rating:

No. 1 Cowboy

CD-Charts > Music > Pacific Islands
by: Marty Robbins

Release Date January 01, 1996
What happened to "Tall Handsome Stranger" ? I would like to order this cd but I notice this version is lacking at least one cut from the original album.

CD-Charts Position 17
Average Rating:

One of These Days

CD-Charts > Music > Pacific Islands
by: John Cruz

Release Date September 25, 2007
I just found out he won a Grammy in 2005, and it's no wonder.

Really stellar! Within five seconds of the first song you're in the groove!

Island vibe with blues, Hawaiian, reggae, country, jazzy R&B jams melded perfectly. Alternately upbeat and carefree then mellow and poignant. A very emotional palette.

John's got a killer voice and vibe: dynamic, unforced, organic, with his own character that immediately invites you in for the ride. And the crew of world-renowned musicians backing John just make the whole thing solid, heartfelt and wonderfully textured. Dynamically rhythmic, open and airy, deep and spatial.

You should try to preview the song(s)[on] "One Of These Days" -- you'll be hooked.

If you're looking ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 18
Average Rating:

Kamahiwa: The Keali'i Reichel Collection

CD-Charts > Music > Pacific Islands
by: Keali'i Reichel

Release Date October 25, 2005
if you want great hawaiian music, this is it. kealii is a very talented musician, with a wonderful voice that soothes. every song is translated to english so you can understand what you are listening to. i bought this to play for our wedding and can't wait to use it.

CD-Charts Position 19
Average Rating:

My Life

CD-Charts > Music > Pacific Islands
by: Jake Shimabukuro

Release Date September 18, 2007
I've always been unbelivably impressed by this artist. I don't think anyone would be disappointed by the purchase of this CD. My heart just melts listening to his version of "Ice Cream". I have to admit that "Gently Weeps" is still my all time favorite song and CD.

CD-Charts Position 20
Average Rating:

Putumayo Kids Presents: Hawaiian Playground

CD-Charts > Music > Pacific Islands
by: Various Artists

Release Date January 22, 2008
I love the Playground series from Putumayo and this, their newest release, is lots of fun too. Kids may like it but adults will too! Though three of the 10 tracks are more reggae than "hula", Willie K's track has a cool 30s swing arrangement and Joe McDermott (an Austin, Tx singer who's never been to Hawaii!) starts off his track with added surface noise to replicate an old 78rpm record! The Moonlighters (another non-Hawaiian group - they are from New York City) have a doo-wop sound.

One highlight - at least for me - is the track by Raiatea, which has a melody that will make you hit the "Repeat" button and a great extended solo on the slack-key guitar.

That said, the real disappointment is the CDs length. The 10 tracks fill less than 30 minutes! Surly Putumayo ... Read More: