I’m a lazy person and Hawaii sounds like such a perfect place for me; a tropical paradise, full of love. Even thinking about it makes me want to give someone a hug. I have never been to Hawaii and I have no idea if my idea of the place is factual at all, but if the music of Israel ‘IZ’ Kamakawiwo’ole reflects truth at all, I’m right on the money.

IZ was a major influence in Hawaiian music in the 90′s and his 1993 album “Facing Future” has become the best selling record by a Hawaiian musician. His ukulele playing made love to your ear, and his voice was like something divine touching your soul. He was also severely over weight and unfortunately in 1997 he died of weight related problems at the age of 38. Before his death IZ managed to release four solo albums, “Ka ‘Ano’i” being his debut.

If you are new to Hawaiian music, “Ka ‘Ano’i” is probably the easiest place to start. Instead of focusing on more traditional Hawaiian music like his latter recordings, “Ka ‘Ano’i” is more of a collection of Hawaiianized covers of old American jazz songs, the crown jewel being IZ’s biggest hit, “Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World”. It’s a fun album to listen to with nice up-beat tempos, warm sounds and IZ’s angelic voice that takes you to last summer. Looking outside the window makes me depressed, to be honest.

Unfortunately the mood of the songs range from fun little tunes to soft ballads, so it’s not the perfect paradise soundtrack I’m looking for, but this is the place to start the search.

by Saku