Hawaii's Mahi Beamer

Artists

Album Info

Release Date: 1959

Label: Capitol Records

For all of youthful good looks and his widespread fame as a popular entertainer, Mahi Beamer is nonetheless a serious and dedicated artist. He followed graduation from the Kamehameha School with two years of music study at the University of California at Santa Barbara, then a year's tour with his talented cousin's, Nona and Keola, presenting the history of hula to audiences all over Mexico and the United States. A Carnegie Hall concert was followed by two more years of study, this time at the Julliard School of Music in New York. At about the time when Mahi had Decided to forsake classical music and return to his native idiom, Uncle Sam tapped him for military service at Schofield Barracks. there he played piano in the Base's Dance combo, doubling on glockenspiel for the 264th Army Band.

In 1955, a civilian again, he quickly became a top attraction as a singer and hula dancer at the Queen's Surf and the Princess Kaiulani hotel on Waikiki Beach. Hotel and night club engagements have lured Mahi once again from the Islands, but mainlanders who've seen his act in Las Vegas and elsewhere agree the he's brought much of Hawaii along with him.

Side one:

Opening Chant - Mahi's great-grandmother wrote these words of welcome. Beginning with Oahu, the chant gathers the Islands into a sort of lei, describes them one by one, and urges: "When you see the stranger, bid him welcome".

Pupu Hinu Hinu ("Shiny Shell") - The children find the shell by the seashore; they put it to their ears and listen to the sound of the ocean. In the last verse they put the shell to sleep, and as the shell goes to sleep, the children curl up and go to sleep too.

Na Hala O Naue ("The Hala Trees of Naue") - This traditional hula describes the Naue region, its trees and beach. Bamboo sticks and the uli uli gourd are featured in the accompaniment.

Ke Kali Nei Au (Hawaiian Wedding Song) - Perhaps the best-loved of all Island songs, this duet expresses the ecstasy of young love, both in its heartfelt words and in its melodic splendor. Mahi says that his grandmother, the prolific composer Helen Desha Beamer, helped Charles E. King in its composition and that she made the first recording of the song many years ago.

Ke Alii Hulu Mamo (Feathered Cloak of the Chief") - Written long ago by Mahi's grandmother, this song is dedicated to Hawaii's Princess Kalanianaole.

Lei Ilima - Another song by Charles E. King, this one is closely identified with Mahi, who nearly always includes it in his show. The ilima is a colorful shrub whose blossoms, official flower of the Island of Oahu, are often made into leis.

Kahuli Aku Kahuli Mai - The kahuli are little red-striped mountain shells which fasten themselves to the bark of a tree and emit a tiny humming sound like that of a mosquito. In this very old song they call to the kolea, a golden plover bird, to fly down to the valley and bring them water.

Side Two

Kawohikukapulani - This beautiful song was composed by Mahi's grandmother for the wedding of her youngest child, Elizabeth Beamer. The bride is likened to the image of Kawohikukapulani - literally, a sacred virgin standing in heaven. The song tells of the parents' pride: "you are mine, and it is my privilege to speak this way about you". The final lines are typical of hawaiian thought and expression: "Dear child, when we call to you, you answer, speaking your name".

Heeia - The Brief shout heard at the beginning of each phrase is a signal to the soloist indicating the content that is to follow. Mahi responds with the vocal agility that has made Heeia one of his most frequently requested numbers. heeia is an area on Oahu, well known for its rolling surf.

Puamaeole - This is one of Mahi's favorite songs, recorded here for the first time. The title may be translated as "Flower That Never Fades", and refers to a young maiden. "This longing and yearning for you is forever. My song is for you".

Kimo Hula - Kimo is the Hawaiian equivalent of the name "Jim". Mahi's grandmother wrote this song for James Henderson, a prominent resident of Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Nohili - This old chant describes a famous landmark on the Island of Kauai: the barking Snads of Nohili (so-called because their coral and lava composition produces a "barking" sound when walked upon in the heat of the day). The Impromptu musical accompaniment in this recording includes bamboos and the castanet effect of the ili ili.

Paniau - This song was written for Annabelle Ruddle and tells about Paniau, seaside home of the Ruddle family of Hilo. It describes the home, the trees, the swimming area, the people, and the warmth of their hospitality.

Recorded In Hawaii.

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