Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom is happily and heartily back to her Hawaiian roots in her first album since becoming a mommy. The CD was recorded during her pregnancy, which may have contributed to the glowing, lively results. The vibrant songs tap all layers of her indelible talent. The Alvin Isaacs classic "Kau'ionalani" has Gilliom singing in her upper registers, sounding very much like the "auntie" that characterized some of her earlier music. Growth and depth can be heard on "No Na Hulu Kupuna" (the lyrics are hers, the music by her producer, Michael Ruff), an anthem that explores her quest to go back to the ancient ways. A pair of other Gilliom-Ruff collaborations resonate with emotion: "Napua" is steeped in local lore, "Anahaki" reaches back to Moloka'i memories. And Gilliom performs "Ho'oheno A'o Pi'ilani" to honor Auntie Agnes Wood. The powerful duet " 'O Waipa Ke Malama Mau Ai" (by Michael Lanakila Casupang and Karl Veto Baker) features former Hapa member Keli'i Kaneali'i's rich vocals. The two final cuts offer peeks at Gilliom's versatility: "In Hilo Town" is a jazz blowout, while bonus track "Jewel" is pure pop that begs for a hip video.

Amy Hanaialii Gilliom - Generation Hawai`i   Download "Generation Hawai'i" by the song or by the album

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