"'Ukulele Hula" By Herb Ohta, Jr.

RECORDINGS | DIGITAL-VIDEOS | ACCESSORIES

$15.00

00:00

01 Papalina Lahilahi
02 Sophisticated Hula
03 Ke Aloha
04 Ka Wai Lehua A'ala Ka Honua
05 Makee 'Ailana
06 Laupahoehoe Hula
07 E Pili Mai
08 Kauanoeanuhea
09 Maunaloa
10 Green Rose Hula
11 Poliahu

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PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Executive Producer(s): Neos Productions, Inc.
Producer(s): Bob & Patti St. John
Recording Engineer: Bob St. John
Mix & Mastered: Bob St. John
Photography: Bob St. John
Graphics: Bob St. John
Recording Studio: Neos Productions, Inc.

GUEST MUSICIANS:
Rodney Bejer
Salaam Tillman

NOTES:

Neos Productions and Island Heritage proudly present, “ʻUkulele Hula,” an instrumental collection of popular Hawaiian hula melodies performed by the premier master of Hawaiian contemporary ‘ukulele, Herb Ohta, Jr. Known for his pristine technique, artistic arrangements and contemporary style, Herb is a multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano and Hawaiʻi Music Award winner who is counted among Hawaii’s most celebrated ‘ukulele players.

A legacy in his own right with now his 13th solo release, this son of the legendary Ohta-San began playing the ‘ukulele as a young child and by the age of 11, was filling in as an instructor when his famous father was traveling. Inspired by Hawaiiʻs local music scene, particularly the Mākaha Sons of Ni’ihau and ‘ukulele virtuoso Eddie Kamae, Herb developed a devotion to Hawaiian music and the pure sound of the ‘ukulele during his teen years. With 27 years of entertaining under his belt, Herb’s world-wide fan base has enabled him, much like his dad, to travel far and wide spreading his now famous brand of aloha.

Herb’s love of Hawaiian hula inspired him to dedicate a collection of music to the sacred dance. “‘Ukulele Hula,” with a song list that includes traditional, hapa-haole and contemporary mele, abounds with the soothing sounds of Herbʻs clean contemporary style, accompanied by the gentle bass and percussion of consummate musicians Rodney Bejer and Salaam Tillman.

Star Advertiser
September 20, 2018
Island Mele
Review By John Berger

“‘Ukulele Hula“ Herb Ohta Jr. (Neos Productions)

There’s an unmentioned note of irony in the title of his new album as ‘ukulele master Herb Ohta, Jr. explores several generations of songs popular with Halau Hula. The all instrumental playlist includes standards-to-be by Kealiʻi Reichel and Kawaikapuokalani Hewett.

The album is almost a solo performance; Bassist Rodney Bejer can be heard faintly deep in the mix, and percussionist Salaam Tillman sits more prominently on “Laupahoehoe Hula.”

The irony has nothing to do with quality of Ohta’s performance in interpreting these melodies; it develops because hula, as a Hawaiian dance form, requires lyrics for the dancers to perform to.