Today we officially announce the recognition of Cyril Pahinui for the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. And to commemorate his preeminent career and receiving this highest of honors, the re-release of The Sandwich Isle Band, Cyril Pahinui’s debut album released in 1978 and one of the first of the next generation releases that defined contemporary Hawaiian Music! The Sandwich Isle Band is the creation of Grammy-nominee Cyril Pahinui’s first group formed in 1975. The recordings feature the innovative sounds of bass player sensation Brian Hussey, steel guitar wonder Eddie Palama, the phenomenon guitar of Steven Hall, on loan percussionist Merv Ching and guest artist the virtuoso, Peter Moon, set in the picturesque exotic tropical paradise, the Sandwich Islands.
We know you Folks have been clamoring for a recoding of our music performed at Honolulu’s iconic Blaisdell Hotel. And we’re here to give you what you want.
The Sandwich Isle Band is over thirty minutes of music selected and written by the incredible members of this amazing band.
There is an entertaining rendition of the classic hapa song, Honolulu How Do you Do, followed by the first time recording of the romantic composition by Cyril Pahinui and Brian Hussey, Sweet Memory, translated by Larry Kimura, followed by more elusive romantic tales from paradise and a whole lot more to give you the rest of the story!
Originally produced by Seabird Productions/Seabird Sound, this CD rendition comes in a beautiful custom-designed booklet package, featuring the original artwork and album design of O‘ahu artist Album designed by go-to guy, Peter Moon, the CD includes a 6-page foldout with all the song lyrics as well as the helpful and revealing liner note translations to read along with as you listen.
And while it does tell a historic story over the course of 10 songs, The Sandwich Isle Band was conceived so that each tune could stand on its own. You can dip into the flow of the music, and everywhere you land you’ll find a gem of a song that’s worthy of your time and your ears. No filler here. There’s traditional mele, island favorites and original compositions. It’s got quite the musical breadth, folks. We hope you’ll listen.
Where can you get this magical music? Why, right here, at our Cyril Pahinui Store You may also be able to get it online at mele.com, Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes, and most download stores. (Keep in mind that with the digital download you won’t get the beautiful liner notes booklet. But if you do go the digital route, please stop by www.cyrilpahinui.com where all the booklet pages — and lots more information — can be found.) It’s also available at the legendary Harry’s Music Store in Wai‘alae, Oahu and if you live in Hilo at the renowned Basically Books, you can find copies in the gift shop of the Bishop Museum where Cyril teaches his monthly Slack Key classes.
For those of you wondering when there might be a live performance by The Sandwich Isle Band, we’ll keep you posted. And if you’re interested in hosting a performance, shoot us an e-mail.
Meanwhile, get yourself a copy, and see if it’s not the best Hawaiian music from the seventies that you’ve ever heard!
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