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Christmas has been celebrated in Hawaii for more than 150 years, and music is an important part of marking the holiday island-style. It’s a rare year indeed when Hawaii recording artists don’t add new contributions to the playlist.
Five are sharing their aloha for Christmas
with new recordings this year.
“A Jream Christmas”
Josh Tatofi
Rockwall Records
Multi-Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner Josh Tatofi follows his 2014 Christmas single, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” with a beautifully sung, beautifully produced six-song collection of Christmas standards.
Those separated from loved ones will find their feelings masterfully expressed in his poignant renditions of “Blue Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Tatofi works his magic as a soulful balladeer more cheerfully with a gently swinging arrangement of “Let It Snow.” On “The Christmas Song” he uses his skills at vocal improvisation to create a memorable new version of the Nat King Cole classic.
Tatofi displays another side of his broad musical repertoire when he sings “White Christmas,” with instrumental support from an ukulele player while Afro Caribbean rhythms add to the smooth studio pop music tracks.
And then he rocks it on “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” The joy in his voice, the irresistible beat, the studio musician honking on saxophone, make this one guaranteed to lift the spirits even in this time of COVID-19. It is an amazing display of his vocal skills as well!
Visit facebook.com/joshtatofimusic.
“O Holy Night”
Kalani Pe‘a
Kalani Pe‘a Music
Two-time Grammy Award-winner Kalani Pe‘a displays his strength and vocal range with this personalized arrangement of one
of Hawaii’s most popular Christmas songs. Willie K made “O Holy Night” a Christmas hit almost 30 years ago. Pe‘a and guest vocalist Damon Williams deliver a fresh and memorable version that is certain to become a similar seasonal favorite.
Listeners fluent in ‘olelo Hawaii will notice changes in the Hawaiian lyrics. “I made some alterations to the Hawaiian language portion with my own interpretation to why we celebrate this special Holiday especially during these tough and trying times,” Pe‘a wrote in a news release. “Hopefully my rendition empowers you to find peace, health and ALOHA. Compassion and love is what akua has instilled in us.”
Visit kalanipeamusic.com.
“Christmas Without You”
Storm
Tin Idol Productions
Gerard Gonsalves and Tin Idols released “Metal Kalikimaka,” a full-length album of Christmas standards played as metal rock, in 2014. A second followed a year later. The third, released in 2016, completed the series. Tin Idols is now Storm, and the three-time Hoku-winners are back for Christmas with a original song by bassist Darren Soliven.
Songs about missing your loved one at Christmas have become a seasonal staple
but this one has a bit of a twist. Vocalist Sandy Essman sings sweetly about missing the man she loves but mentions that if he’s not back by next Christmas she may be celebrating with “a love that’s real and true.”
Visit 808ne.ws/christmaswithoutyou.
“Christmas Luau”
Paula Fuga and Kimie Miner
Haku Collective
Hoku Award-winners Paula Fuga and Kimie Miner make it seem like they are really at a Christmas luau with their take on the Territorial Era classic that was written by Leonard “Red” Hawk. The song was first recorded by Janet Hilo, backed by Genoa Keawe’s Hula Maids and John K. Almeida’s Hawaiians, for 49th State Hawaii Records.
Fuga and Miner open with some brief “welcome to the luau” conversation. They inject some ad-libs over the studio musicians later. They also add a new verse and Hawaiian lyrics, and make a change in Hawk’s original lyrics as well.
The duo’s spirited performance will speak for many.
Visit hakumagic.com.
“Christmas Joy”
Stacie Ku‘ulei
Stacie Ku‘ulei Music
Singer/songwriter Stacie Ku‘ulei partners with multi-instrumentalist/producer Aron Nelson on this sweet and gentle love song about being under the mistletoe with the one you love at Christmas. Lucky couples celebrating together will certainly relate.
The lyrics also speak of love within families and share the hope that everyone may celebrate the joy of Christmas. A soothing arrangement completes this straightforward momentary escape from the stress of the holiday season.
Visit staciekuulei.bandcamp.com.
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