CLICK COVER TO BUY
Paradise Honolulu
The Hawaii Shochiku Orchestra
A Wonderful Mix Of Songs In The Japanese Language
2002 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Finalist: Liner Notes
You’ve never heard anything like this
before. In 1946, the Hawaii Shochiku Orchestra took the Hawaiian Japanese Music scene by storm! They reigned
supreme, showcasing Hawaii’s finest musicians & singer-entertainers. For ten years straight, the Hawaii Shochiku
Orchestra was booked to perform for one year in advance. By far the most enduring orchestra of it’s kind. In one
form or another this musical ensemble was a going concern for almost 65 years. In its heyday the Hawaii Shochiku
Orchestra was the top Hawaiian Japanese music ensemble in the territory of Hawaii. A wonderful mix of songs in the
Japanese language, the repertoire includes a little of everything. Japanese “blues”, a tale of a yakuza henchman
performed in the traditional “enka” style, classic folk songs, patriotic songs celebrating the exploits of second
generation Japanese-American fighting units during WWII, a song describing the hope & optimism of war brides from
Occupied Japan coming to the islands for the first time, up tempo Hawaiian-themed love songs, Hawaiian-style
falsettos & harmonies & so much more. It’s ethereal & extraordinary. Evocative selections that will bring
sentimental tears to your eyes. |
