Lïhau Hannahs and Kellen Paik present their second album, "English Rose" Photo: Courtesy of Küpaoa

Let the music move you

By Francine Murray / Ka Wai Ola Loa

"English Rose"
Küpaoa – Lïhau Hannahs and Kellen Paik
Hulu Küpaoa Productions

"Every once in a while you come across a song that really stays with you; everything about it lingering in your mind long after it's sung. This was one of those songs for me," Lïhau Hannahs said of "Ka Pua Mohala" by Puakea Nogelmeier. A great reason for it to be the last song on this CD – so it will stay with you. Hannah's partner in Küpaoa, Kellen Paik, said, "Like a flower in bloom, we all experience change in our lives and pieces of this song will resonate with each and every one of us."

The title song, "English Rose," with its words "Eö my darling, e ku'u loke … my dear, English Rose," stayed with me. Amazingly this was Hannahs' first composition, a sweet sentimental piece for a friend from England who had passed away.

Another moving original is of the sweetest sentiment for a beloved companion, favorite partner and best friend, all in one, " 'O 'Oe Nö" was written by Hannahs and when she sings it you can hear, and feel, the love.

"Sweet 'Apapane" is incredible as it moves up and down, their voices soar and the song will take you on a journey of delight. This mele was composed for Kuana Torres Kahele of Nä Palapalai by Hannahs and Paik. Yes, the 'apapane is a native Hawaiian bird. Its rich red color may be enhanced as it enjoys its favorite food, the sweet nectar from the 'öhi'a lehua blossoms, which is also native to the islands. The authors say Kahele has "literally taken us under his wing," and like the blossoms to the bird, this friendship enhances the color of the music they produce, beautifully.

Other originals by the dynamic duo include "Ka Nani o Ka'ala," which recalls fond memories of Hannahs' first visit to the summit of Ka'ala, and "He'eia i ka Nani," which is in honor of He'eia, and has a nice pace for traveling.

To liven things up a little more: "Ipo Laua'e” by W.A. Kiha; "Kukuna o ka Lä" by Rosalie Flores and Johnny Noble; and guaranteed to please, a splendid medley of "Country Party" by Alan Woodward and "Hü ka Good" by Hank McKeague.

"Mele Köki" was composed by Puakea Nogelmeier and features Hilo's multitalented group Nä Palapalai. This song about the coqui frog invasion on Hawai'i Island talks about the very serious problem of invasive species in a light and playful way – that's good fun listening.

The lyrics of "Aloha Hökeo" were composed by Hoakalei with the music by Hannahs; "Home" is by Michael Buble, Alan Chang and Amy Foster-Gilles; and a popular request by live audiences is "Songbird" by Christine McVie.