MEDIA RELEASE
Noted Hawaii Island songwriter and slack key guitarist John Keawe has released a new CD, Play with Me Papa. The CD consists of all original compositions by Keawe, including seven instrumentals and five vocal tracks.
Keawe is joined by several other noted island musicians: Sonny Lim, Barry Flanagan of Hapa, Herb Ohta, Jr., and Charles Recaido. Dave Moran of Colorado plays fiddle. And Keawe’s wife Hope, who often joins him at personal appearances with her graceful hula, adds her singing on this CD.
The title track, “Play with Me Papa,” is a moving, tug-at-the-heart vocal selection that epitomizes the unconditional and deep love for two of his granddaughters, who add their voices on the chorus.
“Paniolo Waltz” is a beautiful love story of a lonely paniolo who yearns for his sweetheart. Hope Keawe joins her husband with some sweet harmony on this and other selections. You’ll also hear Sonny Lim and his dobro guitar and Dave Moran’s sweet sounding fiddle.
Keawe wrote “The Hawaiian Man” in 1981, but adds it to this CD as the message that time has passed but some things remain the same is still true.
The instrumental “Kauholo” tells the journey of Kamehameha I as he is pursued by warriors after his birth. Guest artist/guitarist, Hapa’s Barry Flanagan, evokes the urgency and emotions of that journey with his extraordinary playing.
Herb Ohta Jr., ukulele master, collaborates with his impeccable style on an inspiring instrumental entitled “Puuwai Hoano.”
Charles Recaido, artist/engineer adds bass./percussions and his arranging talents.
Other vocals include “E Ilima E,” which John wrote for his lifelong friend and wife, and “Kohala-Kuu Home,” a song of his homeland.
This CD again brings to the forefront John’s talents as a songwriter, slack-key guitarist and arranger. He continues to evolve and elevate in the gifts that he has been given. This CD truly displays the depth and honesty that lives within his heart.
“Play with Me Papa” is on sale now at Borders Kona, Bamboo Gallery in Hawi, and Pura Vida Gallery in Kapaau. Also order it online at John’s website, www.johnkeawe.com or purchase it directly from John at any of his live performances — most Mondays at Kona Village Resort, most Tuesdays at Kings Shops, and two Saturdays a month at the Bamboo Restaurant. His performance schedule is at the website.
Keawe has some special performances coming up, including an evening with his wife Hope at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center. “Play with Me Papa” is up for a Hawaii Music Award; more information about the awards are online, www.hawaiimusicawards.com
