Cat Scratch Fever

Music is a highly personal thing

that creates bonds, colors our memories, or inspires us. After living in Hawaii for 13 years, this artist’s music does all these things for me.

As one of the most prominent promoters of Hawaiian culture today, Keali’i Reichel (pronounced Key-ah-li-ee Ray-shell) takes an educational approach during his live concerts. “It’s a good mixture of hula, storytelling and music,” he says during a phone interview from his native Maui. Though he sings mostly in Hawaiian, he does pause between songs to explain what they are about. “I find that for the live performance, I treat the audience like a classroom,” he explains. “I think our culture is our language, and that’s where we come from.” Though Reichel sings mostly in Hawaiian, he does a few tunes in English, such as a cover of Sting’s “Fields of Gold,” which was included on his 2003 disc Ke’Alaokamaile (Punahele). With him are several hula dancers who perform dances choreographed by the singer, who has also found the time to open and run his own dance school in Maui. “Fans come because they appreciate the culture, but there are some who come out of curiosity,” he states. No matter what the reason may be, everyone leaves with a new appreciation for the word “aloha.”

By Ernest Barteldes (Phoenix Times)
Published: October 18, 2007

He ain’t too bad on the eyes, either.

Here is a studio recording of the epitome of a wedding song, The Road That Never Ends:

Oh, and did I mention he ain’t too bad on the eyes?

Keali`i was born and raised on Maui. His passion for the language and culture of Hawai`i led him to become a founding director for Punana Leo O Maui, the Hawaiian language immersion school. In 1980, he founded his own hula school, Halau Ke`alaokamaile, and has won numerous awards. His six albums over the past 12 years have garnered 29 Na Hoku Hanohano awards by the Hawai`i Academy for Recording Arts as well as a Grammy nomination.
Hawai`i State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson says “The heart and soul of who Keali’i is and his love for these islands and our people shine bright throughout the performance. As a Hawaiian, I am brimming with pride. For those of us who are blessed to call Hawai’i home, his music and hula teaches us so much about ourselves and this special place we love. For those beyond our shores, Keali’i provides an amazing window for the world to see why Hawai’i is a place like no other.” (from Presto Public Relations)

His music is a beautiful fusion of old and new, emblazoned with emotion. Reichel inspires to be both “culturally grounded and modern at the same time.” Listening to him transports one clear across the water, to a slower, simpler time, preferably on a beach. And his voice is smooth — it really melts you inside. (from Marian Liu Seattle Times)

Have a listen to a duet with Robi Kahakalali and one of my personal favorites:

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And again: (you know the story)

Now you may think this is morbid, but I would love to have this song played at my wake, funeral, whatever. It speaks to me.

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Need I say more?

by Irma

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This entry was posted at 10:16 am on 11/17/07 | tagged: Ponderings.
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