Chee Hoo Records

Thank you for consideration of the following recordings in the 49th annual Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards

What happens when you mix a a bluegrass “pick” with a Hawaiian backyard Kanikapila jam? Hawaiian Grass is a collection of my favorite Hawaiian songs from over the last century performed by bluegrass and slack key musicians. All songs were recorded in the same tempos and keys as the original recordings, however, the “feel” was changed to give it a more “Appalachian” bluegrass sort of feel. The chords and melodies are more complex than many of the standard bluegrass tunes.

Hawaiian Grass by Rand Anderson & Friends (Chee Hoo Records)

Producer: Rand Anderson

Featuring: Kawika Kahiapo, Tavana McMoore, Kala’e Camarillo, Bobby Ingano, Greg Sardinha, Lopoka Colon Jr., Stephen Inglis, Rand Anderson, Scott Vestal, Markus Mars, Jacob Staron, Alex Baird, Kela Sako, Girish Varma, Savannah Fliers, Lindy Crosby, John Krylow, Brian Witkin, Chris Sheldon, Tom Thomas

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-Album of the Year (Producer’s & Artist’s Award)

-Island Music Album of the Year

Apple Music

https://music.apple.com/us/album/hawaiian-grass/1845686980

“Island Blues” Flavors of R&B, Country, Western Swing, Reggae, Hapa Haole. A voice which can blend shades of Elvis, Marty Robbins, and Johnny Cash.

Island Blues by Alex Baird (Chee Hoo Records)

Producer: Rand Anderson

“Whale In The Moonlight” by Alex Baird (Chee Hoo Records)

Alex Baird (composer)

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-Album of the Year (Producer’s & Artist’s Award)

-Male Vocalist of the Year

-Song of the Year (Composer’s Award)

-Most Promising Artist(s) of the Year

-Island Music Album of the Year

Apple Music

https://music.apple.com/us/album/island-blues/1850202157

Hapa haole (pronounced “HAH-pah HOW-leh”) refers to a genre of Hawaiian music which blends traditional Hawaiian melodies with American popular music styles (ragtime, jazz, swing, rock).

Usually the themes focus on Hawaiian culture, people, and landscapes, often using English words alongside Hawaiian ones.

Musically, it tends to utilize instruments attributed to Hawaii, such as the ukulele and steel guitar. It became greatly popular in the mainland United Statesin the 1910s, appealing to touristic perceptions of Hawaii as an exotic paradise.

As I have been digging thru old 78rpm records from the 1920s and 1930s, I am trying to recreate some of the older tunes while also writing new ones using some of the same musical formulas and instruments and lyrically focusing on more contemporary subject matter.

“Pidgin English Hula” was composed by Charles E. King in 1935 and recorded by Sol Hoopii who was one of the greatest Hawaiian steel guitar players. The song would be recorded again in 1937 by Clara Inter With Al Kealoha Perry And His Singing Surfriders. Clara would become known to the world as Hilo Hattie.

In 1996 the song would be resurrected by The Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau. Brother IZ ( Israel Kamakawiwoʻole) was a founding member of the Makaha Sons but he left the band in 1991 to chase a solo career.