We share this 1975 recording of "Mai'a Lau Pala" by the Ho'oipo Trio, in answer to a special request of our good friend, Puakea Nogelmeier.
Pua wrote,
[ "The text of a similar song, "Ho'ohui 'Aina Pala Ka Mai'a" was just added into a literature anthology about Honolulu, and I had done the translation from words found in Buke Mele Lahui that we reprinted through the Historical Society.
I don't think it has ever been recorded, but I'd love to hear the rendition of "Mai'a Lau Pala" that you shared on Territorial Airwaves." ]
The Ho'oipo Trio consisted of Agnes Malabey Weisbarth, Agnes Ah See, and Doreen Lindsey.
The Ho'oipo Trio recorded this version of this "banana hula", but many other versions and verses exist to this mele that dates back to the 1800s, and was found in the hand-written ledger songbooks of Ruth Lilikalani.
Mai'a is the general term for banana.
Maoli is a variety of banana.
Lau pala, yellowing leaf, is the expression for failing health.
Apparently, the composer was trying to attract someone away from someone else.
Doreen Lindsey sings the lead.
Na Palapalai has since recorded a cover of this lovely mele.
Length:3:01 Released on: 01-01-1975 Artist/Compiled by: Ho'oipo Trio
"Hawaiian Capers" - King Bennie Nawahi
Benjamin Keakahiawa Nawahi astounded audiences with his virtuosic playing for more than six decades. As a member of his brother, Joe Nawahi's band, the Hawaiian Novelty Five, he performed on a passenger liner that sailed between San Francisco and Honolulu in 1919. His success and subsequent health setbacks kept him on the mainland US for the rest of his life. Despite his losing his sight in 1935, he continued to perform with his brother as the Nawahi Trio. He also pursued his fascination with long distance swimming. He remains the only blind person to complete the swim from San Pedro to Catalina Island, a trip that took a little more than 22 hours.
Length:2:53 Released on: 12-20-1929 Artist/Compiled by: King Nawahi's Hawaiians
"Hawaiian Cowboy" - Sol Kekipi Bright
Sol Kekipi Bright, Sr. (11/09/1909 - 4/27/1992), Sol K. Bright Sr. is probably best known for his comic paniolo (cowboy) song "Hawaiian Cowboy". During a brief visit home to Hawaii, Sol Ho'opi'i recruited teenager Solomon Kekipi Bright to join Ho'opi'i's band in Hollywood, California. Bright's ability to sing the rapid-fire Hawaiian lyrics of the popular Kaua'i songs by Alfred Alohikea made him an instant sensation. Eventually, Bright wrote "Hawaiian Cowboy" on a dare from a wealthy inebriated patron who wanted to hear a cowboy song about Hawaii, and was willing to pay $100 per verse to hear one. Sol K. Bright reportedly composed his signature tune on the spot that night.
Length:2:52 Released on: 00-00-1938 Artist/Compiled by: Sol K. Bright & his Holly-waiians
"My Rose Of Waikiki" - Andy Iona
Andrew Aiona Long (01/01/1902 - 11/09/1966), achieved great success on the mainland US, initially as a saxophonist and clarinetist, but ultimately as a Hawaiian steel guitarist. His unique steel guitar style developed due to the loss of his right thumb in high school. Andy also composed and/or arranged many beautiful tunes, including "My Rose Of Waikiki".Length: Released on: 05-28-1935 Artist/Compiled by: Andy Iona & his Islanders
"Hilo March" - Dick McIntire
Dixon Ka'aihue McIntire (04/06/1902 - 05/20/1951), made his mark as one of Hawaii's greatest steel guitarists. Dick recorded over 300 records backing Bing Crosby, Frances Langford, Ray Kinney, and Lena Machado, mostly on the Decca label, as well as featuring his own group, the "Harmony Hawaiians". Dick McIntire's recordings embody the beautiful tone, perfect intonation, and above all the "heart" and feeling of a consummate Hawaiian steel guitarist. To this day, he still inspires many steel guitarists to emulate his beautifully expressive, distinctively legato style.
Length:2:24 Released on: 06-03-1939 Artist/Compiled by: Dick McIntire & his Harmony Hawaiians
