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Maui Morning

Maui Morning

Riley Kōho Lee
Hula Records - CDHRI-1013
2000

Track Title Kanji Length Artist
1 Maui Morning 04'42 Shakuhachi: Riley Kōho Lee
Dawn breaks on the majestic slopes of Maui's Haleakala. In the brisk mountain air, the first rays of the sun paint a vivid picture across the fresh canvas of the morning sky. The 'amakihi bird calls out in melodic flourishes to welcome the new day as the morning light illuminates the unparaleled beauty of this island. From the lush rain forests of Hana, across the mountain slopes of Makawao and Kula, to the vast white sand beaches of Makena, along the south shore to the distant stretches of 'Iao valley and the West Maui Mountains - - A Maui morning is a sight to behold; one that touches the innermost reaches of the soul.
2 Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u 05'00 Shakuhachi: Riley Kōho Lee
Written about a very special place in rural O'ahu, the song reflects the many changes Hawai'I has encountered while struggling to keep the traditions and values of the past alive.
3 Pua Lililehua 02'33 Shakuhachi: Riley Kōho Lee
"Pua Lililehua" was immortalized by the late slack key master Sonny Chillingworth - - a man who gave so much to the Hawaiian community, and whose musical contributions will be cherished for generations.
4 Honolulu City Lights 03'39 Shakuhachi: Riley Kōho Lee
One of the most celebrated and enduring songs to come out of Hawai'I in recent years, "Honoulu City Lights" was written by slack key virtuoso Keola Beamer. The view of the city at night, the moonlight on the ocean and the silhouette of Diamond Head rising above the Waikiki skyline - - these images can stay with you for an eternity and travel with you far from our Island shores.
5 Lei Pikake 03'37 Shakuhachi: Riley Kōho Lee
A lilting melody that calls forth the pungent fragrance of the pikake blossom, the delicate white jasmine introduced to the Islands from India.
6 Mauna Loa 02'05 Shakuhachi: Riley Kōho Lee
Here's a lively ki ho alu standard that tells the story of a sailor who longs to be reunited with his lover. The shakuhachi melody floats above the flowing guitar accompaniment like the Mauna Loa ship on Hawaiian waters.
7 Pupu Hinuhinu 03'40 Shakuhachi: Riley Kōho Lee
Helen Desha Beamer's wonderfully simple tune about a shiny seashell is given unusual treatment opening in a minor key with echoes of both Spain and Japan before landing on familiar ground back in Hawai'I nei. Here, the melody appears in its full form after being alluded to in the introduction.
8 Kawika 03'07 Shakuhachi: Riley Kōho Lee
Drawing from the sound of Hawaiian chant, this song shifts tonality and provides an ideal atmosphere for improvisation. The shakuhachi creates a similar texture to the 'ohe hano ihu or Hawaiian nose flute.
9 Lei Nani 02'21 Shakuhachi: Riley Kōho Lee
A classic Hawaiian song about a beautiful garland of flowers and the love it inspired in the woman to whom it was given. The definitive version of the song was recorded by the late Gabby "Pops" Pahinui on the "Pure Gabby" album (Hula Records CDHS-567).
10 Morning Dew 03'48 Shakuhachi: Riley Kōho Lee
This plaintive melody by Eddie Kamae, leader in the Hawaiian cultural renaissance of the early 60s, conjures up the melancholy that a young man feels when the woman he loves has gone away. He finds temporary solace in a poem that she wrote to him, but in the end he finds there is no true substitute for being together.
11 Pua Tubarose 03'32 Shakuhachi: Riley Kōho Lee
The mere aroma of the tuberose blossom can evoke wonderful recollections. We are transported back to our first lei greeting and the sense of welcome it gave us; to the celebration of a special occasion; or the vista of a mountain stream stretching across a valley florr, then flowing out to the distant sea. The song compliments this lovely flower as it recognizes the effect of its eloquent fragrance.
12 Hawaiian Wedding Song, The (Ke Kali Nei Au) 02'37 Shakuhachi: Riley Kōho Lee
The famous song of love and union under the clear Hawaiian skies. The pairing of two shakuhachi gracefully plays the role of a male and female vocal duo.