Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.9 / 5.0

IZ is Hawaiian music at its best!:

When we visited Hawaii for the second time a few years ago, we kept hearing this catchy little tune about a Hawaiian Superman. Then as we were taking the Wiki Wiki at the airport we heard it one last time. We asked the driver who the artist was, and he said, "Oh, that's the Big Man himself, Bruddah Iz!" Once we got back to Colorado, and wanted a little Hawaii, I decided to lookup this Bruddah Iz's music. When I found this CD, I found one of the treasures of my life. I have listened to this CD many hundreds... more info

Beautiful voice and spirit:

Most people have probably heard the wonderful medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" that was used on the soundtracks for Meet Joe Black, Finding Forrester, ER and even for EToys.

The voice is supple, ethereal, with only a ukulele accompaniment, and can melt the hardest heart. Then I found out more about Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and was saddened to learn that he died in 1997, due to complications associated with obesity. The man was huge, but what a gentle, beautful voice.

The... more info

Braddah Iz no ka oi!:

One of Hawaii's most beloved singers, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole made an impression on Hawaiian culture that will never be forgotten. His untimely death in 1997 was a national day of mourning, and rightly so. His work, not just in Hawaiian music, but also in keeping the Hawaiian heritage and culture alive, gives inspiration to all, and this collection of songs gives a great window into a truly legendary performer.

Tracks:

1. Hawai'i '78 introduction
2. Ka Huila Wai
3. 'Ama'ama
4. Panini Pua Kea
5. Take Me Home Country Road
6. Kuhio Bay
7. Ka Pua U'i
8. White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i
9. Henehene Kou 'Aka
10. La 'Elima
11. Pili Me Ka'u Manu
12. Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man
13. Kaulana Kawaihae
14. Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World
15. Hawai'i '78