Anelaikalani |
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| Track Listing: (click links for audio samples) | |||||||||||||
1) Ko Galie |
7) Song of the Islands |
Product Description
Brittney 'Anelaikalani Jennings, more commonly known
as 'Anelaikalani, one of Hawaii's
premiere young female vocalists, presents her new release Completely.
A familiar name in the Hawaiian music industry, this is her third release
in her
blossoming career. She possesses a voice truly worthy of an angel, which
is fitting
as 'Anelaikalani means Angel of Heaven.
This emerging young talent was first introduced to the music of Amy Hanaiali'i
Gilliom
at the age of 10. It was her first real taste of Hawaiian music. 'Anela
found herself captivated
and embarked on a quest to learn more. She studied the recordings of Amy
Gilliom and
other Hawaiian female greats, such as Lena Machado, and of course Aunty
Genoa Keawe.
'Anela would sing along with these recordings until she
had memorized the melodies and
words. What is truly remarkable about 'Anela is she never
received any formal voice or
musical training. This development was a definite surprise to her family
who didn't even
know that she could sing.
'Anela attracted the attention of promoter Tom Moffatt,
George Chun and Kenneth
Makuakane. She released her first album at the age of 12 and her second
at the age
of 14 - receiving numerous accolades for both endeavors, which included
nominations
for the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.
Now that she has graduated from Castle High School, 'Anela
has matured and has
become more focused than ever at perfecting her craft. Poised to make her
mark in the
Hawaiian music industry, 'Anela has become a diligent student,
learning and absorbing all
that she can from others in the music field. Among those guiding her along
the way is
Nalani Olds, a respected vocalist and historian in her own right. 'Anela
learned of Queen
Lili'uokalani from Aunty Nalani, and was fortunate to perform live with
her at 'Iolani Palace.
Their version of "Makalapua" is recorded on this
new release. Aunty Nalani has been a
source of encouragement and knowledge, so important in developing this young
talent.
'Anela has also been performing abroad, traveling extensively
to Japan with her
producer Alden Levi. Over the past year and a half she has built quite a
following in
Japan. She has been featured in magazine articles as well as video and radio
shows. In
the process she has been gaining valuable stage experience and expanding
her repertoire.
All of this can definitely be heard in this new recording Completely.
'Anela chose the title of this new C.D. and wanted to put
out a project that was
inclusive of all that she is, displaying her unique heritage and her abounding
love for
family. This is shown from the very first song and at the end of her C.D.
where she
has incorporated her Tokelauan family to sing with her. These songs, "Ko
Galie" and
"Manatua," pay homage not only to her culture,
but also to her grandfather who
passed away this past year. Among the Hawaiian songs are those dedicated
to
'Anela's immediate family. "Pua Carnation"
for example, with its light Spanish flair is
dedicated to her Dad. One song in particular, 'Anela's
version of the timeless classic
"A Hawaiian Lullaby," really gives a sense of
home, comfort, and peace. It is dedicated
to her Grandmother and performed in memory of 'Anela's
great-grandmother who also
passed recently. Included too are a soothing Hapa-Haole tune and an original
song,
"Once In A Lifetime," which showcases 'Anela's
abilities in a more contemporary piece.
There are songs that evoke playful feelings, those of youthful enthusiasm,
as well as songs
that offer that "chicken skin" experience. This new C.D. says
one thing about 'Anelaikalani,
she has arrived completely. Take part in this musical journey with one of
Hawaii's finest
young female stars, your ears and your heart will thank you for it!