Guava Soul

Product Description
Bla Pahinui comes from an illustrious Hawaiian musical family. His father is Gabby Pahinui, the father of modern slack key, and his brothers, Cyril, Martin and Philip, have also made their mark. Of all the Pahinuis, Bla has been the most adventurous in terms of styles.

The exquisitely titled "Guava Soul" is the perfect description of his approach to music: a touch of the tropics, a touch of the blues, full-bodied and deep -- this is Bla having fun and at his best. His gentle voice, his strong instrumental accompaniment and his dynamic sense when choosing material which is perfect for him: these elements come together to create a warm album that reaches back to the past while leaning forward.

To start with his voice, he falls into a select group of singers which includes Aaron Neville, Sam Cook, Otis Redding -- so soulful, so moving. He is perhaps not as polished as some, but his emotional voice is totally captivating.

As a guitarist, he is a left-hander playing a right-handed instrument upside down. For the most part, his guitar work is hidden behind the backup band, but when it peeks through, it is like a ray of sunshine.

Bla Pahinui, while not a prolific recording artist, is one who enjoys his music and chooses it well. Whether reaching into his traditional past or into his affinity with soul music, he gives everything he has. Instrumentally, Guava Soul presents a tight, focused group of talented musicians. The result is a recording which connects.

Tracks:

Island Style
Waimea
Hawaiian Kick Boxer
Makapu'u
Manuela Boy
Wai'alae
Waimanalo Blues
Isa Lei
Wahine U'i
Ho'oheno Keia No Beauty (Beauty Hula)
No Ke Ano Ahiahi
Ei Nei

Album Description

Bla Pahinui comes from an illustrious Hawaiian musical family. His father is Gabby Pahinui, the father of modern slack key, and his brothers, Cyril, Martin and Philip, have also made their mark. Of all the Pahinuis, Bla has been the most adventurous in terms of styles.

Customer Reviews:

Bla No Ka `Oi.......2007-04-11

Bla has the most unique and soulful voice...it fits the mele he has chosen perfectly. The unique sound of his guitar just adds to the experience. Bla is not his father. If you want Gabby music, buy Gabby music. If you want to hear where that legacy has led...then please listen to Bla's music. His version of Island Style makes me wish I was back on O`ahu, feeling the tradewinds blowing. You won't ever get tired of Bla's music, because he plays what he likes, and he plays it with all his heart. He does not have to fit into a mold. He is his own man.

A Real Gem.......2003-05-28

I've owned the CD for nearly four years and have listened to it many, many times. I started out liking one of Bla Pahinui's other recordings (Mana) better, partly because I'd read a very negative review of this one and I have to admit it colored my perception. Now this one, Guava Soul, is not only my favorite of Bla's CD's but probably my favorite album of all the music I own. The instrumental work is very pleasing to listen to, especially Bla's guitar, and his voice and styling are just perfect. The arrangements are wonderful. And the arrangement of tracks on the CD is wonderful: It starts strong and just keeps getting better, from the lively opening track, "Island Style," to the absolutely beautiful final love song, "Ei Nei."

Please ignore the horribly negative review on this site. This man has a distinctive voice and style, and if someone doesn't like it, I guess that person...just doesn't like it! People have different expectations, different definitions of "soul." To describe a voice is a pretty subjective thing. I'd describe Bla's voice as versatile, flexible, expressive, moving, sometimes raucous, sometimes sweet and, well, soulful. Having a wide tonal range. Definitely unusual. He is not Don Ho, if that's your standard of a Hawaiian singer. And he is not his father, although once in a while there's a note or two of real family resemblance. He is, in my estimation anyway, a great singer of many moods, who goes his own way and is absolutely fine to listen to. And this CD, very different from both of his other recent ones, is a gem.

Hawaiian Soul Bruddah.......2003-01-09

When Bla Pahinui sings I get tears in my eyes and can visualize the beach at Waimanalo. He is the essence of Hawai'i. I feel so fortunate to have run into his music and Guava Soul is a great sampling of some good Hawaiian songs done by a master. Bravo, Bla and I look forward to the next one. From a New Yorker longing to be in Hawaii on a winter day!

i don't think so..........2002-07-07

Did I hear the same album as this reviewer above? Guess not...Great band and a great singer plus great songs add up to another great Bla album. Nope, he's not Gabby and this ain't 40 years ago. This is contemporary Hawaiian music at it's best. Bla drips soul and is an incredibly expressive and moving singer. This is Hawaiian music in 2002. Don't be a dimwit. Buy it and enjoy it.

Baa, Blaa, Blaa.......2002-01-24

Was greatly looking forward to this release. Great and long overdue concept: Mixing Hawaiian music with some soul. This CD miserably fails on both counts. Bla certainly missed out on his fathers talent and he's got about as much soul as Dick Clark. I threw this thing in the garbage. So bad I wouldn't even give it away.

Rock Music:

Rock Music

rock music

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