An Insight into the Artist
Lawrence C. Wakefield | 08/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have all of John's CD and they are all wonderful, but this is my favorite. When ever I want to get away from life for a while, I listen to my iPod and it usually finds its way to this CD.
John gives us an insight into his life and growing up in this CD. The opening song "Where are the Children?" is a sad, but beautiful number that came from John's visit to Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai. In the 1800's there was leper colony there. When a child was born at Kalaupapa, it was taken away from it's mother and sent to family or foster homes somewhere else in the islands. Thus there are no children at Kalaupapa. To me, the music interlude is the most beautiful of all of John's music. Kalaupapa's prayer is an instumental number inspired by the visit that is beautiful. In these songs, we catch a look at John's gentle caring heart.
"Ka' auhuhu Homestead" is about where and how John grew up. "Let Them Live" is an insightful number about the reality that children will one day be the people making decisions and how we need to help prepare them for life instead of stifling them. "Long Line of Love" is a song about maintaining love in marriage. "Encantada" is a fun lively instrumental number. "Love of My Life" is another lively fun song.
"Manu Aloha" and "Hana By the Sea" are songs about natures love and beauty. Both are lovely, but I have to add that the music to "Hana By The Sea" transports me there. It is some of the most melodic of John's music. "Honomakau Hale" is a very fun lively number about family gatherings.
"Last Bottle of Wine" the only song that is not high on my list, but it is an pointed song that shows some more of John's caring nature.
"Hi'olani-Keiki O hawaii" is an wonderfully melodic lullaby with some more beautiful guitar playing.
John ends the album with "Slack Key Heaven" - a tribute to three famous slack key artists who have passed on in life. The song contains one of my favorite lines on the Cd: "The masters now they play for there master."
"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
