| A collection of Alfred Aholo Apakas early recordings from 1945-1950. On tracks 1-5, Apaka is featured with Randy Oness Select Hawaiian Serenaders. On tracks 6-7, Apaka is featured with Al Kealoha Perry & His Singing Surfriders. The remaining selections feature Alfred Apaka & His Hawaiians. Personnel: Alfred Apaka (vocals); Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs (vocals, guitar); Tommy Castro (vocals, steel guitar, vibraphone); Randy Oness Select Hawaiian Serenaders (vocals, ukulele, clarinet); Pua Almeida (steel guitar).Audio Remasterer: Bill Lacey. Liner Note Author: Harry B. Soria, Jr. Recording information: Hawaii. Arrangers: Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs; Randy Oness Select Hawaiian Serenaders; Benny Kapena Kalama. Hawaiis Golden Voice captures a set of previously unreleased recordings by legendary Hawaiian baritone Alfred Aholo Apaka. Sounding more like a classic pop vocalist from the 40s than a specifically Hawaiian artist, Apaka regardless is backed by a loungy version of Hawaiian music on this album, which is a combination of new and traditional songs. He sings in both Hawaiian and English here, and while listening its easy to imagine his warm, smooth, syrupy voice washing over legions of stressed out post-war visitors in the Hawaiian tourist hotels where he got his start. Despite being a commercial success who many critics believed would eventually cross over into the mainstream completely and become a pop star, his career unfortunately ended fairly early, leaving few recordings, and thus making this one even more of a treasure. ~ Stacia Proefrock |
