Search - Dennis Pavao :: Sweet Leilani

Sweet Leilani

Michael C. West | Bethesda, MD United States | 12/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I last visited Mauai I wanted to bring home with me the most beautiful rendition of "Aloha Oe" I could find. I asked a street kiosk salesperson what rendition she thought best, and without hesitation recommended this album. I bought the CD for that one song, and boy, talk about a lucky purchase!! Not only is Dennis' "Aloha Oe" the most beautiful rendition I've ever heard of one of the world's most beautiful songs, but there are other great songs here as well. He truly had a beautiful voice (tragically, Dennis died in Jan. 2001, aged 51, of an aneurism), and I was moved to also buy his other 3 CDs a week or two later. If you love the Islands like I do, Dennis Pavao is "da man." His rich baritone and remarkable falsetto capabilities gave him a vocal range not many males can emulate. I can't put on any of his CDs without getting goose bumps, thinking about Hawaii, the most beautiful place on earth. Enjoy; these are ALL great disks for lovers of Hawaiian music. Aloha!"

Pavao is wonderful

Michael C. West | 06/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My husband bought me "Sweet Leilani" by Dennis Pavao only because he knew I love Herb Kane's artwork--the cover is one of Mr. Kane's. However, after having heard the CD I've since bought "Na Mele Henoheno" and love both. We're planning to buy every CD we can find. Mr. Pavao has a beautiful voice, in both falsetto and standard and his music evokes the true aloha of our island paradise. I would love to hear him sing/record "I Kona"."

Pavao's Sweet Leilani has us wanting more

Stephen D. Frost | Hong Kong China | 05/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My wife and I decided to call our unborn daughter Leilani, and knowing little about the name we searched the internet for more information. Both of us were surprised to find that not only was there was a song in which her name featured, but that there was a CD of the same name. Knowing nothing of either the song or Dennis Pavao, we nevertheless ordered the album and waited with anticipation for its arrival. Both of us were overjoyed when we finally heard it. The title track convinced us that our chosen name was perfect. While my wife was pregnant we played all songs often, but especially the signature tune. And after her birth, we have continued to play it because the music fills our flat with joy and love. Leilani, whose Chinese name Shengying mirrors the meaning of the Hawaiian words - heavenly garland, loves the music, and we do too. We are now devoted fans and want to eventually visit Hawaii and listen to Dennis live. The music, lyrics, and Dennis Pavao's voice make this album a rare treat. That we came across it by chance seems to make it all the more wonderful. With a mix of traditional songs in the Hawaiian language and more modern tunes, this album floats from one staggeringly beautiful melody to the next. If Mr Pavao is not an Hawaiian national treasure, then it's about time something was done to make him one."