Aloha From IZ World

As the spring breezes become warmer, carrying the scent of the ocean to my door (okay, I live inland in the Northeast, but I can dream, can't I?), I find myself listening the music of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

A native Hawaiian, Kamakawiwo'ole (known also as simply Iz) died in 1997 at the age of 38.  They flew the Hawaiian flag at half-mast on the day of his funeral, which was attended by around ten thousand of his fans.  Fortunately for us music fans, Iz left behind a musical legacy that incorporates traditional Hawaiian music with other styles, such as reggae and jazz.

Perhaps the best known of all Iz's songs is Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World.  It's a great mix of the two songs, just vocals and the ukulele.  Doesn't sound like it'd work, but it does.

As you can see in the video, Iz was a big fellow.  But the biggest thing about him was his talent.

Personal Faves

• Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World
• Ka Huila Wai
• White Sandy Beach Of Hawai'i
• Kaulana Kawaihae