Hapa: Maui

HAPA Maui Hapa 002

Hapa is a contemporary island duo from Hawaii featuring the string wizardry of Barry Flanagan and the traditional-style singing of Nathan Aweau, who also contributes bass and percussion. (Aweau replaces longtime Hapa member Keli'i Kaneali'i with this recording.) Those fortunate enough to have experienced Hapa in Hawaii, or on one of their all-too-infrequent visits to the mainland know that their live performances also include a dance element, but it's the music--an assured mix of shimmering instrumentals and soaring vocals--that is featured and shines here on Maul Hapa's material is chosen from a varied and open range of sources including classic contemporary Hawaiian material mixed with originals and even a Bob Marley classic ("Redemption Song" with Barry's lead vocals). Flanagan shifts effortlessly between jazzy vamps and island-inflected Kottke-esque guitar pyrotechnics, mixed with a nod to Hawaii's slack key masters ... and Aweau's solid and beautiful vocals--in Hawaiian and Polynesian--are pure joy. "Lei M noa" is a particular standout for me, pairing soul-wrenching falsetto vocals from Aweau with delicate, plaintive, acoustic guitar work by Flanagan ... as are "Paniolo 'Ona Slack Key" a tour-de-force for Flanagan, and the driving, classic-Hapa opener "Haleakala." This is a lot closer to the Pahinui Brothers contemporary sound than the classic traditional sound of the elder Pahinui (the late Gabby), but if you are a fan of Ry Cooder's past forays into the music of Hawaii, this recording (and group) will be a major find.

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